Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas? 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 Playa de las Americas?
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.
Playa de las Americas
If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Playa de las Americas €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is €195. 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 Playa de las Americas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Playa de las Americas €115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Playa de las Americas €230
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Playa de las Americas
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas? 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: Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Playa de las Americas €56
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas?
Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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 €34Playa de las Americas €45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Playa de las Americas €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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Playa de las Americas €8.57
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 Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?
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 Playa de las Americas in the Summer?
Both Playa de las Americas and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa de las Americas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Playa de las Americas during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Playa de las Americas. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?
Both Playa de las Americas and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Playa de las Americas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Playa de las Americas. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Playa de las Americas.
In the winter, Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Playa de las Americas. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Playa de las Americas.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. 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 Playa de las Americas. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Playa de las Americas. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Playa de las Americas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.