A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Albufeira or Novalja?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Albufeira or Novalja? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a popular, activity-filled, and high energy resort town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Novalja

Novalja is a energetic, backpacker-filled, and wild town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Albufeira and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albufeira than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albufeira is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Novalja is more popular for its museums. Albufeira is more touristy than Novalja and is known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Also, Albufeira is famous for Praia da Falesia. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Albufeira different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Novalja and Albufeira. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Albufeira or Novalja?

Novalja is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Novalja offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a beach and party destination, not somewhere you go for museums or historical sights.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Albufeira or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Albufeira is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albufeira. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.

Novalja may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a lot of places to grab a quick bite to eat or a cheap meal around town. There are pizzerias, fast food, and some nicer bistros to choose from.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Albufeira or Novalja has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Albufeira just to party. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.

The nightlife in Novalja is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is a party island, and you'll find most of the action around Zrce Beach, which is about a 20 minute drive from town. The party scene appeals to the young, backpacker crowd and there's live music, DJs, and parties that last well into the morning. Zrce Beach has a huge number of bars and clubs including three clubs that are listed on the Top 100 DJ's Magazine Best Clubs List.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is very popular for its resorts. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Albufeira is a great choice. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, you'll find a wide selection of hotels to choose from. Party-goers will want to stay near the Strip while families will prefer the old town or resorts in Olhos de Agua.

You might not think of Novalja as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Most of the accommodation is in the form of apartments or hostels. There are also some hotels on the island, but because the number is limited they can be quite expensive.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Albufeira. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.

Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is very popular for the beache. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Albufeira. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.

Novalja is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find a mix of beaches near town including hidden gems that feel remote and undiscovered as well as wild party beaches like the famed Zrce Beach. Many beaches are pebbly or have coarse sand with turquoise blue waters.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Albufeira is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Albufeira is a good destination for hiking. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Albufeira or Novalja?

Albufeira is a resort town with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Albufeira has some nice offerings. You'll find most of the shops are geared toward souvenirs or beach items, particularly near the beach and marina. If you look hard you might find some nice ceramics or items made of cork.

Shopping in Novalja can be found for those interested. This isn't the place to go shopping for clothing or local items. You will find some beach and souvenir shops around town though.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Families?

Albufeira is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albufeira. Despite it's reputation as a party-hard city, there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities in the area. Because it's the largest resort town in the Algarve, it also has the most activities to choose from, including theme parks, water parks, dolphin watching, ropes courses, go karting, and more. The best area's for families are in the old town or the most of the family-friendly resorts outside of town. Families should avoid staying near "the Strip."

For families, Novalja is not always the best place to visit. While there are family-friendly places to visit like some beaches and waterparks, at its heart this is a party destination that is known for its wild parties and crazy crowds.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Couples?

Albufeira is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Albufeira makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. For an active honeymoon or couple's retreat, this resort town has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway.

Novalja is a good resort town for couples to visit. Stunning beaches, blue waters, and surreal landscapes make this a one-of-a-kind place to visit. But romance isn't on most people's minds, as this is first and foremost a party destination.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira and Novalja are first-rate places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Albufeira. If you're looking for a party, then you found it. The area is a top pick for European holidays, so you'll find plenty of energy and activities around town. There are also golden beaches and a decent selection of hostels to choose from.

A large number of backpackers visit Novalja, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. Famous for its wild parties that attract backpackers and young travelers, this island destination has become a hotspot for backpackers and party-goers. There are hostels around town that offer a cheap place to crash.

Is Albufeira or Novalja Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Novalja is a popular place for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Novalja, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albufeira. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.

Is Albufeira or Novalja a more walkable city?

Novalja is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable place. In town, you can reach most places on foot, but if you want to explore further you'll need to find another way to get around.

Albufeira is generally not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.

For even more information, also check out Is Albufeira Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Albufeira or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albufeira due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albufeira than Novalja 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 Albufeira.

One day in Albufeira or Novalja?

In Albufeira, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife around the town of Novalja. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Novalja?

In Albufeira, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife around the backpacker-filled destination of Novalja. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Novalja?

Albufeira is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albufeira has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the energetic town of Novalja. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Albufeira or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albufeira. In Albufeira, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Novalja is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Novalja, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Novalja much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novalja would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novalja 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira than you might in Novalja.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Albufeira Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Novalja?

Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Novalja, 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.