A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chamonix-Mont-Blanc vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Novalja. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a epic, majestic, and world-class mountain town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

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. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Novalja is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Novalja and is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

Mont Blanc

How is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for winter skiing. However, Novalja is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc should be on your list. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Novalja is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

Novalja is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Novalja is a must-see party destination. 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.

The people in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc know how to have a good time. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its resorts. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great choice. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski 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.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Novalja for it's beautiful 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

Novalja is not a good area for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very kid-friendly mountain town. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Novalja is a good mountain 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Novalja is extremely popular 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very popular mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its public transit. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja a more walkable city?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable mountain town. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable mountain 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

How long in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Novalja, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find skiing and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit Novalja for a weekend. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The beautiful destination of Novalja offers nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One week 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.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Novalja, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Novalja?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.