Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Faro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Faro or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro 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: Faro or Gran Canaria?
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFaro €133Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, 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 Faro and Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFaro €75Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFaro €150Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Faro and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Faro 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: Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Faro €9.52Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
- Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
- Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
- Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
- Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
- Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
- Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
- Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
- From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
- Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374
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 Faro or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Faro 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 dayFaro €36Gran Canaria €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
- 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Faro €9.41Gran Canaria €20
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
- 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
- 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
- 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
- 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
- 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
- 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
- A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
- Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
- Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55
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 dayFaro €3.13Gran Canaria €7.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
- Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48
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 Faro and Gran Canaria, we can see that Faro 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 Faro Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Faro or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Gran Canaria in the Summer?
Both Gran Canaria and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°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 Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Gran Canaria during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Faro usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Faro gets 1 mm (0 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 JulyFaro 25°C (78°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Faro or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
Both Gran Canaria and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months.
Faro is cooler than Gran Canaria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets more rain in October than Gran Canaria. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 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 OctoberFaro 20°C (68°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Faro or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Gran Canaria. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Faro is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Faro usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryFaro 12°C (54°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Faro or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Gran Canaria. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.
In April, Faro is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), 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 Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets more rain in April than Gran Canaria. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 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 AprilFaro 17°C (62°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Faro
| Faro | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.