Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Gran Canaria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Marbella or Gran Canaria?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, 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 Marbella and Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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: Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
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 Marbella or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Marbella 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 dayMarbella €38Gran Canaria €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Gran Canaria €20
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $43
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
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 dayMarbella €5.71Gran Canaria €7.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
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 comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Gran Canaria, 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Gran Canaria. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°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 Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Gran Canaria during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Gran Canaria. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Marbella is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Gran Canaria. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 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 OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Marbella is cooler than Gran Canaria in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Marbella usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 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 JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
Both Gran Canaria and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the spring, Marbella is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°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 Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Gran Canaria. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 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 AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Marbella
| Marbella | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.