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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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: Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Carcassonne 7.14

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Carcassonne 14

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 Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Carcassonne 13

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 Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Carcassonne, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Gran Canaria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gran Canaria than you might in Carcassonne.

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 Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Carcassonne?

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

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Carcassonne. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In October, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Carcassonne. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Carcassonne in the Winter?

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

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)