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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Tangier?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Tangier? 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 Tangier?

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.

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Tangier 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 Tangier is €57. 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 Tangier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Tangier 22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Tangier 44
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Tangier

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Tangier? 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 Tangier


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: Tangier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Tangier 22

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 Tangier

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

  • Transfer from Tangier to Marrakesh: $801
  • Transfer from Tangier to Nador: $618
  • Transfer from Tangier to Casablanca: $397
  • Door to door transfer from Tangier to Fes: $291
  • Tangier to Chefchaouen: Private Transfer (English Speaking Driver): $276
  • Private Transfer from Asilah to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $273
  • From Tangier : Private Luxury Transfer to Fes: $272
  • Private Transfer from Tarifa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $262
  • From Transfer to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis: $245
  • Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $245
  • Transfer from Tangier to Kenitra: $237
  • Luxury transfer from Tangier to Tamuda bay or vice versa: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Tangier?

Prices for flights to both Tangier 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
    Tangier 19

Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    1.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

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

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Tangier food tour : $71
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $76
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Tangier 18

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 Tangier

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

  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $87
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour: $87
  • Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $251
  • Private Guided Food Experience Tour in Medina of Tangier: $76
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $76
  • Tangier Private Tour from Tarifa Ferry & Lunch Included : $209
  • Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $102
  • Tangier walking tour with lunch Moroccan food : $60
  • The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $541
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $512
  • 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Tangier 9.87

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Tangier, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gran Canaria is in Europe and Tangier is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Tangier.

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 Tangier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Tangier?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Tangier. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Tangier, 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 Tangier?

Gran Canaria has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Tangier in the Summer?

Both Tangier and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Tangier averages at about 24°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Tangier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Tangier. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Tangier 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Tangier in the Autumn?

Both Tangier and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

In October, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Tangier. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Tangier. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Tangier 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Tangier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Tangier. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Tangier in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Tangier during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

Tangier receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Tangier. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Tangier 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Tangier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Tangier. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Tangier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Tangier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Tangier. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Tangier 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Tangier and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Tangier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)