A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Sibenik vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Sibenik 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 Sibenik 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.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a authentic, local, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

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.

Sibenik and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sibenik or Novalja?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sibenik. Although Sibenik and Novalja are popular destinations, Sibenik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sibenik is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Novalja attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Novalja is more touristy than Sibenik and is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Sibenik is famous for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty. It is also well known for Krka National Park.

How is Sibenik different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Sibenik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

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 Sibenik or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sibenik 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 Sibenik. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

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 Sibenik or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Novalja is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Sibenik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Sibenik or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Sibenik is a popular place for its resorts. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

With a selection of resorts, Sibenik makes a nice vacation spot. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

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 Sibenik or Novalja Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sibenik is a town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sibenik has a few snorkeling spots. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Novalja is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sibenik or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Sibenik and Novalja both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Sibenik for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

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.

Is Sibenik or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Sibenik 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 Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sibenik or Novalja?

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

Sibenik offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

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 Sibenik or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Sibenik is a very kid-friendly town. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

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 Sibenik or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Sibenik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

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 Sibenik or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sibenik 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.

Sibenik is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Sibenik and Novalja.

Sibenik has some public transit options. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

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 Sibenik or Novalja a more walkable city?

Sibenik is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Sibenik on foot is easy. The old town is car-free and easily explored 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 Sibenik Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Sibenik?

How long in Sibenik or Novalja?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sibenik or Novalja?

In Sibenik, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sibenik or Novalja?

In Sibenik, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Sibenik has to offer.

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Novalja has to offer.

Five days in Sibenik or Novalja?

Sibenik is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Sibenik or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sibenik. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sibenik. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sibenik and Novalja, we can see that Sibenik 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 Sibenik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sibenik 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 Sibenik Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sibenik or Novalja?

Sibenik has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Sibenik 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.