A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Valletta for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tenerife or Valletta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife 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.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a beautiful, volcanic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

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.

Tenerife and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Tenerife is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Tenerife different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is very popular for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Valletta is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Tenerife is a must-see party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Valletta Better for Resorts?

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

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a very popular place for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

The beaches at Tenerife attract visitors from all over. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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 Tenerife or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its historic old town. However, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Around Tenerife visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Valletta?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tenerife and Valletta.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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.

Is Tenerife or Valletta Better for Families?

Tenerife is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife 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.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Tenerife or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Valletta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Tenerife and Valletta.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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 Tenerife or Valletta a more walkable city?

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

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tenerife and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Valletta. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

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

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Tenerife or Valletta?

Tenerife 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.

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 Tenerife or Valletta?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, 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 Tenerife or Valletta?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. This island 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Valletta?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Valletta in the Summer?

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

In July, Tenerife is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°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 Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

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

Tenerife is around the same temperature as Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°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 Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Valletta. Many visitors come to Tenerife 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, Tenerife is a little warmer than Valletta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Valletta averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Valletta during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Valletta. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Valletta in the Spring?

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

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°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 Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Valletta. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Tenerife