Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Lake Garda?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Lake Garda? 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 Lake Garda?
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.
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Lake Garda €166
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. 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 Lake Garda in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Lake Garda €84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Lake Garda €168
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Lake Garda
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Lake Garda? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Lake Garda €66
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 Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Lake Garda?
Prices for flights to both Lake Garda 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 €34Lake Garda €42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
- Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
- Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Lake Garda €30
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 Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
- Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
- Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
- Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
- Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
- Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
- Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
- From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Lake Garda €19
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 Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
- Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
- Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
- Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
- Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
- Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
- E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
- E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
- Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
- Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria or Lake Garda?
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 Lake Garda in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Lake Garda. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Lake Garda in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Lake Garda. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Gran Canaria is much warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°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 Lake Garda. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Lake Garda in the Winter?
Both Lake Garda and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Lake Garda in the Spring?
Both Lake Garda and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Lake Garda | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 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.