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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka, 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 beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Palma de Mallorca than Rijeka. Palma de Mallorca is bigger than Rijeka, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

Rijeka is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Palma de Mallorca is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Palma de Mallorca is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Rijeka is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca is very popular with diverse venues. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Palma de Mallorca. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palma de Mallorca. 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.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is renowned for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular vacation destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Palma de Mallorca offers a nice historic old town area. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Rijeka offers some nice shopping areas. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly island. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka are both notable 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.

Rijeka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka.

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 Rijeka, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka are notable 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.

Rijeka is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palma de Mallorca than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

Families should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Rijeka, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse town of Rijeka, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the slow-paced destination of Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the stunning destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island 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.

Rijeka is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka, 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.

When is the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Palma de Mallorca during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Palma de Mallorca