A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Cape Sounion vs. Rhodes for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rhodes? 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.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a diverse, active, and world famous island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cape Sounion and Rhodes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rhodes. Although Cape Sounion and Rhodes are both popular with visitors, Rhodes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rhodes is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. It is also home to Rhodes Old Town. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Rhodes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Rhodes and Cape Sounion.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Sounion has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rhodes that are not to be missed. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

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

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

For foodies, Rhodes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

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 Rhodes Better for Nightlife?

Rhodes is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rhodes. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

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 Rhodes Better for Resorts?

Rhodes is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Rhodes is a great choice. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Rhodes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Rhodes. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Rhodes Better for Beaches?

Rhodes is very popular for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Rhodes. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

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 Cape Sounion or Rhodes Better for Hiking?

Rhodes is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

People visit Rhodes specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

Rhodes is very popular for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Rhodes specifically to go shopping. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Rhodes Better for Families?

Rhodes 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 Rhodes. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

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 Rhodes Better for Couples?

Rhodes is very popular for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Rhodes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

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 Rhodes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Rhodes. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

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 Rhodes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rhodes 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 Rhodes can get you to most places easily. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

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 Rhodes a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable destination. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Rhodes or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

In either Cape Sounion or Rhodes, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Rhodes 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 3-5 days is enough time in Rhodes.

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

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

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

One day in Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Rhodes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this ancient island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Rhodes?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rhodes is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Rhodes, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rhodes is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece.

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

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 Rhodes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Rhodes?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 580 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Rhodes, 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.