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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Valencia?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valencia? 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 iconic, impressive, and spectacular destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and food.

Valencia

Valencia is a historic, architectural, and friendly coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Sounion and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Valencia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valencia. Although Cape Sounion and Valencia are both popular with visitors, Valencia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valencia is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums. Valencia is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion is an amazing destination to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cape Sounion are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Valencia is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Valencia is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia Better for Resorts?

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

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Valencia Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Valencia are good 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 Valencia to enjoy the beach. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Cape Sounion or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

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

Valencia has a world-famous historical area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is Cape Sounion or Valencia Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Valencia is a good destination for hiking. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Valencia?

Valencia 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Valencia Better for Families?

Valencia 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 Valencia. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia Better for Couples?

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

Valencia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

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 Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Cape Sounion is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Cape Sounion or Valencia Better for Students?

Valencia is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cape Sounion and Valencia.

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 Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Cape Sounion or Valencia a more walkable city?

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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 Valencia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Valencia?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cape Sounion or Valencia?

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.

Each neighborhood in Valencia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Valencia?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Valencia. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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 Valencia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 810 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Valencia in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Valencia. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Valencia. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Valencia. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valencia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Valencia. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Valencia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Valencia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Valencia. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Valencia. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Valencia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is cooler than Valencia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Valencia averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in January than Valencia. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Valencia. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Cape Sounion