Which place is cheaper, Positano 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.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Positano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Positano? 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 Positano?
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.
Positano
Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.
The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.
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Gran Canaria Prices
Spain PricesPositano Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €150Positano €261
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Positano is €261. 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 Positano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Positano €148
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Positano €296
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Positano
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Positano? 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.
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: Positano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Positano €7.73
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 Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $215
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Fataga: $215
- From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $176
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Valsequillo: $173
- Maspalomas: Jet Ski Tour with Hotel Transfer: $153
- Gran Canaria Port to Las Palmas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Monte León: $125
- Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $105
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $100
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Firgas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Teror to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Playa del Cura to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:
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Bus Ticket€1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano
Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Naples - Positano: $299
- private transfer from Sorrento to Naples: $287
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport: $286
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples: $263
- Private Transfer by car from Amalfi to Sorrento: $251
- Private Transfer by Car from Positano to Sorrento: $250
- Private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES with 3 hours stop in Pompeii: $239
- Transfers Positano - Naples: $227
- Positano to Pompeii Private DA Transfer: $226
- Private Transfer from Sorrento Coast to Naples : $211
- Private Transfer-Positano to Naples with 2h of Sightseeing: Vesuvius or Pompeii: $209
- Private Car Transfer from Positano to Sorrento: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Positano?
Prices for flights to both Positano 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
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Food Meals for one dayGran Canaria €59Positano €92
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
Typical Food Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€31
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Pizza in a Restaurant€9.32
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Sandwich in a Restaurant€12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano
For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $61
- Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $80
- Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $84
- Pizza Class in Sorrento Peninsula with Breathtaking View: $88
- Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Make Pasta, Mozzarella & Tiramisu: $90
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $102
- Sorrento: Gluten Free Cooking Class: $108
- Cooking Class in Sorrento with Breathtaking View: $120
- 3 Hours Sorrento Cooking Class in Sorrento Coast with Pickup: $155
- Mediterranean Dinner in Positano at Nonna Colomba's Cellar: $161
- Pizza e Tiramisù class with local mum in Positano: $179
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Gnocchi, Tiramisù & Drinks: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Positano €60
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano
For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande€17
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Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi€80
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Sunset Cruise€24
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Full Day Wine Tour€97
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Cooking Class€65
Tours and Activities in Positano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.
- Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
- private and Guided Tour to Pompeii from Positano: $268
- Amalfi Coast Small Group Cruise with stop at the Emerald Grotto : $125
- Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $161
- Amalfi Coast: Private half-day walking tour with Lunch & Wine: $202
- Blue Grotto Visit and Capri Semi-Private Boat Tour: $173
- Boat tour from Positano to Capri: $227
- Capri & Blue Grotto Small Group Full-Day Boat Tour from Positano: $179
- Capri Boat Tour and Blue Grotto Visit: $178
- Capri Boat tour from Positano with Light Lunch, Drinks & Swim: $184
- Capri Half-Day Sightseeing Cruise From Sorrento, with Pickup: $197
- Capri Small Group Tour From Positano 7h, snacks & wine included: $179
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Positano €15
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:
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Bottle of Limoncello€16
Sample the Local Flavors in Positano
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:
- Organic Wine Tasting, Mozzarella, Gnocchi & Tiramisu Workshop: $78
- Amalfi Coast: Make Handmade Pasta, Tiramisu and Wine Tasting: $81
- 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $84
- Pompeii Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from Positano: $271
- Pompeii Excavations Tour-Wine Tasting with Lunch from Positano: $274
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Positano, we can see that Positano 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Positano?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Positano, 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 Positano?
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 Positano in the Summer?
Both Positano and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Positano. 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 Positano during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Positano. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Positano 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Positano in the Autumn?
Both Positano and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.
In the autumn, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Positano. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Positano 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Positano in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Positano. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Positano. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Positano 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Positano in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Positano. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Positano. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Positano 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Positano and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Positano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.