Hostels in Novalja: Top Picks for Budget Travellers
Discover the top hostels in Novalja that offer comfortable accommodations and a vibrant atmosphere.
Moon Rocks Hostel impresses with its modern ambience, while Hostel Casa La Cha stands out for its friendly staff and stunning location.
Hostel Vagabundo offers a range of amenities, and Novalja Hostel creates a sense of community.
Hostel Zrće combines convenience and luxury. Learn about the different accommodation types, key amenities, and nearby attractions.
Find out tips for booking hostels in Novalja, including peak season information and online booking tips. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in this Croatian destination.
🥇 Top Hostels in Novalja
Moon Rocks Hostel
Moon Rocks offers a modern and trendy atmosphere, making it a favourite among those who stay.
The hostel provides spacious and clean dorms as well as private rooms, catering to both social and private preferences. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool (💯 score!) and the hostel’s close proximity to the beach, adding relaxation and convenience.
Overall, Moon Rocks Hostel is known for its contemporary ambience, comfortable accommodations, and excellent location. It is an ideal choice for travellers looking to meet new people, unwind by the pool, and enjoy the nearby beach in Novalja.
Hostel Casa La Cha
Hostel Casa La Cha in Novalja is a hidden gem (💎) situated alongside the breathtaking Lokunje beach.
The hostel stands out for its exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff, ensuring a pleasant and welcoming experience.
The level of cleanliness at the hostel is impeccable, guaranteeing a comfortable stay. With prices starting from just €35, choosing to stay at Casa La Cha is a decision you won’t regret.
Hostel Vagabundo
Hostel Vagabundo in Novalja is another exceptional option, conveniently located within a kilometre of Kolanjski Gajac Beach.
This hostel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace.
The accommodations provided feature comfortable and well-maintained rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay. The lush and tranquil surroundings add to the overall relaxation and vibe of the hostel.
Novalja Hostel
Novalja Hostel offers much more than just affordable and clean accommodations in a prime location. It serves as a hub for adventurous travellers, providing a vibrant and social atmosphere that fosters connections.
Whether you’re seeking recommendations for the best local attractions or looking to join fellow guests on exciting day trips, the friendly staff at Novalja Hostel are always ready to help.
The hostel’s communal spaces, such as common lounges and shared kitchens, further encourage interaction among guests, creating a sense of community.
With its unbeatable combination of affordability, cleanliness, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere, Novalja Hostel is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travellers looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Novalja while exploring all that the destination has to offer.
Hostel Zrće
Hostel Zrće is located just 2 km from the renowned Zrće Beach (ah, Zrce!🙌) and 1.5 km from the centre of town.
Its convenient position opposite Novalja’s main bus and coach stations ensures easy accessibility. The hostel offers an impressive range of amenities too!
The stunning swimming pool provides a refreshing oasis to cool off and relax during sunny days, while the on-site restaurant offers delicious meals.
The free WiFi and private parking add to the convenience and value of staying at this exceptional hostel. Without a doubt, Hostel Zrće stands out as one of the finest accommodations in town, offering a perfect blend of convenience, luxury, and excellent services.
🏷️ Accommodation Types and Prices
Dorms
Many of the hostels offer a range of dorm sizes at varying prices. For example, Hostel Vagabundo has dorms with 4 to 12 beds, and their prices start from $11 per night.
Staying in a dorm lets you meet like-minded travellers and share travel experiences. Most dorms are equipped with lockers for storing personal belongings, making it easy and secure for everyone.
Private Rooms
For those who prefer a bit more privacy, there are private rooms available in Novalja hostels as well. While they are generally more expensive than dorms, they offer more comfort and personal space. Private room prices can start as low as $23 per night.
In comparison to hotels, private rooms in hostels are definitely more affordable while still providing clean and friendly environments. One hostel that caught my attention during my stay in Novalja was Hostel Casa La Cha. Their 3-star private rooms come with city views and access to a garden and shared lounge area.
🏊 Amenities and Facilities
The hostels in Novalja are comfortable and well-equipped with all the basic facilities that a traveller might need. Let me tell you about some of the key amenities and facilities.
