A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Novalja? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, 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.

Santiago de Compostela and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Novalja and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Santiago de Compostela are among the most recognizable in the world. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Novalja is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Santiago de Compostela has a world-famous historical area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Families?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santiago de Compostela and Novalja make for a notable place to visit.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Novalja is a good 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 Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is terrific for backpackers. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Novalja Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is popular with students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Novalja.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Novalja a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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 Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The town of Novalja offers nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.

The wild destination of Novalja offers nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Novalja is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. You'll find plenty of activities on 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle 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 Santiago de Compostela and Novalja, we can see that Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Novalja?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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.