A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Pamplona for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Valletta or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona 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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Valletta and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Pamplona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona. Although Valletta and Pamplona are both popular with visitors, Pamplona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pamplona is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Valletta is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Valletta or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

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

Pamplona has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Valletta. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is terrific for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Valletta or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Pamplona?

Valletta is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Valletta or Pamplona Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Pamplona are good to visit with kids.

Valletta is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pamplona. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Valletta or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Valletta is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Pamplona is a good town for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Valletta or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Is Valletta or Pamplona Better for Students?

Pamplona is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Pamplona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Valletta or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Valletta is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

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 city of Pamplona offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valletta or Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 city 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Pamplona. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona 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, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Pamplona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

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

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Valletta