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

Should you visit Bellagio or Novalja?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bellagio and Novalja 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.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a beautiful, impressive, and glamorous town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and shopping.

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.

Bellagio and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bellagio or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Novalja than Bellagio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Novalja is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Bellagio is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm. Bellagio is more touristy than Novalja and is known for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Also, Novalja is famous for Zrce Beach.

How is Bellagio different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bellagio
Novalja

Bellagio is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Bellagio offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town's atmosphere and views are what attract the tourists, but if you're looking for historical sights, check out the Basilica of San Giacomo.

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 Bellagio or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bellagio
Novalja

Bellagio 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 Bellagio. You'll find many fine dining restaurants that offer a luxurious atmosphere and well crafted dishes. There are also Michelin starred restaurants in town which offer a unique, world-class experience.

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 Bellagio or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Bellagio
Novalja

Novalja is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Bellagio doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town is filled with opulence and luxury, and the nightlife is no exception. Sip cocktails and fine wine while you listen to music or take in the atmosphere.

Is Bellagio or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Bellagio
Novalja

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

Not known for its high-end resorts, Novalja offers a few options. 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.

Bellagio is not a resort destination.


Is Bellagio or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Bellagio
Novalja

Novalja is a great destination for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Novalja attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bellagio or Novalja?

Bellagio
Novalja

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

Bellagio offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find traditional shops mixed in with modern stores. There are high end brands and more local specialty markets that are fun to peruse.

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 Bellagio or Novalja Better for Families?

Bellagio
Novalja

Bellagio 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 Bellagio. The town has a playground, a small train, and a Museum of Navigational Instruments that kids may enjoy. There's also a beach where everyone can take a swim.

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 Bellagio or Novalja Better for Couples?

Bellagio
Novalja

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

Couples visit Bellagio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The town is a favorite on Lake Como, and couples will appreciate its charming atmosphere and beautiful lake front setting. In a few hours you can soak up the character and magic or this beautiful area.

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 Bellagio or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bellagio
Novalja

Novalja is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Novalja. 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.

Bellagio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people visit the town as a day trip, as it can easily be explored in a few hours. Backpackers who don't want to pay the high hotel prices can still enjoy the setting without staying the night.

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

Bellagio
Novalja

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

You'll find some public transit in Bellagio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.

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 Bellagio or Novalja a more walkable city?

Bellagio
Novalja

Bellagio is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Bellagio on foot is easy. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored on foot.

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 Bellagio Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Bellagio?

How long in Bellagio or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Bellagio 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 Bellagio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bellagio or Novalja? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bellagio 1-2 
    Novalja 2-4

One day in Bellagio or Novalja?

Bellagio is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

The beautiful town of Novalja offers nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bellagio or Novalja?

Bellagio might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Bellagio has to offer.

Novalja 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Novalja, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Bellagio or Novalja?

Bellagio 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.

Novalja is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Bellagio or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bellagio. Since Bellagio is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Novalja is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 G Adventures Tours to Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Novalja or Bellagio?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bellagio is €222, while the average daily cost in Novalja is €58. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bellagio and Novalja in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bellagio 166
    Novalja 31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bellagio 332
    Novalja 62
Compare Hotels in Bellagio and Novalja

Looking for a hotel in Bellagio or Novalja? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bellagio


Hotels in Novalja


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bellagio Hotel Prices and Novalja Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bellagio 9.02
    Novalja 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

  • From Bellagio : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $382
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $351

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novalja

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novalja:

  • Private Transfer from Crikvenica to Rijeka Airport (RJK): $74
  • Zrce, Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Bellagio or Novalja?

Prices for flights to both Novalja and Bellagio change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bellagio 46
    Novalja 20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bellagio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bellagio.

  • Como Lake: cooking class Italian style in Bellagio: $191
  • Bellagio Food Tour + Villa Melzi: $209
  • Cooking Class with Lunch with the chef: $534

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bellagio -
    Novalja 6.07

Tours and Activities in Bellagio

Here are a few actual costs in Bellagio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shared Boat Tour from Bellagio: $43
  • Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries: $71
  • Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries: $78
  • Lake Como: Small-Group Kayak Tour: $93
  • From Milan: Como & Bellagio Guided Tour & Lake Como Cruise: $106
  • Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour with Prosecco: $118
  • Lake Como: Golden Hour Guided Kayak Tour: $123
  • From Milan: Bellagio & Lake Como Small Group Tour: $127
  • Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como: $187
  • Bellagio Walking Tour + Lunch + Villa Balbianello: $315
  • Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour From Bellagio: $428

Tours and Activities in Novalja

Here are a few actual costs in Novalja for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bungee Tower Ticket with Zrce Beach Panoramic Views: $32
  • From Svetojanj Bike Tour: $47
  • Standup Paddleboard Guided Tour: $47
  • From Kolan Bike Tour: $47
  • From Metajna/Pag Bay Guided Sea Kayaking Tour: $49
  • Zrce Booze Cruise - Novalja Boat Party: $52
  • Glowing Standup Paddleboard Guided Night Tour: $58
  • Pag Island Light-Up Kayak Night Tour: $62
  • Kayak and Via Ferrata Adventure: $71
  • Zrce Beach Bungee Jumping Experience: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bellagio 19
    Novalja 7.27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bellagio and Novalja, we can see that Bellagio 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 Bellagio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bellagio 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 Bellagio Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bellagio or Novalja?

Bellagio has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Bellagio 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.