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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Pisa? 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa

Located in Tuscany, Pisa is most famous for its Leaning Tower. The city has a population of about 100,000 people and there are a surprising number of impressive sights that you might miss if you simply pass through to see the tower. There are many architectural and artistic sights that make the city noteworthy as well. The atmosphere of Pisa is also influenced by its university. Of the 100,000 person population, about 60,000 are students. The students bring the city to life with many parties, shows, and interesting cultural events. They stay active into the night and entertainment options are not limited. The student presence is most obvious once you're outside of the touristy Campo dei Miracoli.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pisa 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 Pisa is €120. 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 Pisa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Pisa 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Pisa 120
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Pisa

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Pisa? 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 Pisa


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: Pisa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Pisa 11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

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

  • From Florence: Round-trip Transfer to Pisa & Cinque Terre: $1,230
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $396
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence City centre: $291
  • Transfer from Pisa to Siena with stop in San Gimignano for lunch: $273
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Fiesole: $264
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Firenze: $240
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Volterra: $229
  • Private Transfer From Pisa To Florence, English Speaking Driver: $209
  • Departure Private Transfer from Pisa to La Spezia by car or van: $203
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence Hotels: $202
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lucca: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Pisa?

Prices for flights to both Pisa 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
    Pisa 50

Typical Food Prices in Pisa

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


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

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

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521

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

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 Pisa

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

  • Skip-the-Line Best of Pisa and Leaning Tower Guided Tour for Kids and Families: $273
  • 2-Day Tour: Pisa, Cinque Terre & Tuscany: $320
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Pisa Off The Beaten Path: $27
  • Adventure in Pisa + Tower Admission: $182
  • Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $53
  • Best of Small group tour with admission tickets: $57
  • Bocelli Chianti Hills E-Bike Guided Tour + Wine Food Tasting: $157
  • Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $82
  • Carrara Marble Quarry Tour with Food Tasting: $97
  • Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $82
  • Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $184
  • Discovering Pisa in Christmas Time – Walking Tour: $443

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Pisa -

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 Pisa

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

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663


When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Pisa, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Pisa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Pisa?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

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

In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Pisa. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Pisa 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Pisa in the Autumn?

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

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Pisa 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Pisa in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Pisa. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Pisa 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Pisa in the Spring?

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

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Pisa 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pisa and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Pisa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)