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

Should you visit Valletta or Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a traditional, understated, and classic seaside town. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Valletta and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Valletta or Ventimiglia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Ventimiglia are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Valletta is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Valletta different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Valletta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Valletta on the map. 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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Valletta is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Valletta or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Valletta is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Valletta or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a seaside town 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 Ventimiglia. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

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 Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Valletta is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Valletta is revered around 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Ventimiglia?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

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

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.

Ventimiglia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Valletta or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Both Valletta and Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.


Is Valletta or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Valletta is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Ventimiglia is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Valletta or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Valletta is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Valletta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Valletta
Ventimiglia

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

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 Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.


Is Valletta or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Valletta
Ventimiglia

Valletta is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Ventimiglia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Ventimiglia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Ventimiglia 1-2

One day in Valletta or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural town of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Valletta or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the waterfront destination of Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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


Five days in Valletta or Ventimiglia?

The charming town of Valletta offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia 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 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia is €121. 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 Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Ventimiglia? 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 Ventimiglia


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 Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Ventimiglia 49

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: $39
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $103
  • 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: $88
  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $151
  • 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 Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38

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: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $77
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $81
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $81
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $87
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $101
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ventimiglia.

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $76
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $87
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $95
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $142
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $223

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valletta 27
    Ventimiglia 27

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: $3.23
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • 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
  • City Nobles App Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional): $7.53
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour (Audio Guide): $7.53
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.64
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour, Map and Directions: $8.61
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.85

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

Here are a few actual costs in Ventimiglia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $77
  • Art studio tour in Italian sculpture gardens: $34
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo: $115
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $110
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $93
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $194

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Ventimiglia 7.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Ventimiglia?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Ventimiglia, 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 Ventimiglia?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is a little warmer than Ventimiglia in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

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

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Ventimiglia. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valletta 26°C (79°F) 
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

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

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

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

Ventimiglia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valletta 21°C (70°F) 
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

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

In January, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valletta 13°C (55°F) 
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia 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, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

Valletta is a little warmer than Ventimiglia in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valletta 16°C (61°F) 
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Valletta

Valletta Ventimiglia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


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