A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Finale Ligure for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Valletta or Finale Ligure?

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 Finale Ligure 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 cultural, waterfront, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic area. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Valletta and Finale Ligure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Valletta or Finale Ligure?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Finale Ligure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Finale Ligure is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace. Finale Ligure is well known for its sandy beaches and great food.

How is Valletta different from Finale Ligure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. 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.

Finale Ligure offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The natural beauty is the main attraction to this part of Liguria, but there are also medieval towns such as Finalborgo and historic places such as Castel Gavone.


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

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Finale Ligure has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood, local flavors, and even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants make this area a foodie's paradise. The dishes are rich in flavors and fine dining is common throughout the area.

Is Valletta or Finale Ligure Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is a popular place for nightlife. However, Finale Ligure is a area with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Finale Ligure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This beautiful coastline is filled with fine dining restaurants and some nice wine and cocktail bars. It's not known for its party scene, but there are some nice places to spend the evening.

Is Valletta or Finale Ligure Better for Resorts?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a area with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Finale Ligure has a few great resort options. You'll find a mix of smaller local hotels, many with pools, along the coastline. There are also a number of apartments to choose from.

Valletta is not a resort destination.


Is Valletta or Finale Ligure Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

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

The beaches at Finale Ligure attract visitors from all over. This stretch of coastline has the longest sandy beaches in Liguria. You'll also find dramatic cliffs and beautiful views.

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 Finale Ligure Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is terrific for its historic old town. However, Finale Ligure does not have a historic old town.

Valletta has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Finale Ligure does not have a historic old town.

Is Valletta or Finale Ligure Better for Hiking?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Finale Ligure. There are many walking and trekking trails along the coast and through the hills. You'll pass medieval towns and beautiful viewpoints that let you experience the Ligurian coastline in all of its beauty.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Finale Ligure?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is a great destination for shopping. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Valletta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Finale Ligure. You'll find clothing boutiques, food specialty stores, and places to pick up anything that you may have forgotten.

Is Valletta or Finale Ligure Better for Families?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure. This section of the Italian Riviera has the longest sandy beach in Liguria. There are also places where kids can swim and just relax from sightseeing and travel.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Couples?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is terrific for romance. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Finale Ligure is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. With its sandy beaches and seaside cliffs, this area makes a great romantic getaway. Italian food on the Italian Riviera - what could be more romantic.


Is Valletta or Finale Ligure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Finale Ligure is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't a lot of hostels, there are a few reasonably priced guesthouses to choose from.

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

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Valletta and Finale Ligure.

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 Finale Ligure, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both trains and buses through the area.

Is Valletta or Finale Ligure a more walkable city?

Valletta
Finale Ligure

Valletta is terrific for its walkability. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Valletta on foot is easy. 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.

Finale Ligure is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking routes throughout this stretch of coastline.


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

Should I spend more time in Finale Ligure or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Finale Ligure?

It's fun to spend time in either Valletta or Finale Ligure. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Finale Ligure due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Finale Ligure.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Finale Ligure. 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 Finale Ligure 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 Valletta or Finale Ligure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Finale Ligure 2-4

One day in Valletta or Finale Ligure?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful area of Finale Ligure 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 Valletta or Finale Ligure?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Finale Ligure is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this area 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 Finale Ligure, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Finale Ligure?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Valletta. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Finale Ligure 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 Valletta or Finale Ligure?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful town of Valletta. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Finale Ligure 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 area 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Finale Ligure or Valletta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Valletta is €116, while the average daily cost in Finale Ligure is €143. 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 Valletta and Finale Ligure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Finale Ligure 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Finale Ligure 148
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Finale Ligure

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Finale Ligure? 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 Valletta


Hotels in Finale Ligure


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: Valletta Hotel Prices and Finale Ligure Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Finale Ligure 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
  • Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers: $38
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $102
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $81
  • Arrival Transfer: Malta Airport MLA to Malta Island by Van: $49
  • Departure Transfer: Malta Island to Malta Airport MLA by Van: $47
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $87
  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $149
  • Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $49
  • Malta Airport Transfers : $38
  • Malta Intl Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $28
  • Malta Private Airport Transfer - Arrival: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Finale Ligure?

Prices for flights to both Finale Ligure and Valletta 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
    Valletta 32
    Finale Ligure 34

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: $66
  • 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: $90
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $117
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valletta 27
    Finale Ligure 28

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: $3.20
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Reliving The Sacra Infermeria Augmented Reality Tour: $6.55
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • Valletta Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • The Knights of Malta Museum Entry Ticket: $7.10
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour (Audio Guide): $7.46
  • City Nobles App Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional): $7.46
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.64
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $7.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour, Map and Directions: $8.52
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Finale Ligure 6.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

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

  • The Farsons Brewery Experience Entry Ticket and Beer Flight: $16
  • 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: $43


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

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


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Finale Ligure?

Finale Ligure has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Finale Ligure, 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 Finale Ligure?

Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure in the Summer?

Both Finale Ligure and Valletta during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Finale Ligure in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Finale Ligure averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Finale Ligure, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Finale Ligure. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 295 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Finale Ligure. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valletta 26°C (79°F) 
    Finale Ligure 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Finale Ligure in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Finale Ligure. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Finale Ligure for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Valletta is generally around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Finale Ligure during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Finale Ligure. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valletta 21°C (70°F) 
    Finale Ligure 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Finale Ligure in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Finale Ligure. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Finale Ligure because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Valletta is a little warmer than Finale Ligure in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Finale Ligure. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 127 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Finale Ligure. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valletta 13°C (55°F) 
    Finale Ligure 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Finale Ligure in the Spring?

Both Finale Ligure and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Finale Ligure this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Finale Ligure during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Finale Ligure. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valletta 16°C (61°F) 
    Finale Ligure 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Finale Ligure and Valletta

Valletta Finale Ligure
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


Related Articles for Finale Ligure