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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Marseille? 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 Marseille?

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.

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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
    Marseille Prices
    France Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gran Canaria 150
    Marseille 179

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €179. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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: Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Marseille 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Stand Up Paddle and Snorkeling Tour of Gran Canaria with Transfers south area : $233
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $195
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas City Hotels to Gran Canaria Port: $75
  • Private Transfer Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): $76
  • 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 Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Teror to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $99
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $142
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $100

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,292
  • TRANSFER ROUNDTRIP PORT TO CASSIS: $349
  • Private Transfer from Marseille city hotels to Toulon Cruise Port: $293
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $293
  • Private Direct Transfer From Marseille to Nice: $287
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $276
  • Transfer (MRS) Marseille ⟺ Arles Cruise Port: $275
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to the Village of Gordes: $275
  • Private Transfer from Marseille to Provence Designer Outlet: $274
  • Transfer Marseille Airport to Gordes or L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: $274
  • Marseille Private Transfer ⟺ Arles (Port Quai Lamartine): $266
  • Comfortable Private Transfer Marseille Airport <-> Arles: $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille 73

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
  • Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show : $110

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $38
  • Marseille Old Town Food Tour: $83
  • Marseille's Sweetest Bites: Pastry & Chocolate Food Tour: $106
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $114
  • Marseille Food Tour – Full Meal of Local Tastes by Do Eat Better: $118
  • Aix-en-Provence 3-Hour Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Private Food Tour in Marseille 3 Hours with a local expert.: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Marseille 38

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
  • Guided Tour With Electric Moped: $90
  • The North Coast Tour - Plantation, Rock Pool Snorkel, and Sunset: $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

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • Full Day Marseille Tour Especially Designed for Cruise Travelers: $83
  • Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in the Calanques: $90
  • Marseille French Pastries and Chocolate Tour: $114
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $197
  • A Perfect Day of Discovery from the Cruise Port of Marseille: $80
  • Adventure route in Cassis - Via Corda Philémon: $90
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $646
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $158
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $102
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $130
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $72
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Marseille 27

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
  • 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
  • Painting and textures workshop with volcanic wine tasting: $48
  • Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $58
  • Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $65
  • Banana Museum, Rum Distillery & Winery guided tour with tasting: $83
  • Banana Museum, Rum Distillery & Winery with Tasting: Premium tour: $83
  • Private GRAN CANARIA WINE TASTING, TAPAS lunch & best sightseeing: $247

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $24
  • Express Wine Tasting Experience in the Heart of Marseille: $51
  • Tailored Wine Tasting Experience in a Top Wine Shop: $74
  • Short Day Tour around Aix en Provence and Wine Tasting : $131
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $179
  • From Marseille Cruise Port : Avignon & Wine Tasting: $187
  • Wine Tour Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $197
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $198
  • Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour: $211
  • From Marseille : Sidecar Wine Tour to Cassis and Bandol: $288
  • Cassis, Bandol, Le Castellet wine tour: Cliffs and Vineyards: $411
  • Marseille Vieux Port & Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $1,116


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Marseille?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Marseille, 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 Gran Canaria or Marseille?

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 Gran Canaria or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Marseille. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Marseille. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Marseille. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Marseille during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Marseille. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)