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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Zadar? 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.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Sounion and Zadar: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zadar. Although Cape Sounion and Zadar are both popular with visitors, Zadar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zadar is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums. Cape Sounion is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Cape Sounion different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Zadar

Cape Sounion is an amazing destination to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.


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

Cape Sounion
Zadar

Zadar 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.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

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 Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

Zadar 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 Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

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 Zadar Better for Resorts?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

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

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


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

Cape Sounion
Zadar

Zadar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

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

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

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 Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Zadar?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

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

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Zadar Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

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

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 Zadar. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Cape Sounion or Zadar Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

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

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

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 Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

Zadar 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 Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

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 Zadar Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

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

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Cape Sounion
Zadar

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

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 Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.


Is Cape Sounion or Zadar a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Zadar

Zadar 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.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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 Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Sounion or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Cape Sounion. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Zadar?

In Cape Sounion, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed 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 Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Zadar 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 Zadar?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back destination of Zadar. 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 Zadar?

You'll find museums and food around the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Zadar 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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is €89. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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: Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Zadar 9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport (ZAD): $71
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zaton Holiday Resort: $77
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from The Garden, Tisno: $152
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Petrcane: $70
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to or from Vir Island: $106
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $240
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Zadar 19

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Zadar 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


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

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 Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. 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 Zadar during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Zadar. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Zadar. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar 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 Zadar during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Zadar. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)