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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Caen?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Caen? 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 Caen?

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.

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is €123. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Caen? 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 Caen


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: Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Caen 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Private Transfer: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) : $53
  • Private Transfer: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: $53
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
  • Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Taurito to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

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

  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Caen 19

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

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
  • D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.: $268
  • From Caen or Bayeux: Normandy History Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Caen 17

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 Gran Canaria and Caen, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Caen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Caen?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Gran Canaria or Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Caen. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Caen. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Caen. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In October, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Caen. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. Gran Canaria is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Caen. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Caen. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)


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