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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Hvar? 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 Hvar?

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.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar 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 Hvar is €102. 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 Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Hvar? 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 Hvar


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: Hvar Hotel Prices.

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

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 Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar 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
    Hvar 38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Hvar 7.48

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 Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • BLUE CAVE & 5 islands tour from Hvar: $98
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • 3-Hour Lavender Tour from Hvar: $150
  • Adventurous Blue and Green Cave group tour: $86
  • Back to the Roots - Ancient Island Interactive Experience: $141
  • Beach bar Laganini and Hula Hula half-day Private Boat Tour: $918
  • Blue & Green cave tour with yacht from town Hvar: $229
  • Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar: $109
  • Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar: $107
  • Blue cave group tour with swimming and snorkelling from Hvar: $76
  • Blue cave tour with speed boat from town Hvar: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Hvar 9.18

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 Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


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

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 Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Hvar?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, 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 Hvar. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Hvar. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar 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 Hvar during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Hvar. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Hvar. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Hvar. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)