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

Should you visit Valletta or Biarritz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Valletta and Biarritz can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Valletta and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Valletta are world-renowned. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Valletta is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Valletta or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Valletta or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

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

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Valletta or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Biarritz attract visitors from all over. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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 Valletta or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Valletta is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Biarritz?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Valletta and Biarritz.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Valletta or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Valletta or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Valletta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Valletta or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Biarritz are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valletta. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Valletta and Biarritz.

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

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Valletta or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Biarritz?

Both Valletta and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Valletta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valletta than Biarritz 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 Valletta or Biarritz?

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.

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Valletta or Biarritz?

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.

Biarritz 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.

Five days in Valletta or Biarritz?

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.

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

A week in Valletta or Biarritz?

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.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Biarritz, 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 Valletta or Biarritz?

Biarritz 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 Valletta or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Valletta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Valletta is a little warmer than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Biarritz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valletta usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Biarritz. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Valletta