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

Should you visit Cannes 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 Cannes and Novalja can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, 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.

Cannes and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although Cannes and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Cannes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cannes is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja is known for its museums and nightlife. Cannes is more touristy than Novalja and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Novalja is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Cannes different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Novalja is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Cannes 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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is very popular for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit 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.

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Is Cannes or Novalja Better for Music?

Cannes is very popular for its live music scene. However, Novalja is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Novalja is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

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 Cannes or Novalja Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Cannes and Novalja are great choices for a beach vacation.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Novalja. 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 Cannes or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Cannes 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 Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Novalja?

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

The abundance of shops in Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Novalja Better for Families?

Cannes 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 Cannes. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

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 Cannes or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Novalja is a good resort city 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 Cannes or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

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

Both Cannes and Novalja offer good public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Novalja has some public transit options. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

Is Cannes or Novalja a more walkable city?

Cannes 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.

Cannes is a very walkable resort city. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable resort city. 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 Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Cannes or Novalja. In our opinion, Cannes has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cannes than Novalja. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Cannes or Novalja?

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cannes or Novalja?

In Cannes, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cannes has to offer.

Novalja is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cannes or Novalja?

Cannes is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cannes or Novalja?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the wild destination of Novalja. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Novalja?

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