Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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: Athens or Gran Canaria?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €125. 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 Athens and Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Athens and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Gran Canaria €46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Maspalomas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Maspalomas: $98
- Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
- Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Mogán to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $77
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Mogán: $77
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Puerto de Mogán to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $76
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Gran Canaria €34
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Gran Canaria €20
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
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: $52
- Guided Tour With Electric Moped: $71
- Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. : $153
- 1 Day Vespa | Gran Canaria by Vespa GPS Guided Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat: $49
- 2-Hours Sunset Segway experience near by Sand Dunes: $85
- 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo: $70
- 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $82
- 40-minute Submarine Tour in Mogán: $38
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Agaete: Gran Canaria Coasteering Tour with Snorkeling: $70
- Airsoft Park Ticket: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Gran Canaria €7.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Gran Canaria, we can see that Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Gran Canaria?
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 Athens or Gran Canaria in the Summer?
Both Gran Canaria and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
Athens is a little warmer than Gran Canaria in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, 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 Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Gran Canaria during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Athens or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
Both Gran Canaria and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Athens is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in October than Gran Canaria. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Athens or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Gran Canaria. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Athens is generally much colder than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Athens usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Athens or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Gran Canaria. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Athens is cooler than Gran Canaria in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in April than Gran Canaria. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Athens
| Athens | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.