A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Backpackers, Beaches, and Food

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Novalja?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Novalja? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a iconic, impressive, and spectacular destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and food.

Novalja

Novalja is a backpacker-filled, wild, and energetic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Cape Sounion and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Novalja. Although Cape Sounion and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Novalja has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums and food. Novalja is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. It is also home to Zrce Beach. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Novalja and Cape Sounion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

Cape Sounion is very popular for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cape Sounion are among the most recognizable in the world. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Novalja. It's a beach and party destination, not somewhere you go for museums or historical sights.

Is the Food Better in Cape Sounion or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cape Sounion. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Novalja may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a lot of places to grab a quick bite to eat or a cheap meal around town. There are pizzerias, fast food, and some nicer bistros to choose from.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Novalja is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is a party island, and you'll find most of the action around Zrce Beach, which is about a 20 minute drive from town. The party scene appeals to the young, backpacker crowd and there's live music, DJs, and parties that last well into the morning. Zrce Beach has a huge number of bars and clubs including three clubs that are listed on the Top 100 DJ's Magazine Best Clubs List.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Novalja as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Most of the accommodation is in the form of apartments or hostels. There are also some hotels on the island, but because the number is limited they can be quite expensive.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Novalja is considered a top beach destination. You'll find a mix of beaches near town including hidden gems that feel remote and undiscovered as well as wild party beaches like the famed Zrce Beach. Many beaches are pebbly or have coarse sand with turquoise blue waters.

Many people head to Cape Sounion to enjoy the beach. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

Novalja is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Novalja can be found for those interested. This isn't the place to go shopping for clothing or local items. You will find some beach and souvenir shops around town though.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja Better for Families?

Cape Sounion is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cape Sounion. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.

For families, Novalja is not always the best place to visit. While there are family-friendly places to visit like some beaches and waterparks, at its heart this is a party destination that is known for its wild parties and crazy crowds.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cape Sounion and Novalja make for a good place to visit.

Cape Sounion is a good destination for couples to visit. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Novalja is a nice destination for couples. Stunning beaches, blue waters, and surreal landscapes make this a one-of-a-kind place to visit. But romance isn't on most people's minds, as this is first and foremost a party destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Novalja, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Famous for its wild parties that attract backpackers and young travelers, this island destination has become a hotspot for backpackers and party-goers. There are hostels around town that offer a cheap place to crash.

Cape Sounion is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cape Sounion and Novalja.

Cape Sounion has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

You'll find some public transit in Novalja, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

Is Cape Sounion or Novalja a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion and Novalja are good when it comes to walkability.

Cape Sounion is a somewhat walkable destination. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

Novalja is somewhat walkable. In town, you can reach most places on foot, but if you want to explore further you'll need to find another way to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Sounion Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Sounion or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Novalja due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

Families should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Novalja. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cape Sounion, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Novalja than Cape Sounion. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Novalja that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Cape Sounion if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Novalja.

One day in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This destination offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Novalja, many people enjoy the nightlife that this energetic town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Sounion has to offer.

Novalja is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife around the wild destination of Novalja. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Sounion. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Novalja is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Sounion and Novalja, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. And not only is Novalja much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novalja would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novalja and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion than you might in Novalja.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Novalja?

Novalja has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Novalja, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.