A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Valletta for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Kos or Valletta?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Valletta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a ancient, cultural, and party-hard island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Valletta

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

Kos and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Valletta is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Kos different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Kos or Valletta.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

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 Kos or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kos and Valletta offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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).

Is Kos or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Kos has a large number of nightlife venues. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Valletta Better for Resorts?

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

Kos has a few great resort options. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kos is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Kos is terrific for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Kos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

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 Kos or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Kos is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Valletta?

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Kos 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.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Is Kos or Valletta Better for Families?

Both Kos and Valletta are notable to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

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 Kos or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for romance. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Valletta is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Is Kos or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos and Valletta are both great destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Valletta is a great island 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 Kos or Valletta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos 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 Kos. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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 Kos or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kos 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.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Kos?

How long in Kos or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Valletta. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

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

One day in Kos or Valletta?

The beautiful island of Kos offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

With nightlife and food around the waterfront destination of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Valletta?

Kos 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Valletta for a weekend. With food and shopping around the charming town of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Valletta?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Valletta offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Kos or Valletta?

Kos is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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.

Valletta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Valletta?

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