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

Should you visit Almeria or Valletta?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Valletta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Valletta

Valletta is a cultural, waterfront, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Almeria and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Almeria or Valletta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Almeria and Valletta are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Almeria attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Almeria is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Almeria different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Valletta on the map. 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.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Almeria and Valletta offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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).

Is Almeria or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Almeria or Valletta has a better nightlife scene.

Almeria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

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 Almeria or Valletta Better for Resorts?

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

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Almeria or Valletta Better for Beaches?

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

Almeria is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

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 Almeria or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The rich history of Valletta can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Is Almeria or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Almeria is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Almeria. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Valletta?

Valletta is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Valletta. 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.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Valletta Better for Families?

Almeria 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 Almeria. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Almeria or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Valletta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Almeria is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Is Almeria or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria and Valletta are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Almeria is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Valletta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Almeria 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 Almeria and Valletta.

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

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 Almeria or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

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.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Almeria and Valletta. In our opinion, Valletta has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Valletta than Almeria. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Almeria. 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 Almeria 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 Almeria or Valletta?

The beautiful region of Almeria offers food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Valletta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Almeria or Valletta?

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

In Valletta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Valletta?

Almeria 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Almeria or Valletta?

Almeria is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This region offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, 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 Almeria and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria 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 Valletta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valletta than you might in Almeria.

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

Which is Bigger, Almeria or Valletta?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Almeria 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 Almeria or Valletta?

Almeria 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 Almeria or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Almeria as well as Valletta. Most visitors come to Almeria for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Almeria is around the same temperature as Valletta in the summer. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Valletta fluctuates around 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 Almeria this time of the year. In the summer, Almeria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Almeria 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 Almeria or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Almeria because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Almeria is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Almeria in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Valletta averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. Almeria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during autumn. Almeria gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Almeria usually receives less rain than Valletta. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Almeria or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Almeria during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In January, Almeria is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 13°C (55°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Valletta. Almeria gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and Valletta. Many travelers come to Almeria for the beaches and the natural beauty. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Almeria is around the same temperature as Valletta in the spring. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Almeria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during spring. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Almeria usually receives less rain than Valletta. Almeria gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Almeria