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

Should you visit Antalya or Valletta?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Valletta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Valletta are popular destinations, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Valletta attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Antalya is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Antalya different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Valletta has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya or Valletta Better for Music?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for its music scene. However, Valletta is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Valletta Better for Resorts?

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

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Valletta Better for Beaches?

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

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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 Antalya or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Valletta offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Antalya 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 Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Valletta?

Antalya is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Valletta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Antalya or Valletta Better for Families?

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Valletta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Antalya or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Valletta are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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

Antalya is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

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.

Is Antalya or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Valletta. 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.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Valletta. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Valletta?

The beautiful vacation spot of Antalya offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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 Antalya or Valletta?

Antalya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, 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 Antalya or Valletta?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Antalya or Valletta?

Antalya 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 vacation spot 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 in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, 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 Antalya and Valletta, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Valletta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Valletta?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Valletta?

Antalya 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 Antalya or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Antalya is around the same temperature as Valletta in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Valletta. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In the autumn, Antalya is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Valletta averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Valletta. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Valletta. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Antalya is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Antalya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Valletta. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Valletta. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Antalya is around the same temperature as Valletta in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Antalya