A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Nafplio vs. Cape Sounion for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Cape Sounion? 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.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a picturesque, romantic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

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.

Nafplio and Cape Sounion: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
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
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Cape Sounion are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums. Nafplio is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Nafplio different from Cape Sounion?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Sounion and Nafplio. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio 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.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.


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

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

Nafplio 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.

Nafplio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Cape Sounion are nice choices.

Nafplio is a good option for a beach vacation. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

Nafplio 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 Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

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

Nafplio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nafplio or Cape Sounion Better for Families?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

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

Nafplio is a family-friendly city. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

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

Nafplio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

Nafplio and Cape Sounion are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

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

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

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

Nafplio has some public transit options. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Cape Sounion

Nafplio 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 Nafplio. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

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 Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Sounion Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Sounion or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Cape Sounion to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Cape Sounion because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cape Sounion.

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

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

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


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

One day in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. 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.

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.

A weekend in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

Nafplio 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.

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.


Five days in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Nafplio. 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.

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.

A week in Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

Nafplio 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Sounion or Nafplio?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nafplio is €112, while the average daily cost in Cape Sounion is €158. 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 Nafplio and Cape Sounion in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Cape Sounion 99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Cape Sounion 198
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Cape Sounion

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Cape Sounion? 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 Nafplio


Hotels in Cape Sounion


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: Nafplio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Cape Sounion 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nafplio

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

  • Athens: Bus Transfer to/from Nafplio: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

Prices for flights to both Cape Sounion and Nafplio 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
    Nafplio 34
    Cape Sounion 41

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

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $425
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $521
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $500
  • From Athens: Private Tour Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus & Audio: $500
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $383
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $181
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $198
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $90
  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • City Walking Tour: $85
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • Peloponnese Day Tour: $607

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Cape Sounion 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Nafplio

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

  • Nafplion: Nemea Vineyards Wine Tour: $170


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nafplio Expensive? and Is Cape Sounion Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Cape Sounion, 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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion?

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 Nafplio or Cape Sounion in the Summer?

Both Cape Sounion and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year.

Nafplio is cooler than Cape Sounion in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Cape Sounion fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Sounion during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Sounion receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Cape Sounion. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cape Sounion receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Cape Sounion in the Autumn?

Both Cape Sounion and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Cape Sounion. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Cape Sounion averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Sounion. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Sounion receives 206 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Cape Sounion. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cape Sounion receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Cape Sounion in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Cape Sounion. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Cape Sounion. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Cape Sounion fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Sounion during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Sounion receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Cape Sounion. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cape Sounion receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Cape Sounion in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Cape Sounion. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Cape Sounion in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Cape Sounion fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Sounion. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Sounion receives 226 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Cape Sounion. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cape Sounion receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Sounion and Nafplio

Nafplio Cape Sounion
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)


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