Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria or Alicante?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Alicante? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Alicante?
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.
Alicante
Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Gran Canaria Prices
Spain PricesAlicante Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €150Alicante €179
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €179. 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 Gran Canaria and Alicante in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Alicante €42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Alicante €84
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Alicante
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Alicante? 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: Alicante Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Alicante -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $43
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $54
- Gran Canaria Airport LPA to Las Palmas-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- Gran Canaria Airport(LPA) to Playa del Ingles-Round-Trip Transfer: $108
- Gran Canaria Port to Las Palmas City Hotels Private Transfer: $54
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $32
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Amadores to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Arinaga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $32
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $44
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Balcón de Telde to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $59
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $44
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Firgas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:
- Premium Transfer Alicante - Valencia: $408
- Private VIP Transfer Alicante-Gandia OR Gandia-Alicante: $297
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Benidoleig: $296
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Benigembla: $295
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Serena Golf Resort: $294
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Corvera Golf Resort: $294
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cieza: $293
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $292
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Los Urrutias los Alcazares: $291
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Torre Golf: $291
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Alhama de Murcia: $290
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cartagena: $287
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Alicante?
Prices for flights to both Alicante and Gran Canaria 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 dayGran Canaria €59Alicante €124
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:
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $67
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $68
- Nomad Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $71
- Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $79
- Food Tour with Distillery Visit & Lunch: $99
- Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show: $106
- Private Boat Tour with Dinner and Champagne: $410
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $34
- Secret Flavors Food Tour: $34
- Alicante:Evening Spanish Tapas Cooking Class with Live Music: $42
- Alicante Paella Cooking Class, Tapas, Drinks & Central Market: $56
- Paella & Sangria Cooking Class with Tapas & Market Tour: $56
- Alicante Paella Cooking Class, Tapas, Drinks and Market: $57
- Paella Cooking Show in Alicante: $70
- Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $82
- Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $94
- Alicante Elche's Sweet and Savory Secrets: Food Tour: $126
- Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Alicante €53
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour Las Palmas: Between Surf and Ships: $5.49
- Las Palmas Pirates Self Guided Treasure Adventure Walk: $6.81
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.15
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $10
- Las Palmas Old Town: Walking Tour: $11
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $15
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
- Las Palmas BEACH SUNSET: City Walking Tour: $16
- Guided tour of the Banana World: $17
- Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting: $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante
Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)€54
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Catamaran Cruise (for 2)€67
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€120
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Walking Tour (for 2)€60
Tours and Activities in Alicante
Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $212
- Alicante 2 Hour Private City Highlights Tour by Car: $218
- Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Roman Fish Farm and Snorkeling: $37
- Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $52
- Alicante : Sailing boat tour of the Mediterranean Sea: $126
- Alicante Adventure; Paraglide in Santa Pola or Agost: $172
- Alicante Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 17 audio reviews: $6.77
- Alicante Bay: Sunset Tour in Kayak with snorkel: $47
- Alicante Beach tour (min 2 people to book): $40
- Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $87
- Alicante City Bike Tour. Only Small groups: $41
- Alicante City Bike Tour: Beach & Central Market: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Alicante -
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
- Artisanal Rum Distillery "Peligroso Pérez": $17
- Painting and textures workshop with volcanic wine tasting: $46
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $52
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town of Las Palmas: $54
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Gran Canaria:Agaete Coffee Plantation, Wine Tasting & Garden Tour: $86
Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante
Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alicante Pub crawl: Party as a Local: $25
- Guided Pub Crawl with Shots and Beer: $26
- Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting: $30
- Alicante Best Wine Tasting & Tapas Club: $41
- Alicante:Winery Tour+ Wine Tasting + Old castle: $53
- Historic Winery Guided Tour + Wine Tasting / Private Transportation: $69
- Small-Group Countryside Wine Tour with 4 Tastings: $69
- Alicante Winery Small Group Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $146
- Savor Premium Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $155
- Alicante Full-Day Wine Tour Two Wineries & Tastings: $171
- Wine tasting and tapas premium in Alicante: $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Alicante, we can see that Alicante 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Alicante?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Alicante, 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 Gran Canaria or Alicante?
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 Gran Canaria or Alicante in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Alicante. Additionally, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Alicante. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Alicante 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Alicante in the Autumn?
Both Alicante and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Alicante in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Alicante. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Alicante 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Alicante in the Winter?
Both Alicante and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Alicante 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Alicante in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Alicante. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Alicante. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Alicante. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Alicante 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Alicante and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Alicante | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 34 mm (1.3 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.