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

Should you visit Valletta or Volterra?

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 Volterra 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.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Valletta and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Volterra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Volterra is more popular for its small town charm. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Valletta different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Volterra 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.

Many visitors head to Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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

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

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 Volterra, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

Is Valletta or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Valletta or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

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.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Both Valletta and Volterra have terrific 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 Volterra is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Volterra?

Valletta is well known for shopping. Also, Volterra 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 Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Valletta or Volterra Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Volterra are notable 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 Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Valletta or Volterra Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Volterra are terrific 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.

Volterra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Is Valletta or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

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

Valletta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Valletta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Valletta or Volterra a more walkable city?

Valletta and Volterra are terrific 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 Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Volterra?

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

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Volterra. 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 Volterra. 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 Volterra 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

A weekend in Valletta or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Volterra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Volterra, 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 Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Volterra?

Volterra has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

Volterra 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 Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra 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. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Volterra averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Volterra in the Autumn?

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

In October, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Volterra. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Volterra in the Winter?

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

Valletta is much warmer than Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Volterra in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Volterra averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Volterra. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Valletta