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

Should you visit Lagos or Gran Canaria?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Gran Canaria. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lagos or Gran Canaria?

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Lagos?

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

  • Lagos Prices
    Portugal Prices
    Gran Canaria Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Lagos 143
    Gran Canaria 150

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €143, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €150. 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 Lagos and Gran Canaria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Gran Canaria 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Gran Canaria 126
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Gran Canaria

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Gran Canaria? 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 Lagos


Hotels in Gran Canaria


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: Lagos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Gran Canaria 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Private Transfer from Lisbon to the Algarve or vice versa: $528
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $470
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $470
  • Private Door to Door Transfers from/to (Lisbon - Algarve): $429
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $399
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Portimao, English Speaking Driver: $293
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Lisbon, Local English Speaking Driver: $292
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $226
  • Private Transfer from Sagres to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Vila do Bispo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Quinta Falzina to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Sao Sebastiao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $215

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • BEST BUGGY TOUR POR afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $90
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $42
  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $176
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $59
  • Gran Canaria Airport LPA to Las Palmas-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $96
  • Gran Canaria Airport(LPA) to Las Palmas- Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Gran Canaria Port to Las Palmas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
  • Gran Canaria Port to Las Palmas City Hotels Private Transfer : $75
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Gran Canaria?

Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Lagos 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
    Lagos 59
    Gran Canaria 59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $106
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: $117
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: Grandma’s Secrets & Recipes: $119
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $147
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $149
  • Home-Style Portuguese Cooking Class in Portimao with Pedro: $154
  • Market Tour and Cataplana Cooking Class: $176
  • Market Tour & Cooking Class: Algarve’s Seafood Cataplana : $179
  • Local Market Tour and Portuguese Seafood Cooking Class: $179

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.
    Lagos 26
    Gran Canaria 20

Tours and Activities in Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Algarve Surf Experience: $94
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $43
  • Algarve Seven Hanging Valleys Benagil Triptour: $70
  • Algarve: Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding & Snacks: $1,267
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $76
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $78
  • Benagil Tour: $88
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $40
  • Boat tour through the wonderful caves of Ponta da Piedade : $20
  • Boomshaka Kayak Tour: $28
  • Booze Cruise: $72
  • Brodie's Historical and Fun Lagos Walking Tour: $18

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.22
  • Las Palmas Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $12
  • Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
  • Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
  • Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $16
  • Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
  • Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting: $18
  • Guided tour of the Banana World : $18
  • UD Las Palmas Gran Canaria Stadium Guided Tour: $20
  • Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $26
  • Maspalomas: Tickets to Sioux City Park: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    Gran Canaria 7.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Guided Gin Distillery Tour With Tasting at Alma Luz: $23
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $78
  • Wine Tasting Off-Road Tour: $93
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $106

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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Gran Canaria, 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 Lagos or Gran Canaria?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lagos or Gran Canaria in the Summer?

Both Gran Canaria and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In July, Lagos is generally around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Gran Canaria. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lagos is a little warmer than Gran Canaria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Gran Canaria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Gran Canaria. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lagos is a little warmer than Gran Canaria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Gran Canaria. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Gran Canaria in the Spring?

Both Gran Canaria and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Lagos

Lagos Gran Canaria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)