A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vigo vs. Novalja for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vigo 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 Vigo 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.

Where Should I go: Vigo or Novalja?

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

Novalja

Novalja is a Croatian town in the north of the island of Pag in the Adriatic Sea. Novalja is known internationally as party central because of the infamous party beach, Zrce, which boasts 4 clubs open around the clock. The pumping house/techno music and dance parties typically start at around 4 pm and continue well past 2 in the morning. During the summer, many well-known DJs and groups from around the world, including Benni Benassi, Jamie Jones, and Swanky Tunes, host concerts in these nightclubs. Zrce is not just for party-goers though. Many families lay out their towels for a day at the beautiful stone beach. This Novalja beach has cafe-bars and restaurants so you can easily grab a bite to eat or quick drink at your convenience. In addition to Zrce, Novalja offers tourists a number of other gorgeous beaches. Cista and Babe and both are perfect if you're looking for a calmer location. Both of these beaches have a lot less activity than Zrce, making for a relaxing afternoon, and their waters tend to be a bit warmer too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Novalja or Vigo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vigo is €99, while the average daily cost in Novalja is €58. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vigo and Novalja in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vigo 43
    Novalja 31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vigo 86
    Novalja 62
Compare Hotels in Vigo and Novalja

Looking for a hotel in Vigo or Novalja? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Vigo


Hotels in Novalja


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vigo Hotel Prices and Novalja Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vigo 37
    Novalja 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $43
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novalja

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novalja:

  • Private Transfer from Crikvenica to Rijeka Airport (RJK): $74
  • Zrce, Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Vigo or Novalja?

Prices for flights to both Novalja and Vigo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vigo 35
    Novalja 20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.

  • Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vigo 10
    Novalja 6.07

Tours and Activities in Vigo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:

  • GROUP walking tour in Vigo: $1.09
  • Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $1.09
  • Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
  • Tui Cathedral Guided Tour: $13
  • Abanca Balaídos Tour, RC Celta’s Stadium: $16
  • Ticket/Photo-Theme Park and Retro Gamer Activity in Vigo: $17
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $17
  • Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
  • Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $21

Tours and Activities in Novalja

Here are a few actual costs in Novalja for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bungee Tower Ticket with Zrce Beach Panoramic Views: $32
  • From Svetojanj Bike Tour: $47
  • Standup Paddleboard Guided Tour: $47
  • From Kolan Bike Tour: $47
  • From Metajna/Pag Bay Guided Sea Kayaking Tour: $49
  • Zrce Booze Cruise - Novalja Boat Party: $52
  • Glowing Standup Paddleboard Guided Night Tour: $58
  • Pag Island Light-Up Kayak Night Tour: $62
  • Kayak and Via Ferrata Adventure: $71
  • Zrce Beach Bungee Jumping Experience: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vigo 5.71
    Novalja 7.27


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


Which is Bigger, Vigo or Novalja?

Vigo has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Vigo 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.