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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Valletta?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valletta? 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.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Valletta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Cape Sounion and Valletta are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its beaches. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Cape Sounion different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Valletta

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Valletta and Cape Sounion.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. With its rich culture and compact old town, there are countless museums, sights, and monuments that are worth visiting. Some options include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and Armory, the National Museum of Archaeology, Manoel Theater, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.


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

Cape Sounion
Valletta

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

For foodies, Valletta is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's culinary scene has a long history with many traditional flavors. You really must experience a meal in one of the traditional stone cellar restaurants, which often serve local meze. Head to Republic Street for a stretch of longstanding restaurants in town. Local dishes include stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), bragioli (rolled meat covered in sauce), and lampuki pie (fish pie).

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 Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

Valletta 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 Valletta. It wasn't long ago that the town went quiet in the evenings, but recent years have brought a surge in bars and clubs around town. You'll find the liveliest nightlife in areas around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. If you're looking for a true clubbing scene, you'll want to head north out of town to Paceville.

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 Valletta Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Sounion. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Valletta is a good spot to see the beach. There aren't any beaches in town, but if you head north to St. George’s Bay you'll find some nice beaches with a variety of resorts to choose from.


Is Cape Sounion or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

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

Valletta has a world-famous historical area. The old town is laid out with a uniform grid and the streets are lined with hundreds of historic buildings. At the heart of old town is Republic Street, which divides the area in half and is where you'll find a large concentration of restaurants.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Valletta?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

Valletta 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 Valletta. For the best shopping head to Republic Street and Merchants Street where you'll find craft shops, boutiques, and other local souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy picking up blown glass, a locally made miniature, or cactus liquor. Lace is also a common local item that you'll find around town.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Valletta Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Valletta.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Valletta. This charming town has nearby beaches as well as a few museums that kids will enjoy, including a toy museum. There are also several multi-media shows that educate visitors on the area's history. Make sure you check out Malta 5D and the Malta Experience.


Is Cape Sounion or Valletta Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

Valletta is very popular for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Valletta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers beautiful walks, luxury spa experiences, and evening sunset cruises that are seeped in romance. During the evening you can enjoy a cocktail hour and then dine in one of the town's many unique restaurants.

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 Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

Valletta 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 Valletta. The island has grown in popularity with backpackers, particularly those coming from Europe, as there are affordable flights and easy accessibility. You'll also find some nice hostels around town where you can stay on a budget.

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 Valletta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

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

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 Valletta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.


Is Cape Sounion or Valletta a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Valletta

Valletta is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Valletta. The town is compact and easy to walk around with many sights within a short distance of each other. There's also very little street traffic.

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 Valletta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Valletta?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Valletta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Valletta 1-3

One day in Cape Sounion or Valletta?

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 Valletta, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Valletta?

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.

Valletta 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 Valletta?

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 destination of Valletta. 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 Valletta?

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.

Valletta 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 Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.


Which place is cheaper, Valletta 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 Valletta is €116. 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 Valletta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Valletta 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Valletta 130
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Valletta

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Valletta? 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 Valletta


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: Valletta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Valletta 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Intl Airport (MLA) - Departure Private Transfer : $14
  • Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers: $81
  • The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers: $39
  • Private Transfer: Valletta to Malta International Airport (MLA): $30
  • Private Transfer from Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Airport (MLA): $14
  • Private Transfer from Malta Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer: Malta International Airport (MLA) to Valletta: $31
  • Private Airport Transfer in Malta: $87
  • Private Airport Transfer from Malta to Gozo: $109
  • Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $67
  • Malta Private Transfer from Malta Airport to any resort in Malta island: $51
  • Malta Private Airport Transfer - Arrival: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Valletta?

Prices for flights to both Valletta 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
    Valletta 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $76
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $80
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $80
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $86
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $91
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $117
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Valletta 27

Tours and Activities in Valletta

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

  • 3 Cities Tour: $16
  • 3 Hours Private Picnic Experience in Malta: $273
  • 3 cities: Private Insider Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $144
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • 4-hr day tour around Malta: $207
  • 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass Bus + Harbour Cruise: $55
  • 90 minutes Harbour Cruise in Valletta - ticket only: $22
  • A Monumental Maltese Experience: $175
  • Adventures in Malta: Thrills, History, and Natural Beauty: $319
  • Best of Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour: $20
  • Best of Valletta Walking Tour: $20
  • Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Half-Day Tour from Valletta: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Valletta 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $43


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

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 Valletta Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Valletta?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Valletta, 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 Valletta?

Cape Sounion has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta 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. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Valletta in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. 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 Valletta during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Valletta. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Valletta 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Valletta averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Valletta, 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 Valletta. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Valletta 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Valletta. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Cape Sounion usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Valletta. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Valletta. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Valletta in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Valletta. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Valletta 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Valletta and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Valletta
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)


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