A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gran Canaria vs. Madeira Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Madeira Islands?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Madeira Islands? 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.

Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Madeira Islands?

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.

Madeira Islands

Madeira, Portugal is an archipelago consisting of four islands, each covered with lush vegetation and mountainous landscapes. Madeira is famous for its fresh fish and namesake Madeira wine, which can be found throughout the main island. This area is the perfect blend of relaxing beaches and thrill-inducing activities such as paragliding and mountain biking. Portuguese is the main language here, although English is spoken widely by those in the tourism industry.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Madeira Islands or Gran Canaria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Gran Canaria Prices
    Spain Prices
    Madeira Islands Prices
    Portugal Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gran Canaria 150
    Madeira Islands 49,816

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Madeira Islands is €49,816. 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 Gran Canaria and Madeira Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Madeira Islands 23,804
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Madeira Islands
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    46
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Madeira Islands

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Madeira Islands? 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 Gran Canaria


Hotels in Madeira Islands


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: Madeira Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Madeira Islands 4,784

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Private Transfer Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): $75
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $59
  • Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $105
  • Maspalomas: Jet Ski Tour with Hotel Transfer: $153
  • Las Palmas to Gran Canaria Port - Departure Private Transfer : $75
  • Grand Island Tour by Bus with Transfers: $52
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Teror to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $100
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tarajalillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Playa del Inglés to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Playa del Cura to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Playa del Águila to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Madeira Islands?

Prices for flights to both Madeira Islands and Gran Canaria 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
    Gran Canaria 59
    Madeira Islands 16,907

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gran Canaria

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

  • Origen Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $73
  • Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $81
  • Gran Canaria Food Tour with Distillery Visit and Local Lunch: $105
  • Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show : $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Madeira Islands 13,949

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Firgas, Tejeda, Guayadeque - VIP Tour Gran Canaria: $59
  • Gran Canaria 7 Highlights Small Group Tour with Tapas Picnic: $117
  • 1 hour relaxing horse riding tour in Gran Canaria: $41
  • 2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour: $100
  • 2-Hour Segway Tour: Maspalomas Dunes, Playa Ingles,S.Agustin: $70
  • 3 Wheel Motorcycle like Quad/Buggy Tour Gran Canaria (Maspalomas): $90
  • 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo: $80
  • 3-Hour Sunset Climbing Adventure Experience: $78
  • 3-Hours Astronomy Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo Mountains: $71
  • 30 minutes tour with 2 jetskis in Maspalomas: $188
  • 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $90
  • 7-hour Hop on Hop off Tour of Historic Gran Canaria: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Madeira Islands 3,505

Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria

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

  • Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
  • Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $47
  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town of Las Palmas: $48
  • Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $58
  • Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $65
  • Private GRAN CANARIA WINE TASTING, TAPAS lunch & best sightseeing: $247


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Madeira Islands, we can see that Madeira Islands is more expensive. And not only is Gran Canaria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gran Canaria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gran Canaria 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 Madeira Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madeira Islands than you might in Gran Canaria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Madeira Islands Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Gran Canaria or Madeira Islands?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Madeira Islands. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Madeira Islands, 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.

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