Free Wi-Fi
Everyone needs interwebs! Most hostels in Novalja provide free Wi-Fi allowing you to stay connected and share travel updates on social media and get some work done when needed.
Air Conditioning
Novalja can get quite hot during the summer months, but thankfully, the hostels are equipped with air conditioning. This makes your stay much more comfortable, especially in dorms with bunks where heat can sometimes get trapped.
Garden and Terrace
Many hostels in Novalja, such as Vagabundo, have beautiful gardens and terrace areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views with enough space for unwinding in the evenings in the garden after a day spent exploring Zrće Beach or attending local festivals.
Swimming Pool
Some hostels, like Moon Rocks Hostel, even have an on-site swimming pool. This is an added bonus if you get one as a way to cool off and mingle with other guests without leaving the hostel premises.
Parking
For those travelling by car, most hostels in Novalja provide parking options. Several establishments offer free private parking, while others have free parking facilities nearby. This is really convenient if you have rented a car to explore the nearby areas like Straško, Caska, and Gajac.
24-Hour Front Desk
A 24-hour front desk is another great feature of the hostels I stayed at in Novalja. The friendly and helpful staff were always available to assist with any inquiries, provide recommendations on local attractions, and help with navigating the town’s promenade, bars, and restaurants.
Shared Lounge and Barbecue
Hostels in Novalja encourage a social atmosphere, particularly in the shared lounge areas. Some also have barbecue facilities, which are perfect for grilling up a meal and enjoying the company of new friends.
These amenities and facilities will make your stay in Novalja enjoyable and comfortable, and feel more at home even while travelling.
📌 Location and Nearby Attractions
Zrće Beach and Bars
Plenty of tourists visit Novalja mainly for its famous Zrće Beach, known for its incredible party atmosphere and music festivals. The beach is full of lively bars and clubs where you can dance the night away with people from all around the world. You can even enjoy some adrenaline-pumping watersports during the day.
There are also plenty of music festivals like Hideout and Sonus during the summer. Staying in Novalja is convenient as a base if you attend these epic parties.
Gajac Village
Another interesting place nearby is Gajac Village, located only a short distance from Zrće Beach. It’s a tranquil area surrounded by lush nature, giving you an opportunity to recharge those batteries after a wild night of partying.
Caska Promenade
When exploring Novalja, I definitely recommend the beautiful Caska Promenade. The seaside walkway has stunning views of the coastline and Croatian landscape. You’ll also find great restaurants and cafes along the way, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and watching the sunset.
Lun Olive Gardens
On the northern tip of the island, there are the Lun Olive Gardens. These ancient groves are a unique and serene experience, with some trees dating back thousands of years! There are guided tours that tell you about the history of olive cultivation in the area.
📅 Booking and Availability
When searching for hostels in Novalja, there are a few things to consider about booking and availability. In this section, I’ll share some tips and information about peak season, as well as online booking.
Peak Season Info
July is one of the busiest months to visit Novalja, so expect to find the majority of hostels fully booked during this time. Since it’s peak season, prices tend to be higher as well.
For example, I found that a 3-star hostel might cost around $121 per night in July. If you’re on a tight budget or want to avoid the crowds, consider travelling during a different month.
Online Booking Tips
My first tip for booking hostels in Novalja is to try and book your stay on a Wednesday. I realised that hostel prices vary depending on the day of the week, and Wednesdays tend to have the best deals. On the other hand, Thursdays are usually the most expensive days for hostel bookings.
Make sure to book your hostel well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season. The best prices and availability can be found if you book more than 90 days before your stay.
This way, you’ll not only save some money but also have a better chance of getting the room type and hostel that suits your preferences.
When searching, pay attention to the reviews and ratings. I found Hostelworld to be a great resource for comparing hostels based on customer experiences.
Don’t forget to also check the hostel’s website or social media for photos and additional information. This way, you can ensure a pleasant stay in Novalja.
So, when it comes to booking hostels in Novalja, remember to consider the peak season, search for the best deals on Wednesdays, and book well in advance. Happy travels!
