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

Should you visit Antalya or Novalja?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Novalja

Novalja is a backpacker-filled, wild, and energetic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Antalya and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Antalya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antalya is more popular for its museums, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Novalja is known for its nightlife. Antalya is more touristy than Novalja and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Novalja is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Antalya different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Novalja. It's a beach and party destination, not somewhere you go for museums or historical sights.

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

Antalya 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 Antalya. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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 Antalya or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Novalja has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Antalya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Is Antalya or Novalja Better for Music?

Antalya is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Novalja is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Antalya is active and vibrant. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Novalja is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Antalya is a great choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

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 Antalya or Novalja Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Antalya has a few good snorkeling spots. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Antalya 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 Antalya. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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 Antalya or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is a great destination for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Novalja?

Antalya is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antalya make it a world-class shopping destination. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

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 Antalya or Novalja Better for Families?

Antalya is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Antalya is a very kid-friendly vacation spot. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Novalja Better for Couples?

Antalya is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Novalja is a good vacation spot 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 Antalya or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Novalja, as it is a very popular 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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

Antalya is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Antalya has some very good public transit options. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

While Novalja offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

Is Antalya or Novalja a more walkable city?

Antalya and Novalja are good when it comes to walkability.

Antalya is a somewhat walkable vacation spot. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

Novalja is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Antalya or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Antalya due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Novalja?

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

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Novalja?

In Antalya, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer.

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Novalja has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Novalja?

Antalya 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 Antalya has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Novalja is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antalya. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, 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 Antalya and Novalja, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Novalja?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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.