A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arles vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Arles or Novalja?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Arles and Novalja can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Arles and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arles. Although Arles and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Arles has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arles is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Novalja is more touristy than Arles and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Arles different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is very popular for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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 Arles or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arles 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 Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Arles or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Arles is not a resort destination.

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.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Arles or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is well known for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Arles is very popular for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Arles has a world-famous historical area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Novalja?

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

Arles offers some nice shopping areas. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

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 Arles or Novalja Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Arles or Novalja as a family destination.

Arles doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

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 Arles or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Novalja is a good 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 Arles or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Novalja is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Arles and Novalja.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of 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 Arles or Novalja a more walkable city?

Arles is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Arles is a very walkable town. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Arles Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Arles?

How long in Arles or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Arles or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Novalja due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arles, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

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

One day in Arles or Novalja?

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

In Novalja, many people enjoy the nightlife that this backpacker-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Arles or Novalja?

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Novalja?

Arles is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Novalja is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. Lots of people come for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife around the wild destination of Novalja. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, 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 Arles and Novalja, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Novalja?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Arles 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.