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

Should you visit Izmir or Gran Canaria?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Gran Canaria. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Gran Canaria?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is $134. 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 Izmir and Gran Canaria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Gran Canaria $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Gran Canaria $134
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Gran Canaria

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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.

Hotels in Izmir


Hotels in Gran Canaria


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: Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Gran Canaria $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Gran Canaria?

Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Gran Canaria $37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Gran Canaria $22

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Gran Canaria $7.65

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152

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 Izmir and Gran Canaria, we can see that Gran Canaria is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Gran Canaria?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gran Canaria. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Gran Canaria?

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 Izmir or Gran Canaria in the Summer?

Both Gran Canaria and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Gran Canaria.

Izmir is cooler than Gran Canaria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Gran Canaria during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Gran Canaria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Gran Canaria.

In the winter, Izmir is much colder than Gran Canaria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Gran Canaria. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Gran Canaria in the Spring?

Both Gran Canaria and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Izmir is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Izmir

Izmir Gran Canaria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)