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

Should you visit Ericeira or Gran Canaria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ericeira and Gran Canaria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ericeira or Gran Canaria?

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

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 G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Ericeira?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ericeira is €100, 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 Ericeira and Gran Canaria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ericeira 51
    Gran Canaria 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ericeira 102
    Gran Canaria 126
Compare Hotels in Ericeira and Gran Canaria

Looking for a hotel in Ericeira 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 Ericeira


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ericeira 25
    Gran Canaria 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira

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

  • Private Transfer To or From Ericeira: $91
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ericeira: $91
  • Lisbon Airport Private Transfer: $80
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area: $75
  • Transfer Privado de/para Aeroporto de Lisboa para Ericeira: $47

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 Ericeira or Gran Canaria?

Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Ericeira 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
    Ericeira 25
    Gran Canaria 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ericeira 26
    Gran Canaria 20

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

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

  • Custom-Tailored Immersive Photo Experiences: $48
  • Ericeira Private Tour: Hidden Gastronomic Gems with lunch: $106
  • Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $71
  • Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $385

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ericeira 17
    Gran Canaria 7.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Ericeira

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ericeira:

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines: $43
  • Private Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines & Snacks: $61

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ericeira and Gran Canaria, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is Ericeira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ericeira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ericeira 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 Ericeira.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ericeira Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ericeira or Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Ericeira 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 Ericeira 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 Ericeira or Gran Canaria in the Summer?

Both Gran Canaria and Ericeira are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Ericeira is around the same temperature as Gran Canaria in the summer. The daily temperature in Ericeira averages around 23°C (73°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 Ericeira. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Gran Canaria during summer. Ericeira gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ericeira usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Ericeira gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?

Both Gran Canaria and Ericeira during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Ericeira is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ericeira in October average around 19°C (66°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 Ericeira. In the autumn, Ericeira often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Ericeira gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets more rain in October than Gran Canaria. Ericeira gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Gran Canaria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ericeira and Gran Canaria.

In January, Ericeira is generally much colder than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 12°C (53°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Ericeira usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during winter. Ericeira gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ericeira gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ericeira usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Ericeira gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F) 
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Gran Canaria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ericeira as well as Gran Canaria.

Ericeira is cooler than Gran Canaria in the spring. The daily temperature in Ericeira 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 Ericeira this time of the year. In the spring, Ericeira often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Ericeira gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets more rain in April than Gran Canaria. Ericeira gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Ericeira

Ericeira Gran Canaria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)