Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Taormina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Taormina? 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 Taormina?
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.
Taormina
A quaint hillside town on the eastern side of Sicily, Taormina is arguably one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. It's peak season is the months of July and August when Italian and European tourists alike flock to the beaches. During this time it can be crowded and hot, but if you visit during the spring or fall months you might find the crowds slightly less and the weather more comfortable. The town is popular with package tours, which stay at the beach resorts around Giardini Naxos to the south or Letojanni to the north.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Taormina €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Taormina is €108. 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 Taormina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Taormina €70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Taormina €140
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Taormina
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Taormina? 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: Taormina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Taormina €4.29
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 Taormina
Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
- Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Taormina?
Prices for flights to both Taormina 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 €34Taormina €33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Taormina €11
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 Taormina
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.
- 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
- From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
- From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
- From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
- Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
- Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
- Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
- Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
- Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
- Taormina private tour: $160
- Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
- Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Taormina €8.57
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 Taormina
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:
- Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299
When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Taormina, 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 Taormina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Taormina?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Taormina, 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 Taormina?
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 Taormina in the Summer?
Both Taormina and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Gran Canaria is cooler than Taormina in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Taormina during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Taormina. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Taormina 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Taormina in the Autumn?
Both Taormina and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Taormina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Taormina averages at about 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.
Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Taormina 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Taormina in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Taormina. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.
In January, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Taormina. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Taormina 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Taormina in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Taormina. Additionally, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Taormina in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Taormina. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Taormina 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Taormina and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Taormina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 87 mm (3.4 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.