A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Rijeka for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Rijeka? 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 historic, cultural, and vibrant vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antalya is very popular for its museums, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Antalya different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antalya is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Antalya is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Antalya is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Rijeka.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Rijeka is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Music?

Antalya is very good for its music scene. However, Rijeka is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Antalya is renowned for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Antalya is a perfect 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Antalya is renowned for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Antalya is a very popular vacation destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Rijeka?

Antalya is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Antalya is a world class destination for shoppers. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Rijeka.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Antalya is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Antalya is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antalya is a very popular vacation spot for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Antalya or Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Antalya is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Antalya or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Antalya and Rijeka are nice 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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Antalya or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Antalya than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Rijeka, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Rijeka?

Antalya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Rijeka, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rijeka has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Antalya. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Rijeka, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Rijeka?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Rijeka, 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 Antalya or Rijeka?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Rijeka. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Antalya is a little warmer than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Antalya is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antalya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Antalya is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Rijeka. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Antalya is a little warmer than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Antalya