A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ventimiglia vs. Novalja for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Novalja?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Novalja

Novalja is a backpacker-filled, wild, and energetic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Ventimiglia and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ventimiglia. Although Ventimiglia and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Ventimiglia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ventimiglia is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Novalja is known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Novalja is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches. It is also home to The Friday Market.

How is Ventimiglia different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Novalja is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

Novalja offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a beach and party destination, not somewhere you go for museums or historical sights.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ventimiglia or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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 Ventimiglia or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

People head to Novalja just to party. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Ventimiglia or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a great destination for the beach. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Ventimiglia or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Novalja?

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

Ventimiglia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia or Novalja Better for Families?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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 Ventimiglia or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Novalja is a good seaside 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 Ventimiglia or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Novalja is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia and Novalja.

You'll find some public transit in Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Ventimiglia or Novalja a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable seaside town. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable seaside 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 Ventimiglia Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Novalja?

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

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

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

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

Ventimiglia is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This seaside town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the backpacker-filled town of Novalja. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Novalja?

Ventimiglia might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Ventimiglia has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Novalja?

Ventimiglia 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.

The wild town of Novalja offers nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. Since Ventimiglia is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Ventimiglia and Novalja, we can see that Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Novalja?

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