A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Gran Canaria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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: Malaga or Gran Canaria?

Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.

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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Malaga?

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

  • Malaga Prices
    Spain Prices
    Gran Canaria Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Malaga 165
    Gran Canaria 150

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €165, 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 Malaga and Gran Canaria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Gran Canaria 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Gran Canaria 126
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Gran Canaria

Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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 Malaga


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: Malaga Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP): Private Transfer to Granada city: $425
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Tarifa: $314
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Granada: $311
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cancelada - Arrival Private Transfer: $286
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Seville - Arrival Private Transfer: $286
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Mezquitilla: $284
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $271
  • Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Ronda: $270
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Torre del Mar: $255
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Torremuelle: $255
  • Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $236
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to El Palo: $235

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 Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $34
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Ingenio: $37
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $37
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $42
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $46
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $46
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Arucas: $48
  • Grand Island Tour by Bus with Transfers: $52
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Garita to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $66
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $67
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Playa del Inglés to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Gran Canaria?

Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Malaga 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
    Malaga 60
    Gran Canaria 59
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

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

  • Authentic Flamenco Dinner Show at Restaurant VinoMio: $8.81
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Málaga: Morning Guided Food Tour: $68
  • Malaga Atarazanas Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $71
  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $72
  • Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $73
  • The Málaga Morning Food Tour By Food Lover Tour: $77
  • Málaga: Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria: $78
  • Malaga Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $84
  • Pedregalejo Food Tour: Explore Malaga's most iconic quarter: $87
  • Authentic Paella Cooking Class with Sangría: $88
  • Málaga: Tapas, Wine & Rooftops Small Group Food Tour: $94

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 : $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Gran Canaria 20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Malaga Coffee and City Tour with Real Spanish Tapas: $90
  • 1 Hour Private Flamenco Class Experience in Malaga: $45
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $32
  • 2 Hours Sunset Buggy Tour in Sierra de Mijas : $262
  • 2 hours guided Quad tour in Mijas, Malaga. : $144
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $22
  • 2-Hour Ronda Walking Tour: $96
  • 2h E-bike tours+1day extra in Malaga: $41
  • 3-hour Buggy Tour in Almuñecar with Picnic: $228
  • 90-min Buggy Tour in Almuñecar with Picnic : $156
  • Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Private Tour. Skip The Line: $294
  • Alcazaba to Picasso: Málaga’s Best in a Self-Guided Tour: $1.17

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: $8.42
  • 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
  • Canarian Wine Experience at Bodega los Lirios: $19
  • UD Las Palmas Gran Canaria Stadium Guided Tour: $20
  • Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Gran Canaria 7.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

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

  • Málaga: Pub Crawl Málaga Madness: $14
  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $19
  • Andalusian Wine Tasting Tapas and DE wine tastings: $47
  • RONDA WINE EXPERIENCE Wine Tastings DE Olive Oil and Tapas: $59
  • C/Echegaray 5 Málaga center: Malagueño Massage: Massage + Wine Tasting: $65
  • Artisan Spanish Wine Tasting of 6 Wines: $66
  • Ronda Wine Tasting with Tapas in a Scenic Vineyard: $66
  • Málaga: Traditional Andalusian Tapas and Wine Tour: $77
  • White Village, Vineyard, and Wine Tasting Wine Tour: $106
  • Málaga Small‑Group Wine Tour – Álora Castle Views & 4 Tastings: $108
  • Flamenco, Tapas, and Wine Tour: $110
  • OLIVE OIL & WINE TOUR Organic fields - 5 Wines + 3Olive Oils: $112

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


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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Gran Canaria. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?

Both Gran Canaria and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Winter?

Both Gran Canaria and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Malaga is cooler than Gran Canaria in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Gran Canaria. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Malaga is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Malaga

Malaga Gran Canaria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)