Is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria expensive to visit?
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $73 (€67) per day, mid-range travelers spend $169 (€156) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $337 (€311) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Setubal or Pontevedra.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
The average Las Palmas de Gran Canaria trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Las Palmas de Gran Canaria travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $73 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most people who travel to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $169 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Hotel Rural El Mondalon is a great choice for kids, and Sercotel Hotel Parque is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Las Palmas de Gran Canaria hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $337 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The prices for hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $72, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $134. With budget accommodations starting at $47 and luxury hotels peaking at $224, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $154 (€137). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $77 (€68) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria include:
- Suites 1478 starting at $126
- Aminta Home starting at $32
- Hotel Rural El Mondalon starting at $79
- Bull Reina Isabel & Spa starting at $75
- Design Plus Bex Hotel starting at $73
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $55 (€49) per person, per day, on local transportation in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$55
€49
Gran Canaria Airport, sometimes also known as Gando Airport or Las Palmas Airport, is the main way of entry to the island. The airport is located in the eastern part of Gran Canaria on the Bay of Gando (Bahía de Gando), about 12 miles south of the city center of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and 16 miles from the popular tourist areas in the south. Flights to and from international destinations are available.
Once on the island public transportation is available, organized, and affordable. There are regular buses that run all around Gran Canaria, and rental cars are available.
Other nearby islands can also be reached by ferry.
If you're traveling by car, check that your hotel offers convenient parking options.
How much does it cost to go to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is $66 (€59) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$66
€59
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is around $64 (€59) per person, with previous travelers spending from $28 to $126. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $19 to $45
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Cuisine of Gran Canaria is influenced by a combination of aboriginal flavors, Latin American cooking, as well as some African touches. Many small dishes or tapas are served around the island and are known locally as enyesques. They are often accompanied by a sauce called mojo made mainly of oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, red pepper, thyme, oregano, coriander, and several other spices. There are two varieties of mojo: rojo (or red, often served with meat) and verde (or green, often served with fish). Traditional Canarian meals usually start with soup and are followed by a main dish, consisting of local meat or fish. The ingredients of Gran Canarian cuisine are often simple but rich and flavorful, including desserts like bienmesabe-a paste of almonds, honey, and sugar often served with ice cream or cream. As far as drinks go, there are a number of local wines and liquors. Food vendors and restaurants are abundant in the city. The historic district, Vagueta, is especially popular for drinks and dining.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria typically cost an average of $18 (€16) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
€16
Playa de Las Canteras is the beach of Las Palmas. Almost 4 kilometers in length, it is considered to be one of the best urban beaches in the world. With a barrier reef the surf is quite safe, and there are a number of things to do along the promenade. To the east of the beach is the bustling district of Santa Catalina, where the shopping hub is located as well as the Parque Santa Catalina. The park is more of a square dotted with palm trees and flowerbeds, and features a lively night scene with restaurants, bars, clubs and discos.
As far as landmarks go, the Catedral de Santa Ana can be seen from just about anywhere in the city. Its architecture exhibits centuries of history, and visitors can climb to the top for views of Las Palmas below. Other sights include a number of museums dedicated to the history and culture of the city. One of these includes an old mansion behind the cathedral called the Casa de Colón Museum. It was once the home of the governor and possibly the temporary residence of Christopher Columbus before he departed for the Americas. The mansion now houses a museum about the explorer, the conquest of the Canary Islands by the Crown of Castille, and the pre-columbine America.
Being a beach town, Las Palmas is especially popular for ocean-side activities. Down by the water, the beach is a prime location for sunbathing, beach sports, swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. With warm waters, tropical fish, and great surf, Gran Canaria is sometimes referred to as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic." There are a number of surf schools for beginners as well as instructors available for scuba excursions.
In the heart of the city there are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and dining, while it is also easy to take transportation out of the city to other beaches or adventures on land. Hiking and mountain biking trails run throughout the island, while there are a number of golf courses in the southern parts.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
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.