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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Trieste? 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.

Trieste

Trieste is a historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Trieste: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Trieste. Although Cape Sounion and Trieste are popular destinations, Trieste has more sights and attractions for tourists. Trieste is very popular for its nightlife and historical sights, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums. Cape Sounion is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage. It is also well known for Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia.

How is Cape Sounion different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Cape Sounion is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Trieste is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.


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

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Both Cape Sounion and Trieste offer nice 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.

Trieste offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Is Cape Sounion or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Trieste 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 Trieste. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

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 Trieste Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Trieste 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 Trieste to enjoy the beach. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.


Is Cape Sounion or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

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

Trieste has an old town worth visiting. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is Cape Sounion or Trieste Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Trieste 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 Trieste. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

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 Trieste Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

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

Trieste makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

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 Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Cape Sounion and Trieste are both nice 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.

Trieste is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

Is Cape Sounion or Trieste Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Trieste is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Trieste 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 Trieste can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams to help you 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 Trieste a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Trieste

Trieste 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.

Trieste is a very walkable destination. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

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 Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Sounion or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste 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 Trieste.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Trieste? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Trieste 2-4

One day in Cape Sounion or Trieste?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This destination offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Trieste, many people enjoy the food and museums that this energetic city offers. 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 Trieste?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Sounion has to offer.

Trieste 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 Trieste?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic destination of Trieste. 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 Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Sounion. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Trieste 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trieste 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 Trieste is €100. 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 Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Trieste 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Trieste 110
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Trieste? 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 Trieste


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: Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Trieste 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

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

  • Venice Airport(VCE):1-Way Transfer to Trieste or Cruise Port: $706
  • Rome & Cruise Port Roundtrip Private Transfer: $5,067
  • Cruise Port to Milan Roundtrip Private Transfer: $4,014
  • Trieste or port to Murano + water taxi - Arrival Private Transfer: $219
  • Trieste or Port to Burano Water Taxi Arrival Private Transfer: $164
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice, piazzale Roma Arrival Transfer: $120
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice with Water Taxi Arrival Transfer: $159
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice Airport Departure Transfer: $120
  • Trieste city to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Trieste city or Cruise Port to Venice, piazzale Roma -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $218
  • Trieste city or Cruise Port to Venice+water taxi Arrival Transfer: $145
  • Trieste Port or City: 1-Way Transfer to Venice + water taxi: $1,027

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste 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
    Trieste 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

For Trieste, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cesarine: Small group Street food tour in Trieste: $97
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $115
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $141
  • Trieste Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Trieste: $158
  • Private Mediterranean Fish Cooking Workshop with Irena: $180
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Trieste 22

Tours and Activities in Trieste

For Trieste, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • The best of Izola walking tour: $98
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • Amazing Private Tour Postojna and Predjama from Portoroz: $192
  • Deluxe Venice Shore Excursion from Trieste Cruise Port: $96
  • E-bike Vipava River Tour : $164
  • EXPRESS LITERATURE Trieste Letteraria: Guided walking tour and readings: $74
  • Experience Trieste: $164
  • Explore highlights of Trieste on a private 3-hour walking tour: $299
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Koper: $125
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Piran or Portoroz or Izola: $126
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Trieste: $133
  • Food & Wine -> Gourmet tour in Piran: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Trieste 8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

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

  • Wine Tasting from Istria, Carso and Friuli terroirs: $37
  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $131
  • Castles & Wine Tour: $140
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $148
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $164
  • Koper & Wine tasting: $186
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $268


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

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 Trieste Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Trieste, 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 Trieste?

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 Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Trieste. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Trieste 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Cape Sounion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Trieste 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Trieste. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In January, Cape Sounion is generally much warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Trieste. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Trieste 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Trieste. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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 Trieste. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Trieste 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Trieste and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Trieste
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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