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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne? 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. Visitors also love the beaches, museums, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Cape Sounion and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cape Sounion. Although Cape Sounion and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Cape Sounion has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches, while Saint-Etienne is known for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping. Cape Sounion is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. It is also home to The Temple of Poseidon. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Cape Sounion different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Cape Sounion is an amazing destination to visit for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Cape Sounion are world-renowned. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Sounion has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Cape Sounion offers a nice beach destination. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Cape Sounion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cape Sounion. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cape Sounion and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is somewhat walkable. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. In our opinion, Cape Sounion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cape Sounion than Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Saint-Etienne. 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 Cape Sounion than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Sounion that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Saint-Etienne 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 Cape Sounion.

One day in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this undiscovered city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find museums and food around the destination of Cape Sounion. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne is a popular place to visit. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Saint-Etienne. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°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 Saint-Etienne. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In the winter, Cape Sounion is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Cape Sounion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Cape Sounion