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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Porto?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Porto? 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 spectacular, iconic, and impressive destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Porto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Porto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Porto than Cape Sounion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Porto is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums and beaches. Porto is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Porto 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 Porto?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Cape Sounion is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Cape Sounion from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.


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

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Cape Sounion offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Cape Sounion or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Porto has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Cape Sounion is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

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.

Porto is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Porto?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Porto Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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.


Is Cape Sounion or Porto Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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

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

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto 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 Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Porto can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

Is Cape Sounion or Porto a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Porto

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Porto is a very walkable destination. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Porto?

In either Cape Sounion or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Cape Sounion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto 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 Porto.


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Porto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Porto 2-5

One day in Cape Sounion or Porto?

In Cape Sounion, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Porto is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Porto?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cape Sounion or Porto?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Porto is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Cape Sounion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, while the average daily cost in Porto is €126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Sounion and Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Porto 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Porto 130
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Porto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cape Sounion


Hotels in Porto


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Porto 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Porto APT-HTL (OPO): $39
  • Transfer from Porto to the Douro Valley : $218
  • Transfer from Porto Airport to / from Gerês: $128
  • Transfer Train/Bus station Campanhã to Porto City: $23
  • Transfer Porto: $32
  • Transfer Oporto - Aeroport / Up to 4 passengers: $27
  • Transfer From Porto To Lisbon: $283
  • Transfer Airport (OPO) - Porto Centro: $33
  • Tesla S Luxury Executive Porto Airport Transfer: $36
  • TRANSFER: AEROPORTO PORTO>VILA NOVA GAIA SEDAN: $48
  • Service Transfer Airport to Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia: $65
  • São Pedro to Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU)-Departure Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto and Cape Sounion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cape Sounion 41
    Porto 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Porto 25

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $76
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • 1 Day Tour to Douro Valley from Porto: $207
  • 1.5-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour Historic Porto: $26
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto Douro to Left bank: $63
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $81
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $79
  • 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $49
  • 3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour Porto: $135
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour: Tiles of Porto: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Porto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Sounion and Porto, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. And not only is Porto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Porto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Porto 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 Porto.

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 Porto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Porto, 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.


When is the best time to visit Cape Sounion or Porto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Porto. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Porto. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Porto. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Porto. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Porto. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Cape Sounion during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)