Should You Visit Novalja?

Are you thinking about visiting Novalja, Croatia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Novalja worth visiting?

Novalja is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the town has to offer. Novalja is a town on the north side of Pag Island. The town is about 20 minutes from the famed Zrce Beach, which is world-renowned for its wild party scene. During the summer months young travelers flock to the area for its music festivals and crazy all night beach parties.

Novalja, Croatia Novalja, Croatia

Reasons to Visit Novalja

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.

Beaches
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.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Novalja might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Novalja here or see if Novalja is expensive here.




Things to Consider Before Visiting Novalja

Museums
Novalja isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. It's a beach and party destination, not somewhere you go for museums or historical sights.

Shopping
Novalja isn't exactly a shopper's destination. This isn't the place to go shopping for clothing or local items. You will find some beach and souvenir shops around town though.

Food: Novalja doesn't top the list for most foodies. 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.

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Novalja most famous for?

Novalja is most famous for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. The town is very popular for its nightlife. It's also known for beaches. It is often described as wild, energetic, and backpacker-filled.

What is the most famous sight in Novalja?

The most popular sight in Novalja is Zrce Beach. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Novalja on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Zrce Beach and other attractions here.

How touristy is Novalja? Is it a popular town to visit?

Novalja is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Glowing Standup Paddleboard Guided Night Tour: $58
  • From Metajna/Pag Bay Guided Sea Kayaking Tour: $49
  • Zrce Beach Bungee Jumping Experience: $74
  • Pag Island Light-Up Kayak Night Tour: $62
  • From Svetojanj Bike Tour: $47
  • Bungee Tower Ticket with Zrce Beach Panoramic Views: $32
  • Standup Paddleboard Guided Tour: $47
  • From Kolan Bike Tour: $47

How long should I spend in Novalja?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Novalja is two to four days. Since Novalja has a variety of activities such as nightlife, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Novalja?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Novalja?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Novalja?.