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

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Piazza Armerina and Valletta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Valletta

Valletta is a historic, charming, and cultural town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Piazza Armerina and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Piazza Armerina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.


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

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Valletta. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is a moderate town for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Valletta. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.


Is Piazza Armerina or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Valletta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Valletta Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Valletta is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.


Is Piazza Armerina or Valletta Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Valletta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Piazza Armerina or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is notable for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a great town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Both Piazza Armerina and Valletta offer good public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Valletta has some public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.


Is Piazza Armerina or Valletta a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Valletta

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Valletta 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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable destination. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

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

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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.


  • How many days in Piazza Armerina or Valletta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Valletta 1-3

One day in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

The town of Piazza Armerina offers museums and food. 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.

The waterfront destination of Valletta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The town of Valletta offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

Piazza Armerina 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

Piazza Armerina 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.


Which place is cheaper, Valletta or Piazza Armerina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Piazza Armerina is €93, while the average daily cost in Valletta is €116. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Piazza Armerina and Valletta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Valletta 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Valletta 130
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Valletta

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina or Valletta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Piazza Armerina


Hotels in Valletta


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices and Valletta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Valletta 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

Also for Valletta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Malta Airport Transfers: $11
  • Private Transfer from Malta Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port: $14
  • Private Transfer from Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Airport (MLA): $14
  • Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Intl Airport (MLA) - Departure Private Transfer : $14
  • Malta Intl Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $28
  • Private Transfer: Valletta to Malta International Airport (MLA): $31
  • Private Airport Transfer: Malta International Airport (MLA) to Valletta: $31
  • Malta Airport Transfers : $38
  • Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers: $39
  • The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers: $39
  • Malta Private Airport Transfer - Arrival: $44
  • Departure Transfer: Malta Island to Malta Airport MLA by Van: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

Prices for flights to both Valletta and Piazza Armerina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Piazza Armerina 33
    Valletta 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta

For Valletta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $76
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $80
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $80
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $86
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $91
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Valletta 27

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225

Tours and Activities in Valletta

For Valletta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • Reliving The Sacra Infermeria Augmented Reality Tour: $6.55
  • The Knights of Malta Museum Entry Ticket: $7.10
  • Valletta Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • City Nobles App Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional): $7.49
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour (Audio Guide): $7.49
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.64
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour, Map and Directions: $8.56
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Valletta 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Valletta:

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

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


Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Valletta?

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

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Piazza Armerina during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Piazza Armerina for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In the summer, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Piazza Armerina in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Valletta 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Valletta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Valletta. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Piazza Armerina is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 19°C (67°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. Piazza Armerina usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during autumn. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Valletta. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Valletta 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Valletta. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Piazza Armerina this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Piazza Armerina is cooler than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Valletta 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Piazza Armerina in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Piazza Armerina usually receives more rain than Valletta. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Valletta 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Valletta and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Valletta
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)


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