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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik is €97. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Dubrovnik 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Dubrovnik 100
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Dubrovnik 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Maspalomas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Maspalomas: $98
  • Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Mogán to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $77
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Mogán: $77
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Puerto de Mogán to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $76
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    1.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Transfer Zagreb - Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik - Zagreb: $1,030
  • From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $588
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $558
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $542
  • Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $535
  • Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $535
  • Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $451
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $451
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $428
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $391
  • Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $385
  • One Way Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $372

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik 33

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Dubrovnik 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • MONTENEGRO TOUR from Dubrovnik: $104
  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $58
  • 1 Hour Shared Dubrovnik Guided Walking Tour : $26
  • 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $20
  • 2 Hours Dubrovnik City Walls Group Walking Tour: $49
  • 2-Hour Dubrovnik Fun and Exciting Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour: $137
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $22
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $108
  • 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $44
  • 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $85
  • 4 Hours Speed Boat Group Tour of Blue Cave, Lopud, and Kolocep : $85
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Dubrovnik 14

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 Dubrovnik

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

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Dubrovnik, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)