Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Gran Canaria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Heraklion or Gran Canaria?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €125. 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 Heraklion and Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Gran Canaria? 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
- Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €52Gran Canaria €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Gran Canaria €20
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
- All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
- Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Gran Canaria €7.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
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 Heraklion and Gran Canaria, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Gran Canaria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gran Canaria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gran Canaria 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion than you might in Gran Canaria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Gran Canaria, 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 Heraklion or Gran Canaria?
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 Heraklion or Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Gran Canaria. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Gran Canaria during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Gran Canaria. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Heraklion is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Gran Canaria. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Heraklion is cooler than Gran Canaria in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
Both Gran Canaria and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Heraklion is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in April than Gran Canaria. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.