Money & Costs in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria caters to a range of budgets, offering everything from affordable local eats to upscale dining, budget stays to luxury hotels, and public transport to private tours. Knowing what to expect can help you make informed choices and stretch your money further.

In this section, we’ll break down typical costs for food, accommodation, transport, and activities, so you can budget confidently and plan the perfect trip.

Accommodation Costs

• Budget: Hostels and affordable hotels usually cost around €25-€50 per night.
• Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels and holiday rentals typically range from €60-€120 per night.
• Luxury: Top hotels and resorts start at about €150 per night and can climb depending on extras and locations.

Eating and Drinking Costs

• Budget Meals: Casual dining or street food will cost roughly €5-€10 per meal.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: Expect meals to be around €15-€25 per person, including drinks.
• Fine Dining: High-quality restaurants and gourmet dining experiences usually start from €35 per person.
• Drinks: A local beer or wine costs approximately €2-€4, while cocktails or imported drinks are around €6-€10.

Transport Costs

• Public Transport: Bus journeys are around €1.40-€2 each.
• Taxis: Taxis are affordable and cost about €1 per kilometre, with typical short trips around €5-€10.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car starts from around €25 per day for smaller cars, excluding fuel and insurance.

Activity Costs

• Beaches and Natural Attractions: Most are free or have a small parking fee of around €1-€5.
• Museums and Cultural Sites: Entrance fees typically range from €3-€10.
• Guided Tours: Prices vary from €20-€50 per person for city walking tours to €60-€100 for full-day excursions.
• Water Sports (e.g., surfing, diving, paddleboarding): Rental and lessons usually range from €20-€60 per session.
• Adventure Activities (e.g., hiking tours, quad biking): Expect to pay around €50-€100 per person, depending on duration and inclusions.

Whether you’re travelling on a shoestring, looking for mid-range comfort, or indulging in luxury, setting a realistic budget is key to enjoying your time on the island. We’ve outlined daily and trip budgets for different travel styles so you can plan your expenses accordingly and make the most of your Gran Canaria adventure.

• Budget Travel: €40-€60 per day (hostels or basic guesthouses, street food or cafes, supermarket meals, public transport)
• Average Travel: €70-€120 per day (comfortable accommodation, meals out at restaurants, occasional taxis)
• Luxury Travel: €150+ per day (luxury hotels, fine dining, car hire, private activities)

Here are two examples of what an average traveller might spend on a trip to Gran Canaria (excluding flights). Costs during peak seasons may be higher due to increased accommodation rates (see When to Visit Gran Canaria).:

• 7-Night Southern Beach Resort Stay: Expect around €700-€1,000 per person for a comfortable stay including meals, day trips to Las Palmas, other coastal spots, and the mountainous centre.
• 10-Night Island Exploration: Budget around €1,000-€1,500 per person, covering stays in Las Palmas, visits to northern towns like Arucas and Gáldar, Agaete and the rugged western coast, the southern beach resorts, Tejeda and the mountainous centre, and eastern highlights like Agüimes and Barranco de Guayadeque. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.

Paying in Gran Canaria is easy and hassle-free, whether you’re using cash or card:

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Cash and Cards: ATMs are widely available, and most places accept major credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard. Some smaller businesses might prefer cash, so it’s handy to keep a bit with you.
• Tipping: While it’s not mandatory, leaving around 5-10% in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is the norm.

Make your money go further in Gran Canaria with these handy tips:

• Eat Like a Local: Dine at the many food markets, small cafés and bakeries for tasty, authentic meals that won’t break the bank.
• Shop at Supermarkets: Gran Canaria has plenty of well-stocked supermarkets where you can grab snacks or lunch on the go. If your accommodation has a kitchen, why not pick up some local ingredients (or visit a food market) and try cooking a traditional dish yourself?
• Book Ahead: Get more choice and lock in better deals on accommodation and car rentals by planning and booking early.
• Use ATMs for Cash: While there are decent currency exchange services in Las Palmas, most other exchanges are offered by hotels and often come with poor rates. You’re usually better off exchanging money before you leave home, using ATMs on the island, or paying with a currency card or credit card (just check with your bank for any extra fees).
• Stay Outside the Southern Resorts: Popular southern beach areas can be pricier for both accommodation and dining compared to other parts of the island. Consider staying slightly inland or in northern towns which often means better value for money.
• Enjoy Free Attractions: There are loads of stunning beaches, parks, and viewpoints to explore without spending a cent.
• Visit Off-Peak: Travelling outside peak seasons means lower prices and fewer crowds.

Enjoy your Gran Canaria adventure, knowing you’re making the most of your budget!