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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Sounion. Although Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante are popular destinations, Cape Sounion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Sounion is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its food, resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. It is also well known for The Temple of Poseidon. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Cape Sounion different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Cape Sounion is renowned for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

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 Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Cape Sounion is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Cape Sounion doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante are nice choices.

Cape Sounion is a good option for a beach vacation. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Many people head to Sestri Levante to enjoy the beach. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante.

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 Sestri Levante. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

With fun activities for couples, both Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante make for a nice 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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.


Is Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cape Sounion is a good destination to visit for backpackers. 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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

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

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante.

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 Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sestri Levante. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sestri Levante than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Sestri Levante 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.


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find museums and food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week 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.

Sestri Levante 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante is €143. 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 Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante? 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 Sestri Levante


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: Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Sestri Levante 56

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante 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
    Sestri Levante 34

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

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

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

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $503

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Sestri Levante 7.86


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante, 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 Sestri Levante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Sestri Levante, 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.

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