Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Santorini?
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 Santorini or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Gran Canaria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Santorini or Gran Canaria?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.
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Santorini Prices
Greece PricesGran Canaria Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €250Gran Canaria €150
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, 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 Santorini and Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €118Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €236Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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.
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: Santorini Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €35Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $6,138
- Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $108
- Santorini Private Roundtrip Transfer from/to Airport,Port & Hotel: $72
- Private Transfers From or To Santorini Ferry Port : $60
- Santorini Private Airport Transfer : $29
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Santorini 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 daySantorini €96Gran Canaria €59
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €35Gran Canaria €20
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Ferry Tickets between Santorini and Crete Heraklion: $121
- Magical Santorini Highlights Private Tour: $120
- Private Experience in Santorini with Guide in Spanish: $269
- Private Oia and Ammoudi Sunset Experience: $203
- Private Santorini Sunset Picnic Experience: $203
- Santorini Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar & Sunset Views: $155
- Santorini Classic Highlights and Sightseeing Private Tour: $177
- Santorini Private Tour for Wine Enthusiasts: $215
- Santorini Shopping Therapy: Style & Tradition Tour: $215
- Santorini Unlocked: Private Tour with Local Guide & Driver: $203
- Santorini's Story. Insta and TikTok Experience. Private tour : $203
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €25Gran Canaria €7.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $90
- Private Wine Tasting-Wine Museum- Snacks: 2, 3 or 4 Wineries: $194
- Private Wine Tour in Santorini - Greece: $203
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Gran Canaria, we can see that Santorini 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.
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.