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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Como?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Como? 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 Como?

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.

Como

At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.

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


Which place is cheaper, Como 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 Como is €214. 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 Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Como 146
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Como 292
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Como

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Como? 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 Como


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: Como Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

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

  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
  • Argegno: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $235
  • Como Private Transfer from Como city centre to Milan Malpensa Airport: $221
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193
  • Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
  • Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
  • Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como 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
    Como 60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
  • Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
  • Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
  • Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
  • Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
  • Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
  • Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
  • Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
  • Como Food Tour: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Como -

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 Como

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

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $131
  • 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Bellagio: $43
  • 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $374
  • 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $374
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $179
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $182
  • 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $933
  • 2 hours Private and Exclusive Clay sculpture Art experience : $294
  • 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $909
  • 2h Boat Tour with Classic Venetian Limousine in Menaggio: $734
  • 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Como -

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 Como

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

  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
  • Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
  • Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196


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


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Como?

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

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Como. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Como. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Como 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Como. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°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 Como. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Como. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Como during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Como. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Como. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Como. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Como and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)