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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Split?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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
    Split Prices
    Croatia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gran Canaria 150
    Split 127

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Split is €127. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Split 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Split 148
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Split

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Split? 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 Split


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: Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Split 14

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,112
  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,112
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $1,078
  • Private Zagreb to Split transfer with Plitvice lakes & Wine: $1,006
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Zagreb: $993
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik w/ Winery & Ston Visit: $796
  • Split Airport: Speedboat Taxi transfer to/from Hvar: $702
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $585
  • Private Boat Transfer to Hvar Island: $550
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $493
  • Transfer from Split Airport: $468
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $467

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split 41

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour with Private Option: $53
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite at a Time: $140
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $143
  • A Vineyard Feast: A Group Dinner and Wine Tasting: $199
  • Split Cooking Class: $209
  • Cooking class on island Brac: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Split 3.72

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

Tours and Activities in Split

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

  • Blue cave and Hvar - 5 Islands speedboat tour from Split: $185
  • Private Foodie Tour: Wine & Seafood with a Local Chef: $239
  • Šolta Island from 5-Hour Olive Oil Tour with Lunch: $257
  • Šolta Island from Private E-Bike Tour: $328
  • Šolta Island: Self-Guided Bike Tour: $94
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $191
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $94
  • 3-Island Split Boat Tour (Šolta Drvenik Mali, Drvenik Veli): $87
  • 4 Hours Blue Lagoon and Island Tour: $96
  • 4-Island Split Boat Tour (Brač, Pakleni, Hvar, Šolta): $149
  • 5 islands Private Boat Tour:Blue Cave,Hvar&Pakleni islands: $1,272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Split 7.97

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

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

  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $44
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $49
  • From Krka Waterfalls day tour & wine tasting: $49
  • Dalmatian wine tasting by Bottiglia wine & deli: $54
  • Wine Tasting at Seafront Tasting Room in Kastela: $54
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $56
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $59
  • Blue Lagoon & Wine tasting - 3 islands tour: $108
  • Private History and Wine Tour in Trogir and Klis: $173
  • From Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $176
  • Zinfandel Wine Tasting & Storytelling with Dalmatian Food: $178


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

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 Split Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Split?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Split. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Split. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Split. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. 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 Split. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Split. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Split during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Split. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Split. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)