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

Should you visit Valletta or Positano?

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 Positano 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 waterfront, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Valletta and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Valletta and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Valletta attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Valletta has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Valletta and Positano.

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).

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Valletta has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Positano. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

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 Positano Better for its Old Town?

Both Valletta and Positano have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano 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 Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Positano?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Valletta and Positano.

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.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Positano are nice 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 Positano. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Positano are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Is Valletta or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Valletta and Positano.

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 Positano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Valletta or Positano a more walkable city?

Valletta and Positano are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

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.

Getting around Positano on foot is easy. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Positano?

Both Valletta and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Valletta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

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

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.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Positano?

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.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Positano?

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.

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, 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 Positano?

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.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Positano?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Positano, 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 Positano?

Positano 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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Positano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is a little warmer than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Positano. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Positano. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Valletta is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Positano. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Valletta usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Valletta usually receives less rain than Positano. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Valletta during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Valletta is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Positano. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Valletta