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

Should you visit Verona or Novalja?

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

Should I visit Verona 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.

Verona

Verona is a beautiful, stunning, and romantic city. 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 energetic, backpacker-filled, and wild town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Verona and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Verona or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Verona than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Verona is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Verona is well known for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Also, Verona is famous for Juliet's House and Balcony. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Verona different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Verona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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 Verona or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Verona 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 Verona. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Verona or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a resort destination.

Is Verona or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a great town for the beache. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a beach destination.

Is Verona or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Verona 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 Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Verona or Novalja?

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

Verona offers some nice shopping areas. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

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 Verona or Novalja Better for Families?

Neither Verona nor Novalja are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Verona is not always the best place to visit. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Novalja is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Verona or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Verona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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 Verona or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Novalja is extremely popular 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.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Verona or Novalja Better for Students?

Verona is a popular place for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Verona is popular with students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Verona and Novalja both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Verona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. ATV operates buses through the city.

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

Is Verona or Novalja a more walkable city?

Verona 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.

Verona is a very walkable city. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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 Verona Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Verona?

How long in Verona or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Verona or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Novalja due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Verona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

One day in Verona or Novalja?

In Verona, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Verona or Novalja?

In Verona, 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 Verona has to offer.

Novalja is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Verona or Novalja?

Verona 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. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Verona or Novalja?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the backpacker-filled destination of Novalja. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours 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 Verona and Novalja, we can see that Verona 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona 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 Verona Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Verona or Novalja?

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