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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bologna? 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 Bologna?

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.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna 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 Bologna is €159. 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 Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Bologna? 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 Bologna


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: Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Garita: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $31
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
  • Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from San Agustín to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $41
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Agustín: $41
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi: $1,663
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): Roundtrip Transfer to Venice p-le Roma: $1,403
  • From Private Venice Day Trip with Transfer: $770
  • Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ): One Way Transfer to Ravenna Port/City: $524
  • Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
  • Bologna:Parmesan, Prosciutto, Balsamic, Wine, Lunch&Transfer: $503
  • Ferrari&Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red wine with Transfer: $497
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
  • Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $390
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): 1-Way Transfer to Venice Piazzale Roma: $374
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna 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
    Bologna 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
  • Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Bologna 38

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 Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    31
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    115
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    67
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    12
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    12

Tours and Activities in Bologna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:

  • the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
  • 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
  • 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
  • 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
  • 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
  • Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
  • BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
  • Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
  • Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
  • Bike Tour Bologna: $142
  • Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Bologna 28

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 Bologna

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

  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
  • Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
  • Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
  • Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Bologna?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Bologna, 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 Bologna?

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 Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Bologna. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Bologna. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Bologna. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Bologna. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)