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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Taormina?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Taormina? 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Taormina: 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 popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Taormina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taormina. Although Cape Sounion and Taormina are popular destinations, Taormina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taormina is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums. Taormina is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. It is also well known for The Greek Theater. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Cape Sounion is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.


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

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Taormina 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.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Taormina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around 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 Taormina Better for Resorts?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Taormina 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 Taormina to enjoy the beach. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Taormina?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Taormina is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Taormina Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Sounion offers lots of family activities. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.


Is Cape Sounion or Taormina Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Taormina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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 Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

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

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

Cape Sounion
Taormina

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

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 Taormina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.


Is Cape Sounion or Taormina a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Taormina

Taormina 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.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Sounion or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Taormina due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

Families should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Taormina. 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 Taormina than Cape Sounion. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Taormina 2-4

One day in Cape Sounion or Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Taormina 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 Taormina is €108. 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 Taormina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Taormina 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Taormina 140
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Taormina

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Taormina? 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 Taormina


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: Taormina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Taormina 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Taormina?

Prices for flights to both Taormina 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
    Taormina 33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Taormina 11

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Taormina 8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

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

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299


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

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 Taormina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Taormina?

Taormina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Taormina. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Taormina in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina 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 Taormina during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Taormina. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Taormina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Taormina. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Taormina averages at about 21°C (69°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 Taormina. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Taormina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In January, Cape Sounion is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Taormina. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Taormina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Cape Sounion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Taormina in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Taormina. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Taormina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Taormina and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Taormina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)


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