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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Porto?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto? 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 Porto?

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.

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto 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 Porto is €126. 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 Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Porto 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Porto 130
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Porto? 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 Porto


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: Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Porto 21

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 Porto

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

  • Transfer to Algarve: $1,069
  • Private Transfer to Algarve with Stops up to 2 Cities: $909
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
  • Luxury Sedan car transfer to Lisbon.: $642
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Óbidos: $583
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Nazaré: $583
  • Transfer to Santiago Compostela: $556
  • Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $491
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stops up to 3 Cities: $481
  • Porto to Braga Transfer: Explore Sameiro Sanctuary: $481
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon: $455

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto 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
    Porto 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

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

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Porto 25

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 Porto

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

  • 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $76
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • 1 Day Tour to Douro Valley from Porto: $207
  • 1.5-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour Historic Porto: $26
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto Douro to Left bank: $63
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $81
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $79
  • 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $49
  • 3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour Porto: $135
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour: Tiles of Porto: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Porto 19

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 Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23


When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 Porto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Porto?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. 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 Porto during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Porto. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Porto. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)