A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Valletta for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Albufeira or Valletta?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Valletta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a activity-filled, high energy, and party hard resort town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Valletta

Valletta is a cultural, waterfront, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Albufeira and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Albufeira. Although Albufeira and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Albufeira has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Albufeira is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Albufeira is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. It is also home to Praia da Falesia. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Albufeira different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Valletta and Albufeira. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Albufeira or Valletta?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. With its rich culture and compact old town, there are countless museums, sights, and monuments that are worth visiting. Some options include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and Armory, the National Museum of Archaeology, Manoel Theater, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Albufeira or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Albufeira is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Valletta is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's culinary scene has a long history with many traditional flavors. You really must experience a meal in one of the traditional stone cellar restaurants, which often serve local meze. Head to Republic Street for a stretch of longstanding restaurants in town. Local dishes include stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), bragioli (rolled meat covered in sauce), and lampuki pie (fish pie).

Albufeira has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Albufeira is a must-see party destination. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.

Valletta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It wasn't long ago that the town went quiet in the evenings, but recent years have brought a surge in bars and clubs around town. You'll find the liveliest nightlife in areas around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. If you're looking for a true clubbing scene, you'll want to head north out of town to Paceville.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Albufeira is a world class resort vacation destination. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, you'll find a wide selection of hotels to choose from. Party-goers will want to stay near the Strip while families will prefer the old town or resorts in Olhos de Agua.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Albufeira is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is terrific for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Albufeira is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.

Valletta is a good spot to see the beach. There aren't any beaches in town, but if you head north to St. George’s Bay you'll find some nice beaches with a variety of resorts to choose from.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Valletta is revered around the world. The old town is laid out with a uniform grid and the streets are lined with hundreds of historic buildings. At the heart of old town is Republic Street, which divides the area in half and is where you'll find a large concentration of restaurants.

Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Albufeira is a resort town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Albufeira. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Albufeira or Valletta?

Valletta is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Valletta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping head to Republic Street and Merchants Street where you'll find craft shops, boutiques, and other local souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy picking up blown glass, a locally made miniature, or cactus liquor. Lace is also a common local item that you'll find around town.

Albufeira has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most of the shops are geared toward souvenirs or beach items, particularly near the beach and marina. If you look hard you might find some nice ceramics or items made of cork.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Albufeira or Valletta.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albufeira. Despite it's reputation as a party-hard city, there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities in the area. Because it's the largest resort town in the Algarve, it also has the most activities to choose from, including theme parks, water parks, dolphin watching, ropes courses, go karting, and more. The best area's for families are in the old town or the most of the family-friendly resorts outside of town. Families should avoid staying near "the Strip."

Valletta offers lots of family activities. This charming town has nearby beaches as well as a few museums that kids will enjoy, including a toy museum. There are also several multi-media shows that educate visitors on the area's history. Make sure you check out Malta 5D and the Malta Experience.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Albufeira and Valletta make for a terrific place to visit.

Albufeira makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. For an active honeymoon or couple's retreat, this resort town has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, Valletta has plenty to offer. The town offers beautiful walks, luxury spa experiences, and evening sunset cruises that are seeped in romance. During the evening you can enjoy a cocktail hour and then dine in one of the town's many unique restaurants.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Albufeira, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. If you're looking for a party, then you found it. The area is a top pick for European holidays, so you'll find plenty of energy and activities around town. There are also golden beaches and a decent selection of hostels to choose from.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Valletta. The island has grown in popularity with backpackers, particularly those coming from Europe, as there are affordable flights and easy accessibility. You'll also find some nice hostels around town where you can stay on a budget.

Is Albufeira or Valletta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Valletta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Valletta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albufeira. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.

Is Albufeira or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Valletta on foot is easy. The town is compact and easy to walk around with many sights within a short distance of each other. There's also very little street traffic.

Albufeira is generally not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.

For even more information, also check out Is Albufeira Worth Visiting? and Is Valletta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Albufeira and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Albufeira than in Valletta. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Albufeira. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Valletta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Albufeira. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valletta that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albufeira than Valletta if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Albufeira.

One day in Albufeira or Valletta?

The beautiful resort town of Albufeira offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Valletta?

Albufeira is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Valletta?

Albufeira is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Albufeira, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic town of Valletta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Albufeira or Valletta?

Albufeira is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albufeira has to offer. This resort town offers something for everyone.

Valletta is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Valletta, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valletta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valletta 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira than you might in Valletta.

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

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Valletta?

Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Valletta, 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 Albufeira or Valletta?

Albufeira has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Valletta. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In the summer, Albufeira is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Albufeira in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 19°C (67°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In October, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Valletta. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Albufeira or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Albufeira during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

Albufeira is cooler than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Valletta. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Albufeira is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Albufeira in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In April, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Valletta. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Albufeira