A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gran Canaria vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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: Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Buggy Tour of 2 hours in the afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $71
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from El Salobre to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $61
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Anfí del Mar: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

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 Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86

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


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


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 10500 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Mont-Saint-Michel. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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