Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Gran Canaria Prices
Spain PricesSan Sebastian Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €150San Sebastian €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €113. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63San Sebastian €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or San Sebastian? 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: San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46San Sebastian €13
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 Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Arinaga: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Arinaga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Ingenio: $37
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $44
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Arucas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Arucas: $47
- Las Palmas to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) - Departure Transfer: $47
- Gran Canaria Airport(LPA) to Las Palmas- Arrival Private Transfer: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $296
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $286
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport: $286
- San Sebastián: Transfer to Biarritz: $285
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz city: $196
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $196
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport: $196
- Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $134
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to San Sebastian Airport: $98
- Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $86
- Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airport to San Sebastian by Car: $75
- Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 €59San Sebastian €55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gran Canaria
For Gran Canaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $70
- Origen Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $72
- Food Tour with Distillery Visit & Lunch: $99
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€55
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Lunch for 2€10
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Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- Food Tour and Pintxos in Tolosa, 4 Food and Drink Tastings: $58
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $89
- Basque cuisine cooking class: $154
- San Sebastian Market Visit and Cooking Class: $154
- Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $165
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian with Local Chef: $165
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $172
- Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $195
- San Sebastian Supper Club A Progressive Dinner Experience: $236
- San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $255
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $272
- San Sebastián Walking Dinner Tour with Basque Bites: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20San Sebastian €32
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Palmas GC Essential : Self-guided tour created by local Official Guide: $5.92
- Las Palmas Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h15 and 18 reviews: $6.98
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.15
- Discover A Self-Guided Island Tour: $8.27
- Las Palmas Pirates Self Guided Treasure Adventure Walk: $8.27
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $11
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $12
- Las Palmas Old Town: Walking Tour: $12
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Las Palmas BEACH SUNSET: City Walking Tour: $16
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- "A la Vasca" - Top Notch Gastro Cultural Experience: $207
- "Basque Cider House" guided tour + meal from San Sebastian: $98
- Best Private Pintxos tour in San Sebastian: $172
- Bike Tour in San Sebastián with FREE pintxo and drink!: $53
- Bike Tour in San Sebastian: $51
- Camino de Santiago trail. Private trekking tour along the coast: $296
- Cider house experience from San Sebastian: $130
- Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $189
- Customizable Private Sightseeing Tour in San Sebastián: $174
- Discover San Sebastián’s Best Pintxos on a Unique Culinary Tour: $207
- Eating Beyond Pintxos Tour: $136
- Ebike and Pintxos tour: $113
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14San Sebastian €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Painting and textures workshop with volcanic wine tasting: $47
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $52
- Day Tour in North of Gran Canaria with Wine Tasting: $57
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $64
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $69
- Gran Canaria flavours with distillery visit and tastings: $79
- Banana Museum, Rum Distillery & Winery guided tour with tasting: $82
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Rioja Wine Tour: wineries and Laguardia from San Sebastian: $112
- San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $117
- San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $122
- Getaria Txakoli wine tour from San Sebastian: $172
- Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian: $195
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian.: $213
- Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $213
- San Sebastián Wine Route: Walking Wine Tour with Pairing: $231
- Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $243
- Private Txakoli wine tour in Getaria from San Sebastian: $296
- Rioja wine tour: winery and traditional lunch from San Sebastian: $296
- Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and San Sebastian, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.
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 San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or San Sebastian?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and San Sebastian. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as San Sebastian. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.