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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Sorrento? 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a popular travel destination in Campania, Italy. The city has nice architecture and many shops and outdoor cafes you can enjoy. Its access via the Circumvesuviana rail system make it a great base for visiting Pompeii and Ercolano.

The city has a Mediterranean climate that has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The pleasant climate make it a popular destination year around, although you can expect crowds during the peak summer months.

You'll find no shortage of hotels and hostels in town as the city's economy is very much dependent on tourism. Hostels are generally clean and comfortable, but they may be more expensive than you expect. If you travel during the low season you're likely to save some money even if the weather isn't as nice. Mid range hotel rooms are usually smaller than their American counterparts, but they are clean and nice and often come with a complimentary breakfast. The same can generally be said for more expensive hotels.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sorrento 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 Sorrento is €140. 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 Sorrento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Sorrento 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Sorrento 180
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Sorrento

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Sorrento? 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 Sorrento


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: Sorrento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Sorrento 7.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Buggy Tour of 2 hours in the afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $71
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from El Salobre to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $61
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Anfí del Mar: $61

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sorrento

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sorrento are as follows:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    4.20
  • Ferry to Capri (Round Trip)
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sorrento

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sorrento:

  • Transfer to Naples with Herculaneum Guided Tour: $404
  • Transfer to Naples with Guided Tour of Pompeii: $404
  • Private transfer from Sorrento to Rome: $281
  • Private Transfer from Sorrento to Amalfi: $251
  • Transfer Naples airport/station to Sorrento with stop in Pompeii: $240
  • Naples: Private transfer to Sorrento one way: $235
  • Naples Airport (NAP): Private One-Way Transfer from Sorrento: $235
  • Private Transfer by Minivan from Sorrento to Naples Airport, Train Station, Port: $235
  • Sorrento to Fiumucino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer by Car from Sorrento to Ravello or from Ravello to Sorrento: $218
  • Private transfer from Sorrento to Naples: $218
  • Private Airport Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Station: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Sorrento?

Prices for flights to both Sorrento 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
    Sorrento 38

Typical Food Prices in Sorrento

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sorrento:


  • Pizza
    6.00
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    43
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sorrento

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

  • Private Virtual Cooking Class from Sorrento : $33
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $48
  • Sorrento Art & Food Tour on Breathless 'Views Village: $50
  • Pizza Making Class at Tirabusciò Cooking School: $64
  • Pizza Making Class: $64
  • Sorrento Pizza Making: $65
  • Pizza Making Course: $70
  • Dinner in Sorrento with Love, Laugh and Spaghetti: $70
  • Pizza School Experience from Sorrento: $71
  • Farm Visit with Pizza Lesson, Wine, and Limoncello: $75
  • Pizza School with Wine and Limoncello Tasting in a Local Farm: $76
  • Private Cooking Class in Sant'Agnello: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Sorrento 33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sorrento

Here are a few typical costs in Sorrento for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Beach
    10
  • Bike Rental (24 Hours)
    20
  • Scuba Diving (Single Dive)
    45
  • Blue Mini Cruise
    22

Tours and Activities in Sorrento

Here are a few actual costs in Sorrento for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All inclusive Herculaneum Skip the Line Tour From Sorrento: $115
  • Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Small-Group Tour From Sorrento: $130
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Sorrento : $199
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour of Sorrento with Local Food Tasting: $39
  • 3 Hours Guided Boat Tour for Small Groups on the Island of Capri: $164
  • 3 hours Private Capri Boat Tour : $239
  • 8 Hour Tour of Capri and Anacapri: $66
  • AMALFI COAST FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR ON ALLEGRA21: $1,390
  • AMALFI COAST FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR ON SAVER HARD TOP: $2,299
  • Amalfi Boat Tour From Sorrento with Positano Trip: $152
  • Amalfi Coast Boat Tour: $206
  • Amalfi Coast Boat Tour From Sorrento: $166

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Sorrento 8.72

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sorrento

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Sorrento are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sorrento

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sorrento:

  • Walking Tour Wine Tasting and Typical Products in Sorrento Farm: $71
  • Campania wine tasting with traditional foods: $75
  • Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $97
  • Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting : $98
  • Small Group Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $104
  • From Mount Vesuvius Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $107
  • Wine Tasting Including Lunch: $108
  • Lemon, Olive Oil and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $109
  • From Full-Day Pompeii & Wine Tasting Tour: $136
  • Full Day Small Group Pompeii Tour from Sorrento with Local Wine Tasting: $139
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Wine tasting + Easy lunch: $185
  • Guided Tour of Pompei and Wine Tasting from Sorrento: $205


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


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Sorrento?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Sorrento. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Sorrento. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Sorrento 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, 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 Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Sorrento 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Sorrento 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Sorrento. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Sorrento 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Sorrento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)