Which place is cheaper, Catania or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Catania?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Catania? 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 Catania?
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.
Catania
Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Catania €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Catania is €120. 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 Catania in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Catania €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Catania €130
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Catania
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Catania? 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.
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: Catania Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Catania €20
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 Catania
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:
- From 1-Way Private Airport Transfer to Palermo: $775
- Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Palermo by Car: $722
- TAXI Transfer from CATANIA to Capo d'Orlando (or vice versa): $421
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Agrigento: $373
- Private TAXI transfer from Catania to Agrigento or viceversa: $332
- Catania Airport to/from Verdura Resort Transfer: $321
- From Private transfer to Agrigento Temples: $320
- Private Transfer from Catania to PORTOROSA marina yachting: $310
- Private Transfer From Catania to Palermo or vice versa: $256
- PRIVATE TRANSFER from CATANIA to PALERMO (or VICEVERSA): $233
- Private TAXI transfer from CATANIA to MESSINA or viceversa: $230
- Private TAXI Transfer from Catania to Comiso (or viceversa): $214
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Catania?
Prices for flights to both Catania 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
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Food Meals for one dayGran Canaria €34Catania €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Catania
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Catania.
- Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $38
- Catania Street Food Tour: $52
- Cooking class & visit to the Catania Historical market: $59
- Patisserie Food tour: $60
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
- Food tour of Catania by night: $64
- Catania Street Food Tour: $67
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
- Aci Trezza boat tour with dinner on board: $85
- Cooking Class Tiramisù: $95
- Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $96
- Cooking class Pizza: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Catania €19
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
Tours and Activities in Catania
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Catania are as follows:
- From Catania, Syracuse and Taormina: fly fishing experience: $240
- Taormina and Castelmola private tour with traditional lunch: $272
- 2 hours guided tour of Catania: $40
- 3-Hour Catania Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
- Agrigento and Piazza Armerina day tour: $131
- BOAT TOUR WITH APERITIF ON BOARD IN THE CYCLOPS ISLANDS: $64
- Baroque shades of Sicily (Noto, Modica and Ragusa day tour): $120
- Benedictine Monastery of Guided tour in English: $11
- Boat tour to the Ulysses caves with swimming guide: $84
- Boat trip and tour Savoca and Taormina: $142
- Catania : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- Catania Bike Tour with Tasting food: $182
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Catania €18
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 Catania
Also in Catania, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
- Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
- Etna: Urban Winery, Vineyards Walk & Wine Tasting at Sunset: $62
- Wine tour in Catania: $102
- Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $116
- Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $126
- From Mt.Etna picnic and wine tasting: $128
- Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $139
- Etna trekking and wine tasting: $147
- Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $158
- Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $265
- From Catania/Taormina: Mount Etna Private Wine Tasting Tour: $433
When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Catania, 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 Catania Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Catania?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Catania, 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 Catania?
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 Catania in the Summer?
Both Catania and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally cooler than Catania. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Catania, 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 Catania. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Catania. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Catania 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Catania in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Catania. Also, many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Catania in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Catania during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Catania. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Catania 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Catania in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Catania. Also, most visitors come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Catania. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Catania averages at about 10°C (51°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Catania. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Catania. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Catania 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Catania in the Spring?
Both Catania and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Catania. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Catania during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Catania. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Catania 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Catania and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Catania | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.