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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Siena?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Siena? 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 Siena?

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.

Siena

Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.

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 Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena 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 Siena is €133. 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 Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Siena 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Siena 138
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Siena? 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 Siena


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: Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Siena 20

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 Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Garita: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $31
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
  • Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from San Agustín to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $41
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Agustín: $41
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena 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
    Siena 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Siena 3.75

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
  • Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
  • Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
  • Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
  • Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
  • Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
  • Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
  • Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24

Tours and Activities in Siena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:

  • Siena tour: Piazza del Campo & Duomo exploration: $125
  • Walking Tour of Siena with food & Chianti wine: $71
  • “Secret of Siena” City E-bike tour: $134
  • 2 hour Siena Private Guided Walking Tour : $273
  • 4-Hour Guided Bike Tour for Small Groups in Chianti: $180
  • 500 Vintage Tour and Chianti Roads from Siena: $160
  • 500 Vintage Tour: Chianti Roads Experience with Lunch from Florence: $164
  • Afternoon Semi Private Chianti tour from Siena: $88
  • Badesse: Vespa & Chianti Tour in the Tuscan Hills: $138
  • Brunello di Montalcino wine experience with a sommelier : $262
  • Chianti Classico E-Bike Tour: $284
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Siena 2.19

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 Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


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


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Siena?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Siena, 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 Siena?

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 Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Siena. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Siena. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Siena. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Siena. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Siena. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Siena averages at about 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 Siena during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Siena. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)