A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gran Canaria vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

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 comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Gran Canaria is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)