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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Salzburg? 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 impressive, spectacular, and iconic destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and beaches.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salzburg. Although Cape Sounion and Salzburg are popular destinations, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Salzburg is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also well known for The Salzburg Old Town. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

The Salzburg Old Town
The Salzburg Old Town

How is Cape Sounion different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Cape Sounion is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Sounion on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.


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

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Salzburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

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 Salzburg Better for Music?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for its music scene. However, Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.

Salzburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Cape Sounion is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

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

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg has a world-famous historical area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

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

Many people travel to Salzburg specifically to go shopping. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Salzburg Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

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

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg 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 Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Salzburg a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Salzburg

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

In either Cape Sounion or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg 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 Salzburg.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Salzburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Salzburg 3-5

One day in Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

The destination of Cape Sounion offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this musical city offers. 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 Salzburg?

Cape Sounion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this destination makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Sounion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Salzburg?

Cape Sounion is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this historic destination offers. 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. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This destination offers something for everyone.

Salzburg 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Salzburg 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 Salzburg is €155. 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 Salzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Salzburg 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Salzburg 182
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Salzburg

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Salzburg? 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 Salzburg


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: Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Salzburg 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Salzburg Private Transfer from Salzburg Airport to City centre: $55
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Car: $108
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
  • Salzburg Airport SZG to Saalbach Hinterglemm Round Trip Transfer: $131
  • Private transfer: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport (SZG): $65
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Vienna: $735
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Prague: $693
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Prague: $297
  • Private Transfer to Salzburg Airport or Station: $107
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

Prices for flights to both Salzburg 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
    Salzburg 41

Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $105
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Salzburg 30

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • 3 hour private walking tour - Salzburg: $176
  • 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $240
  • 3D Exclusive VR-Tour: $320
  • 3D Unique VR-Tour: $29
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • Amphibious Splash Tour on the Water and on the Land in Salzburg: $45
  • Austrian Lakes and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna: $1,119
  • Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $164
  • Charming Sankt Gilgen Family Discovery Walking Tour: $163
  • City and Mountain Bike Tour in Salzburg: $108
  • DomQuartier Day Ticket incl. Audio Guide: $14
  • Eagle's Nest Hiking Tour: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Salzburg 26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Sounion and Salzburg, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Salzburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Salzburg. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Salzburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Salzburg. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Salzburg. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. In January, Cape Sounion is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Salzburg. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Salzburg. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

Cape Sounion is much warmer than Salzburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Salzburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)