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

Should you visit Santorini or Cape Sounion?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Cape Sounion, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Santorini

Santorini is a romantic, stunning, and historic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a iconic, impressive, and spectacular destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, museums, and food.

Santorini and Cape Sounion: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
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 nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Santorini or Cape Sounion?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Cape Sounion are both popular with visitors, Santorini has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santorini is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums. Santorini is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also home to The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Santorini different from Cape Sounion?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Cape Sounion are world-renowned. 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 Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.


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

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Cape Sounion can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cape Sounion area. 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 Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Santorini 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 Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

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 Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Santorini is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Santorini is a great choice. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


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

Santorini
Cape Sounion

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

Santorini has a few good snorkeling spots. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Both Santorini and Cape Sounion have good beaches worth visiting.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

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.

Is Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

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

Santorini is a good destination for hiking. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Cape Sounion?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Santorini 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 Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Families?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Santorini and Cape Sounion are both good destinations for the whole family.

Santorini offers lots of family activities. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Couples?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

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

Santorini makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

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 Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

For backpackers, both Santorini and Cape Sounion are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

Cape Sounion is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Santorini or Cape Sounion Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Santorini and Cape Sounion both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Cape Sounion has a few public transit options. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

Is Santorini or Cape Sounion a more walkable city?

Santorini
Cape Sounion

Santorini and Cape Sounion are good when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

Cape Sounion is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Sounion Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Sounion or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Cape Sounion?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santorini or Cape Sounion to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Cape Sounion because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cape Sounion.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Cape Sounion? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Cape Sounion 1-2

One day in Santorini or Cape Sounion?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this stunning island offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Cape Sounion. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Sounion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Cape Sounion?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find museums and food around the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Cape Sounion?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this stunning destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Santorini or Cape Sounion?

Santorini is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Sounion is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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 Santorini?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, 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 Santorini and Cape Sounion in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Cape Sounion 99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Cape Sounion 198
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Cape Sounion

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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 Santorini


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: Santorini Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Cape Sounion 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Wedding Transfer for Guests: $25
  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $82
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santorini APT-HTL(JTR): $31
  • Transfer Perissa To Oia : $46
  • Transfer From or To Santorini Airport Designed By You: $15
  • Shuttle Transfers From or To Santorini Port: $21
  • Shared transfer to/from the airport/port : $74
  • Shared Transfer From Airport and Port to Santorini: $17
  • Shared Transfer : $33
  • Shared Departure Transfers to Airport or Port Santorini : $33
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Santorini Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $27
  • Shared Arrival Transfer from Airport or Port to Oia Village: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Cape Sounion?

Prices for flights to both Cape Sounion and Santorini 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
    Santorini 48
    Cape Sounion 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $69
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $69
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
  • Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $98
  • Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $107
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108
  • The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Cape Sounion 19

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $62
  • 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
  • 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $295
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $218
  • 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $185
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
  • 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
  • 5-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $182
  • 5-Hour Private Tour of Southern Santorini: $400
  • 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $283
  • 6 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Cape Sounion 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $62
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $76
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $104
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $105
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $118
  • 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $125
  • Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $131
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131


When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Cape Sounion, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Cape Sounion?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.