A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Valletta for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Marbella or Valletta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Valletta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Marbella and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Marbella has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Marbella is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Marbella different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is very popular for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Valletta is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Marbella is a must-see party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Valletta Better for Music?

Marbella is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Valletta is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Marbella while you're in town. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Valletta Better for Resorts?

Marbella is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Valletta Better for Beaches?

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

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía 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 Marbella or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Valletta?

Marbella is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Valletta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Marbella or Valletta Better for Families?

Marbella 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 Marbella. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Valletta Better for Couples?

Marbella and Valletta are both first-rate to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Valletta is a great resort 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.

Is Marbella or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

Valletta is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella 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 generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Valletta?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marbella than Valletta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marbella that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valletta than Marbella 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 Marbella or Valletta?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping 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.

The beautiful town of Valletta offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Marbella or Valletta?

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

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

Five days in Marbella or Valletta?

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

Valletta 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.

A week in Marbella or Valletta?

Marbella 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 resort town offers something for everyone.

Valletta 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 town offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Valletta?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella or Valletta?

Marbella 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 Marbella or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

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

Both Valletta and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Marbella 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. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Marbella 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 Marbella or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Valletta. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In January, Marbella usually receives less rain than Valletta. Marbella 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 Marbella or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Valletta. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

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

Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Marbella 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 Marbella