A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Valletta for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Alicante or Valletta?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Valletta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Alicante and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Alicante and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its beaches. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Alicante different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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

Valletta is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Valletta has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Valletta.

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Valletta has a few options to choose from. 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 Alicante or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a city with good options for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Alicante. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

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 Alicante or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Valletta has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Valletta?

Valletta is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Valletta Better for Families?

Alicante is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alicante. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Valletta. 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 Alicante or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Alicante or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Valletta Better for Students?

Alicante is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and Valletta.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

While Valletta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Is Alicante or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alicante and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alicante than in Valletta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Alicante. 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 Valletta than Alicante 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 Valletta.

One day in Alicante or Valletta?

The city of Alicante offers food and shopping. 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.

The beautiful town of Valletta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Valletta?

Alicante is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alicante, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valletta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Valletta?

Alicante is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Valletta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Valletta?

Alicante is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Valletta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Valletta, we can see that Alicante 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 Alicante Expensive? and Is Valletta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Valletta?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante or Valletta?

Alicante 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 Alicante or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Valletta. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the summer, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Valletta. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Alicante during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

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

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Valletta. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Valletta. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives more rain than Valletta. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Alicante