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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Palma de Mallorca and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Valletta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a must-see party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca while you're in town. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Resorts?

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

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Palma de Mallorca is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Valletta can be explored in its historical center. 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 people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Valletta has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Valletta are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd 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 Palma de Mallorca or Valletta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Valletta.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Valletta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Palma de Mallorca. 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.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural town of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

Palma de Mallorca 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Valletta, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valletta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valletta 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca than you might in Valletta.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Valletta?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Valletta in the Summer?

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

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°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 Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Valletta. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Valletta in the Autumn?

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

Palma de Mallorca is cooler than Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°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 Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Valletta in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is cooler than Valletta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Valletta averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Valletta. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Valletta in the Spring?

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

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°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 Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Palma de Mallorca