Which place is cheaper, Palermo or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Palermo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Palermo? 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 Palermo?
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.
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Palermo €92
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Palermo is €92. 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 Palermo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Palermo €56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Palermo €112
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Palermo
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Palermo? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Palermo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Palermo €5.64
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
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Bus to Monreale€3.00
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Bus From Airport€6.00
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90 Minute Bus Pass€1.30
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Short Taxi Ride€4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
- Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
- Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
- Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from Adler SPA Resort Sicily: $149
- Private Transfer Trapani or San Vito lo Capo to Palermo Airport by Car or Van: $146
- Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
- Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $124
- Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from San Vito Lo Capo, Macari: $109
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
- Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Palermo?
Prices for flights to both Palermo 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 €34Palermo €29
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€32
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Fast Food Lunch€5.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Street Food Tour: $42
- Street Food Tour: $65
- Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
- Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
- Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
- Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
- Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
- Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
- Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
- Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
- Sicilian Cooking Class: $101
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Palermo €17
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
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Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)€6.00
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Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)€12
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Theater Tickets (for Two)€49
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
- Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
- Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
- Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
- Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
- Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
- Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
- Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
- Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
- English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
- Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Palermo €11
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
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Beer€2.56
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Bottle of Quality Wine€11
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
- Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
- Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
- Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
- Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
- From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
- Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Palermo, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.
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 Palermo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Palermo?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Palermo, 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 Palermo?
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 Palermo in the Summer?
Both Palermo and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Palermo in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
In Palermo, 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 Palermo. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Palermo. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Palermo 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Palermo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Palermo. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Palermo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Palermo averages at about 20°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo 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 Palermo during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Palermo. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Palermo 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Palermo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Palermo. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.
In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Palermo. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Palermo 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Palermo in the Spring?
Both Palermo and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Palermo in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Palermo. 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 Palermo during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Palermo. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Palermo 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Palermo and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Palermo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 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.