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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is €77. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Zagreb 48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Zagreb 96
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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: Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Zagreb 9.08

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 Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • private transfer from Trogir/Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,754
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Vienna: $930
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Budapest: $930
  • Transfer Zagreb - Split or Split - Zagreb: $760
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Split: $741
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice & Rastoke: $642
  • Private Transfer Tour from Zagreb - Split via Plitvice Lakes: $603
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Split or Split to Zagreb: $567
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb with stop at Plitvice: $556
  • Zagreb to Budapest Private Transfer by Minivan: $534
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Zadar: $528
  • Transfer Ljubljana - Zagreb: $452

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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
    Zagreb 16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Zagreb 12

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 Zagreb

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

  • Grand Zagreb Tour : $99
  • Zagreb History Walking Tour: $32
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Zagreb City with Guide (up to 10): $153
  • 2-Hour Unveiling A Captivating History Tour: $107
  • 4 Day Touristic Adventure from Zagreb: $2,449
  • 4-hour Private Zagreb & the Mountain Tour in a Yugo car: $115
  • All-Inclusive Day Tour Zagreb-Rastoke-Plitvice Lakes-Split: $1,068
  • Back to Yugoslavia Private City Tour in Old-Timer Yugo Car: $93
  • Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour: $176
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $432
  • Best of ISTRIA: Amphitheater PULA + ROVINJ + HUM or POREČ - fully Private Tour: $262
  • Best of SLOVENIA - Bled + Postojna + Ljubljana - Day Tour from Zagreb: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Zagreb 8.90

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 Zagreb

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

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


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

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 Zagreb Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Zagreb?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Zagreb. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Gran Canaria is much warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Zagreb. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)