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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Calais?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Calais? 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 Calais?

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.

Calais

Calais is a port city in northern France located across the English Channel from the clifftop town of Dover It's the principal ferry crossing point between France and England. Its old town, Calais-Nord, sits on an artificial island surrounded by canals.

Calais is a Cultural Link to Europe, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Belgium and England, on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The city of Calais is exceptionally located between sea and countryside. Calais is renowned for its lace, which can be found in haute-couture designs. Preserved natural spaces abound with its 23 km of coastline, rugged cliffs, breathtakingly diverse terrain, and coastal villages. Whether on foot, bike or horseback, and even in the water along the coast, there is plenty to do to make this a great option for a visit!

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


Which place is cheaper, Calais 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 Calais is €139. 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 Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Calais? 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 Calais


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: Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Calais 47

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais 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
    Calais 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Calais 8.92

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Calais 12

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 Calais, we can see that Calais 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 Calais Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Calais?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Calais. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Calais. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Calais. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Calais during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Calais. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Calais. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Calais. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Calais. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Calais during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Calais. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)


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