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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Volterra?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Volterra? 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra

Located in Tuscany, Volterra has an interesting history and impressive sights for travelers who want to see more of the Tuscan region than the popular city of Florence. The town was originally a Neolithic settlement and is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the end of the 8th century BC. It was a bishop's residence during the 5th century and then an episcopal power during the 12th century. It was later conquered by the Florentines but opposition to their rule led to much rebellion.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Volterra 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 Volterra is €101. 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 Volterra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Volterra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Volterra 122
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Volterra

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Volterra? 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 Volterra


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: Volterra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Volterra 4.29

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volterra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Volterra:

  • Private Transfer from San Gimignano to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $248

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Volterra?

Prices for flights to both Volterra 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
    Volterra 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volterra

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

  • Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
  • Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $93
  • Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
  • Pizza Cooking Class: $112
  • Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
  • "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
  • Tuscan Cooking Class: $126
  • Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
  • Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $137
  • Fiorentina Steak Dinner & Wine Tasting: $164
  • Cooking class, wine tasting and 2500 year old granaries: $175
  • Cooking Classes in Tuscany among the Chianti Vineyards: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Volterra 11

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 Volterra

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

  • Cesani Wine Experience: $33
  • Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $93
  • Discover Volterra with Licensed Tour Guide: $214
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $69
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $150
  • Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207
  • Private walking tour in San Gimignano with a local licensed guide: $218
  • San Gimignano Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $293
  • San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
  • Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $180
  • Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $203
  • Volterra - Archeotour by e-bike with tasting: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Volterra 16

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 Volterra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:

  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $33
  • Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
  • Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
  • 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
  • Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
  • "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $66
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71
  • Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $115
  • Brunello Wine Tasting from San Gimignano: $130
  • Exclusive evening wine tasting at organic winery : $218
  • Chianti e-bike tour from Florence with wine tasting: $284
  • Private Excursion: Volterra & San Gimignano+wine tastings: $289


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Volterra, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is Volterra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volterra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volterra 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 Volterra.

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 Volterra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Volterra?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Volterra. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Volterra. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Volterra. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Volterra. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Volterra and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Volterra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)


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