A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valencia vs. Amalfi for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Valencia or Amalfi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Amalfi, 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valencia and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valencia than Amalfi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valencia is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Amalfi is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking. Amalfi is more touristy than Valencia and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Valencia is well known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Valencia different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Valencia or Amalfi?

Valencia is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Valencia or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Valencia and Amalfi can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Many restaurants in Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is an amazing coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its resorts. However, Amalfi is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Amalfi has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Both Valencia and Amalfi have notable beaches worth visiting.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is an amazing coastal city to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Valencia offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Amalfi?

Valencia is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Families?

Valencia is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Amalfi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Students?

Valencia is an amazing coastal city to visit for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

Is Valencia or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Amalfi.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Valencia or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Amalfi?

Both Valencia and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Valencia. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Amalfi 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 Valencia.

One day in Valencia or Amalfi?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Valencia or Amalfi?

Valencia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Valencia or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Valencia. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Amalfi has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valencia and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Valencia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valencia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valencia 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Valencia.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Amalfi?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Valencia and Amalfi, 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 Valencia or Amalfi?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Valencia or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Amalfi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Valencia is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valencia usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Amalfi. Many visitors come to Valencia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Valencia is a little warmer than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Valencia