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

Should you visit Cefalu 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 Cefalu 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.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a coastal, historic, and touristy fishing village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Cefalu and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Cefalu different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Valletta are world-renowned. 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.

Cefalu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Valletta, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Dining out in Cefalu is an experience not to be missed. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

Is Cefalu or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Valletta. 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.

Cefalu is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Is Cefalu or Valletta Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

In Cefalu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a very popular place for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

The beaches at Cefalu attract visitors from all over. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

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 Cefalu or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Valletta is revered around the world. 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 Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Is Cefalu or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cefalu. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Valletta?

Valletta is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Valletta is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Cefalu or Valletta Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Valletta are good family-friendly destinations.

Cefalu is a family-friendly fishing village. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

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 Cefalu or Valletta Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Valletta both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Cefalu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

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.

Is Cefalu or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Cefalu is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a big backpacker vibe to the town, and you won't find tons of hostels, but there are affordable places that budget travelers can stay.

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

Valletta is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Valletta has some public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Cefalu or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cefalu is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Valletta?

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

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

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

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or Valletta?

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

Valletta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cefalu or Valletta?

Cefalu 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cefalu or Valletta?

Cefalu 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 fishing village offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Valletta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Valletta?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu 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 Cefalu or Valletta?

Cefalu 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 Cefalu or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Valletta. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

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

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cefalu often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Valletta. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Valletta. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Valletta. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Valletta. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In the spring, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Valletta averages at about 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 Cefalu this time of the year. In the spring, Cefalu often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Cefalu