A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Novalja vs. Korcula for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Novalja or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Novalja or Korcula? 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.

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.

Korcula

Korcula is a scenic, laid back, and historic island. 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 food.

Novalja and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Novalja or Korcula?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Korcula than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Korcula is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Korcula is well known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. Also, Korcula is famous for St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Novalja different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Korcula offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

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 Novalja or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Korcula 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 Korcula. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

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 Novalja or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Novalja is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Novalja or Korcula Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Korcula 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.

Korcula is not a resort destination.

Is Novalja or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Korcula has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Novalja or Korcula Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Novalja and Korcula are excellent choices.

Novalja is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Korcula is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

Is Novalja or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Korcula 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 Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is Novalja or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Korcula. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Novalja or Korcula?

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

Korcula offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

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 Novalja or Korcula Better for Families?

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

Korcula is a very kid-friendly island. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

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 Novalja or Korcula Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Korcula frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

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 Novalja or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is renowned for backpackers. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Korcula. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Novalja or Korcula Better for Students?

Korcula is a popular place for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Korcula is popular with students. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Novalja, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

While Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Novalja or Korcula a more walkable city?

Novalja and Korcula both are notable when exploring on foot.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable town. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

For even more information, also check out Is Novalja Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Novalja?

How long in Novalja or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Novalja and Korcula. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Novalja than in Korcula. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Novalja, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

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

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

One day in Novalja or Korcula?

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Korcula, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Novalja or Korcula?

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Novalja has to offer.

In Korcula, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Korcula has to offer.

Five days in Novalja or Korcula?

Novalja is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Korcula is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Novalja or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Korcula. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Korcula. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Novalja or Korcula?

Korcula has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Novalja and Korcula, 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.