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

Should you visit Porto or Novalja?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Novalja can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. 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 nightlife.

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.

Porto and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Novalja?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Novalja are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Novalja attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Novalja is famous for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Porto different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is very popular for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Porto or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

Novalja has a few resort options worth checking out. 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.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Porto or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a great town for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Porto 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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Novalja?

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

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

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 Porto or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Novalja is a good port city 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 Porto or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Porto and Novalja are world-class places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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.

Is Porto or Novalja Better for Students?

Porto is a great destination for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

While Novalja offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

Is Porto or Novalja a more walkable city?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable port 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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Porto?

How long in Porto or Novalja?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto 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 Porto.

One day in Porto or Novalja?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Novalja, many people enjoy the nightlife that this energetic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Porto or Novalja?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Novalja?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Novalja is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. Lots of people come for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

You'll find nightlife around the wild destination of Novalja. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, 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 Porto and Novalja, we can see that Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Novalja?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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.