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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Split?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is €109. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Split 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Split 146
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Split

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Split? 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 Split


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: Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Split 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Private Transfer: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) : $53
  • Private Transfer: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: $53
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
  • Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Taurito to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • Private transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,069
  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $735
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Zagreb: $668
  • Split Airport: Speedboat Taxi transfer to/from Hvar: $642
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $535
  • private transfer from Split airport to Novalja/Zrće: $535
  • Split – Dubrovnik via Ston Private transfer: $441
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $427
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $387
  • Private transfer (Taxi) Split to Zadar: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Split 3.71

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 Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • History tour: $33
  • "Blue Lagoon" Half day Chill out tour from Split: $75
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $66
  • 2 Day Pass with Sightseeing Bus: $33
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $33
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Split in a Classic Ford T: $45
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $86
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $87
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $87
  • 3-Hour Via-Ferrata Adventure in Fortica Fortress: $33
  • 4-Hour Croatia Private Dalmatian Food and Wine flavors Experience in Split Patio: $120
  • 4-Island Split Boat Tour (Brač, Pakleni, Hvar, Šolta): $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Split 7.95

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 Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • "The Eye Of The Earth" with wine tasting: $109
  • Beer Tasting Split - visit to the local brewery: $120
  • Split wine tour-indigenous sorts of Kastela region: $120


When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Split, 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 Split Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Split?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Split. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Split. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Split. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Split. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Split during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Split. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Split. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)