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

Should you visit Granada or Valletta?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. Granada is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Granada travel costs.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. Valletta is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Valletta travel costs.

Granada and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Granada than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Granada is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Valletta is more popular for its food, beaches, and shopping. Granada is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Granada different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Granada or Valletta.

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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.

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Granada has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both Granada and Valletta.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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.

Is Granada or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Granada 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 Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Valletta?

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Valletta More Beautiful?

Granada is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Granada is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a truly beautiful city that maintains a lot of its historical charm. There are beautiful views and charming neighborhoods that are fun to explore.

Valletta is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its long running history and striking cream buildings against the blue Mediterranean waters, this is a truly beautiful town.

Is Granada or Valletta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Valletta.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

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 Granada or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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 Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Granada or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Valletta are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Valletta is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Granada or Valletta Better for Students?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Granada and Valletta.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

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 Granada or Valletta a more walkable city?

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

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Granada?

How long in Granada or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Valletta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Granada. 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 Granada. 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 Granada 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 Granada or Valletta?

The beautiful city of Granada offers food 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 Granada or Valletta?

Granada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Granada, 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 Granada or Valletta?

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Granada or Valletta?

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums 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 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 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Valletta?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Valletta?

Granada 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 Granada or Valletta in the Summer?

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

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), 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 Granada. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Valletta. Granada 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 Granada or Valletta in the Autumn?

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

Granada is around the same temperature as Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the autumn, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Valletta in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Granada is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Valletta averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives less rain than Valletta. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Valletta in the Spring?

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

In April, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), 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 Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Granada