Budget & Costs
The Canaries are not a bargain destination, but significantly cheaper than other island groups (Balearic Islands, Greek Islands). As a Spanish province, EU prices apply, but with reduced VAT (IGIC, 7% instead of 21%) — shopping and restaurants are noticeably cheaper than on the Spanish mainland.
Daily Budget per Person
| Style | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 30–50€ | Hostel/Camping | Supermarket + 1× Tapas | Bus |
| Budget | 50–80€ | Apartment/Guesthouse | Self-catered breakfast + restaurants | Bus + excursions |
| Mid-range | 80–130€ | 3★ Hotel/good apartment | 2× Restaurant | Rental car |
| Comfort | 130–220€ | 4★ Hotel/Boutique | Fine dining restaurants | Rental car + tours |
| Luxury | 220€+ | 5★ Resort/Villa | Fine Dining | Private transfers |
Price Examples (Estimates 2025/26)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Café con leche | 1.20–1.80€ |
| Caña (small beer) | 1.50–2.50€ |
| Tapa | 2–5€ |
| Lunch menu (Menú del día) | 8–14€ (3 courses!) |
| Dinner (main course) | 10–20€ |
| Fresh fish (restaurant) | 12–25€ |
| Bottle of wine (restaurant) | 10–20€ |
| Supermarket shopping (day) | 15–25€ (2 people) |
| Gasoline (liter) | 1.20–1.40€ (cheaper than mainland!) |
| Rental car (day) | 20–50€ (depending on season) |
| Bus ride (short distance) | 1.50–3€ |
| Inter-island ferry (person) | 25–45€ |
| Whale Watching Tour | 25–50€ |
| Teide Cable Car | 39€ (round trip) |
Saving Tips
- Menú del día: The lunch menu is the best deal in Spain. 3 courses with a drink for 8–14€. Less common in tourist centers, but ubiquitous in local bars.
- Guachinches (Tenerife): Simple garage restaurants where winemakers serve their young wine with homemade food. 5–8€ per person, as authentic as it gets.
- Bono-Bus Card: Rechargeable bus card with 30–50% discount on all bus rides (TITSA on Tenerife, Global on Gran Canaria).
- IGIC Advantage: The Canaries have only 7% VAT. Electronics, perfume, tobacco, and alcohol are significantly cheaper than on the mainland or in Germany.
- Early Bird Rental Car: Booking 3+ months in advance saves 30–50%. Prices rise sharply in high season.
💡 Tipp
The Canaries are a tax special zone (ZEC/IGIC). Alcohol, tobacco, electronics, and perfume are up to 30% cheaper than in Germany. The duty-free area at the airport is also worthwhile for EU domestic flights!
