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

Should you visit Hydra or Valletta?

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

Should I visit Hydra 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.

Hydra

Hydra is a accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Hydra and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights. Hydra is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Hydra different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hydra 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.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Hydra has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

Is Hydra or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hydra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

Is Hydra or Valletta Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island 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 Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a island 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 Hydra. The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.

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 Hydra or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Hydra. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

Is Hydra or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Hydra 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 Hydra. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Valletta?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Valletta and Hydra.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

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.

Is Hydra or Valletta Better for Families?

Hydra 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 Hydra. The island feels like it's frozen in time. There are no cars allowed here, so kids can run freely without the worry of traffic. They'll be as fascinated as you are by the carts pulled by donkeys. Most things you'll visit are also close together, making accessibility easy. In addition to some interesting museums, there are beaches and kid-friendly food. The whole island really is a playground.

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 Hydra or Valletta Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Valletta make for a terrific place to visit.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island makes a great honeymoon or couple's destination. Most visitors come as a day trip, but spending a night or two on the island is a unique experience. It has a laid back vibe and is filled with romance. The food is amazing, and the traditional atmosphere will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

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.

Is Hydra or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options 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.

Hydra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people visit the island as a day trip and it doesn't attract nearly as many backpackers as the larger Greek islands. If you visit during the lower season, you might find some affordable accommodation.

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

Valletta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hydra. There are sea taxis and beach boats on the island.

Is Hydra or Valletta a more walkable city?

Hydra and Valletta both are terrific when exploring on foot.

Getting around Hydra on foot is easy. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Valletta is a very easy island to get around 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Valletta?

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

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

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

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hydra or Valletta?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island 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 Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Valletta?

Hydra 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Valletta?

Hydra 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 island offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, 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 Hydra and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Hydra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hydra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hydra 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 Valletta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valletta than you might in Hydra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Valletta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Valletta?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra 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 Hydra or Valletta?

Hydra 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 Hydra or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Valletta. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In July, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Hydra 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 Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Hydra 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 Hydra or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra 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 Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Hydra or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

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

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

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

Should I visit Hydra or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Valletta. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Hydra 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 Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Valletta and Hydra