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

Should you visit Arachova or Valletta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Valletta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a bustling, beautiful, and outdoorsy town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Valletta

Valletta is a cultural, waterfront, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arachova and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Arachova or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arachova than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arachova is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Arachova is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. Also, Arachova is famous for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Arachova different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Valletta Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Valletta

Arachova is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Valletta is not a skiing destination.

Head to Arachova for some great skiing and other winter activities. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Valletta is not a skiing destination.


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

Arachova
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. 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.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

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

Arachova
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valletta is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Is Arachova or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Valletta

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

Arachova has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

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 Arachova or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Arachova
Valletta

Valletta is a town with a few options for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Valletta offers plenty to see. 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.

Arachova is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Is Arachova or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Valletta

Arachova 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 Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Valletta?

Arachova
Valletta

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

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Is Arachova or Valletta Better for Families?

Arachova
Valletta

Arachova 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 Arachova. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

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 Arachova or Valletta Better for Couples?

Arachova
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Valletta has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Arachova is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.


Is Arachova or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Valletta

Valletta is well known for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

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

Arachova
Valletta

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

You'll find some public transit in Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

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 Arachova or Valletta a more walkable city?

Arachova
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arachova and Valletta. In our opinion, Valletta has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Valletta than Arachova. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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


  • How many days in Arachova or Valletta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Valletta 1-3

One day in Arachova or Valletta?

The town of Arachova offers museums and skiing. 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.

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 Arachova or Valletta?

Arachova 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 Arachova, 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 Arachova or Valletta?

Arachova 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 Arachova or Valletta?

Arachova 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 town 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.


Which place is cheaper, Valletta or Arachova?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Valletta is €116. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Arachova and Valletta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Valletta 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Valletta 130
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Valletta

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Valletta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Arachova


Hotels in Valletta


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Valletta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Valletta 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

Also for Valletta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
  • Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers: $39
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $103
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $81
  • Arrival Transfer: Malta Airport MLA to Malta Island by Van: $49
  • Departure Transfer: Malta Island to Malta Airport MLA by Van: $47
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $87
  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $150
  • Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $49
  • Malta Airport Transfers: $11
  • Malta Airport Transfers : $38
  • Malta Intl Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Valletta?

Prices for flights to both Valletta and Arachova change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arachova 29
    Valletta 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta

For Valletta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $76
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $80
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $80
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $86
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $91
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Valletta 27

Tours and Activities in Valletta

For Valletta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • Reliving The Sacra Infermeria Augmented Reality Tour: $6.55
  • The Knights of Malta Museum Entry Ticket: $7.10
  • Valletta Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • City Nobles App Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional): $7.49
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour (Audio Guide): $7.49
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.64
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour, Map and Directions: $8.56
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Valletta 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Valletta:

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Valletta?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova or Valletta?

Arachova 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 Arachova or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Valletta. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In July, Arachova is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 27°C (81°F), 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 Arachova this time of the year. In the summer, Arachova often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Valletta 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Arachova is around the same temperature as Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, 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 Arachova. Arachova usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during autumn. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arachova usually receives less rain than Valletta. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Valletta 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Arachova during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arachova in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In the winter, Arachova is cooler than Valletta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arachova in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Valletta averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Arachova often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Valletta 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Valletta. Most visitors come to Arachova for the small town charm during these months. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Arachova is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 16°C (60°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during spring. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arachova usually receives less rain than Valletta. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Valletta 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Valletta and Arachova

Arachova Valletta
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)


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