A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Piazza Armerina vs. Novalja for Backpackers, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

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.

Piazza Armerina and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Novalja than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Novalja is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Novalja is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Also, Novalja is famous for Zrce Beach. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

Piazza Armerina is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Piazza Armerina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

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 Piazza Armerina or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Piazza Armerina. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Piazza Armerina or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Novalja is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is notable for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

Novalja is not a good place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Novalja has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This isn't the place to go shopping for clothing or local items. You will find some beach and souvenir shops around town though.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Novalja Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Piazza Armerina or Novalja as a family destination.

Piazza Armerina is not the most family-friendly destination. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Novalja is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Piazza Armerina or Novalja Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina and Novalja both notable destinations for a couple.

Piazza Armerina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

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 Piazza Armerina or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

Both Piazza Armerina and Novalja offer notable public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

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

Is Piazza Armerina or Novalja a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable 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 Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find food and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The energetic destination of Novalja offers nightlife. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Piazza Armerina has to offer.

The town of Novalja offers nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

Piazza Armerina is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Piazza Armerina. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Piazza Armerina and Novalja, we can see that Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Novalja?

Piazza Armerina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina 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.