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

Should you visit Villach or Novalja?

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

Should I visit Villach 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.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Villach and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Villach. Although Villach and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Villach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Villach is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Novalja is more touristy than Villach and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Villach is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. It is also home to The Villach Main Square.

How is Villach different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Villach is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Villach offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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 Villach or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Villach and Novalja.

Villach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Novalja offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Villach or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Villach or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a resort destination.

Is Villach or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is notable for the beach. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a beach destination.

Is Villach or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Villach is a popular place for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Villach to see the old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is Villach or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Villach is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Novalja?

Villach is a town with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Villach has some nice offerings. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

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 Villach or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Villach is a very kid-friendly town. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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 Villach or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Villach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

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 Villach or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is terrific for backpackers. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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

Novalja is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Novalja a more walkable city?

Novalja is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Villach Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Villach?

How long in Villach or Novalja?

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

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

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

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

In Villach, you'll find nightlife and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Villach or Novalja?

In Villach, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Villach 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 Villach or Novalja?

Villach is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Villach or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Villach and Novalja, we can see that Villach 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 Villach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Villach 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 Villach Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Villach or Novalja?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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.