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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Arles?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Arles? 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 Arles?

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.

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Gran Canaria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Arles is €142. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Arles? 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 Gran Canaria


Hotels in Arles


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: Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Arles 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Buggy Tour of 2 hours in the afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $71
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from El Salobre to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $61
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Anfí del Mar: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Gran Canaria 34
    Arles 52

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Arles 31

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
  • Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
  • Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
  • Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
  • Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
  • Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
  • Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
  • Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Arles 24

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

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

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Arles?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Arles. Additionally, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. 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 Arles. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Arles during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Arles. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Arles. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Arles. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Arles. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)