A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valencia vs. Lake Garda for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Valencia or Lake Garda?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Lake Garda, 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 historic, architectural, and friendly coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Lake Garda?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valencia than Lake Garda, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valencia is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lake Garda is more popular for its beaches and hiking. 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. Lake Garda is well known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Valencia different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Valencia is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Valencia offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

Valencia is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Valencia is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Valencia is a must-see party destination. 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.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is well known for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. 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.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Valencia has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

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 Lake Garda?

Valencia is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Valencia is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda is an amazing lake to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Valencia. 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.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Valencia and Lake Garda are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Lake Garda is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Valencia. 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Valencia is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Valencia. 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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Lake Garda is well known for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lake Garda has some very good public transit options. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Valencia or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Valencia and Lake Garda both are very good when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. 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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Valencia or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Valencia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful lake of Lake Garda offers food and shopping. 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Valencia, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Lake Garda is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Garda, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Lake Garda?

Valencia, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda 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 Valencia or Lake Garda?

Valencia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valencia and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Valencia or Lake Garda?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Valencia or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Valencia in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the summer, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Valencia is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valencia usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Valencia during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Valencia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. In January, Valencia is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Lake Garda. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Lake Garda. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Valencia