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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Porto?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto? 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 Porto?

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.

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto 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
    Porto Prices
    Portugal Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gran Canaria 150
    Porto 160

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Porto is €160. 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 Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Porto 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Porto 144
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Porto? 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 Porto


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: Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Porto 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $273
  • Stand Up Paddle and Snorkeling Tour of Gran Canaria with Transfers south area : $233
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $216
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Amadores to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $207
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $206
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $195
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Firgas: $187
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Mogán: $182
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Tauro: $182
  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $176
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to El Salobre: $173
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Valsequillo: $173

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

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

  • Private transfer between Porto and Algarve with 1 stop: $558
  • Private Transfer between Porto and Vigo: $299
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon from Tarouca: $293
  • Private Geres National Park Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $275
  • From Transfer to Lisbon with up to 3 City Stops: $269
  • Private transfer from Oporto to Lisbon or Lisbon to Oporto: $269
  • From Private transfer to Lisbon with up to 3 Stops: $269
  • Private Transfer from/to Porto - Lisbon: $250
  • Need a transfer from Porto to Pinhão?: $239
  • Private Airport Transfer from Porto to Lamego: $237
  • Private Airport Transfer from Porto to Régua: $219
  • Private Transfer between Porto and Santiago de Compostela: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto 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
    Porto 63

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

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

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class Antero de Quental: $42
  • Porto Walking Food Tour: $66
  • Bolhão Market Guided Food Tour: $78
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour : $83
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $83
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class in Porto with Chef Maria: $89
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $90
  • Porto Heritage Night Tour With Fado Show And Dinner Included: $94
  • Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $94
  • Porto Food Tour of 8 Tastings: Custard Tart, Bifana & Hidden Gems: $95
  • Private Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $96
  • Fado Show with Dinner in a Traditional Fado House: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Porto 25

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 Porto

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

  • Douro Valley private tour full day : $263
  • Self Guided Tour in Porto with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.58
  • Self-Guided Tour Adventure Discovering Porto: $1.17
  • Walking Tour - History of Tiles in Porto: $57
  • 1 Day Tour to Douro Valley from Porto: $227
  • 1 Day Tour to Passages and Bridge 516 Arouca: $111
  • 3 Hour Complete Porto City Tour: $237
  • 3 Hour Porto Essential Private Tour: $54
  • 3 Hour Tuk tuk Tour in Porto: $215
  • 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $48
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Porto: $36
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Porto 19

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 Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Wine Experience Museum with 3 Wine Tastings: $24
  • Private visit with wine tasting in Alijó Douro: $24
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $26
  • Flavours of Portugal – Wine Tastings at WOW Wine School: $30
  • Taylor's Port Cellars Visit & Port Wine Tasting: $30
  • Halloween Pub Crawl 4 bars, 1 club, Scary Games & 7 Drinks: $30
  • Authentic Oporto Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $33
  • Porto Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $36
  • Porto City Tour with Wine Tasting: $41
  • 5 Port Wine Tasting with pairings: $42
  • Luxury Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting & Snacks: $54
  • Port and Douro Wine Walking Tour With 10 Wine Tastings: $54


When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Porto?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Porto. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Porto. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)