A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Tenerife for Nightlife, Families, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Tenerife?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Tenerife? 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 spectacular, iconic, and impressive destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a scenic, vibrant, and adventure-filled island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cape Sounion and Tenerife: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Tenerife?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Cape Sounion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums. Tenerife is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Tenerife?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion is very popular for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Cape Sounion from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Both Cape Sounion and Tenerife offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Sounion is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tenerife offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Cape Sounion or Tenerife Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife Better for Resorts?

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

Tenerife is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Tenerife Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Tenerife Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Tenerife is considered a top beach destination. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Many people head to Cape Sounion to enjoy the beach. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Is Cape Sounion or Tenerife Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

People visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Tenerife?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Tenerife Better for Families?

Tenerife is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tenerife is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife Better for Couples?

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

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion and Tenerife are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Tenerife is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cape Sounion and Tenerife.

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 Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Cape Sounion or Tenerife a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion and Tenerife are notable 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.

Tenerife is somewhat walkable. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Tenerife or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Tenerife?

Both Cape Sounion and Tenerife have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tenerife.

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

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

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

One day in Cape Sounion or Tenerife?

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 Tenerife, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Tenerife?

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.

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

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 Tenerife, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this volcanic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Tenerife?

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.

Tenerife is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

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 Tenerife Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cape Sounion or Tenerife?

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 Tenerife in the Summer?

Both Tenerife and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Tenerife in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Tenerife during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Tenerife receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives more rain than Tenerife. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Tenerife in the Autumn?

Both Tenerife and Cape Sounion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally cooler than Tenerife. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Tenerife fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tenerife. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tenerife receives 200 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in October than Tenerife. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Tenerife in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Tenerife. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Sounion is much colder than Tenerife in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Tenerife fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives less sunshine than Tenerife during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Tenerife receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tenerife. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Tenerife in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Tenerife. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is cooler than Tenerife. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Tenerife averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Tenerife. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tenerife receives 205 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in April than Tenerife. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tenerife and Cape Sounion