A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Setubal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Setubal?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Setubal? 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.

Where Should I go: Cape Sounion or Setubal?

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion encompasses the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula of Greece with views of the sea wherever you go. The land of the mythological god Poseidon, Sounion's striking promontory houses his temple that still stands today. It overlooks the Aegean Sea, which was named for King Aegeus of Athens. Aegeus had leapt off of these very cliffs thinking his son Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur of Crete. The promontory and temple are very significant to Greek mythology and history, and was even referenced in Homer's poem, the Odyssey.

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

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 Setubal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Setubal?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Setubal, 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 Setubal?

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 Setubal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Setubal. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Setubal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Setubal averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives more rain than Setubal. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Setubal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Setubal. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Setubal. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Setubal in the Winter?

Both Setubal 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.

Cape Sounion is cooler than Setubal in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Setubal. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Setubal in the Spring?

Both Setubal 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.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Setubal averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Setubal, 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 Setubal. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Setubal. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Setubal and Cape Sounion