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

Should you visit Valletta or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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 historic, charming, and cultural town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Valletta and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Hvar is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Valletta is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Valletta have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Valletta or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a must-see party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valletta or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

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 Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Valletta or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Hvar?

Valletta is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Valletta or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Valletta is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Valletta or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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.

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

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

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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Valletta or Hvar a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Valletta on foot. 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable town. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Valletta or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Hvar. 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 Hvar than Valletta 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 Hvar.

One day in Valletta or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. 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 Hvar?

Valletta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Valletta or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront destination of Valletta. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Hvar?

The waterfront town of Valletta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Hvar?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

Hvar 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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Hvar. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In July, Valletta is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Valletta is a little warmer than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Valletta during the winter 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 Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Hvar. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Hvar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Valletta is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Hvar. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Valletta