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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Novalja, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Novalja

Novalja is a wild, energetic, and backpacker-filled town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Palma de Mallorca and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Novalja are popular destinations, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Novalja attracts visitors for its museums. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Novalja and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Novalja is famous for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

Novalja is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Novalja have fantastic vibes after the sun sets.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Novalja is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Novalja is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its resorts. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace 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 Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for the beache. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Novalja is a very popular place to visit for its 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 Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

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

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Novalja are both nice to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Novalja makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Novalja.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Novalja a more walkable city?

Palma de Mallorca and Novalja are nice when it comes to walkability.

Palma de Mallorca is somewhat walkable. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Palma de Mallorca or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

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

With nightlife around the destination of Novalja, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife around the wild town of Novalja, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Novalja. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

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

Novalja is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Novalja, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Novalja?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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.