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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Palermo and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Palermo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palermo is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, and impressive beauty. Novalja is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Palermo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Novalja is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Palermo or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Palermo or Novalja Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palermo has a few good snorkeling spots. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Both Palermo and Novalja are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Novalja?

Palermo is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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 Palermo or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Novalja Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Novalja are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Novalja is a nice destination for couples. 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 Palermo or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is very popular for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Novalja Better for Students?

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

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Novalja is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Novalja a more walkable city?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is a very walkable city. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable 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 Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Palermo or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Novalja due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

One day in Palermo or Novalja?

In Palermo, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city 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, 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.

A weekend in Palermo or Novalja?

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

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.

Five days in Palermo or Novalja?

Palermo 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.

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.

A week in Palermo or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Palermo. 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Novalja?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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.