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

Should you visit Catania 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 Catania and Valletta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a lively, youthful, and fun port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valletta

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

Catania and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania. Although Catania and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Catania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Catania is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Catania different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Both Catania and Valletta offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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).

Is Catania or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Catania has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old 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 Catania or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Catania is a port 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 Catania. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

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 Catania or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Valletta has a world-famous historical 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Catania 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 Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Valletta?

Valletta is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Valletta Better for Families?

Catania 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 Catania. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Valletta are superb destinations for backpackers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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 Catania or Valletta Better for Students?

Catania is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Catania. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Catania 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 Catania. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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 Catania or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Valletta on foot. 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.

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Catania?

How long in Catania or Valletta?

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

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

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

One day in Catania or Valletta?

The port city of Catania offers food and shopping. 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 Catania or Valletta?

Catania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Catania, 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 Catania or Valletta?

Catania is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Catania or Valletta?

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 port city 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Valletta?

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

Catania 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 Catania or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Catania during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

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

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Catania. In the summer, Catania often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Catania or Valletta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Valletta. Many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. Catania usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Catania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Catania usually receives more rain than Valletta. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Catania as well as Valletta. Most visitors come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Catania is cooler than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Catania is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives more rain than Valletta. Catania gets 37 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 Catania