A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arachova vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and bustling town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Arachova has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arachova is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Arachova and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Arachova is popular for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also home to Mount Parnassus Ski Resort.

How is Arachova different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arachova. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova is very good for skiing. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a skiing destination.

Arachova is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Arachova is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arachova. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Arachova for the nightlife scene. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Arachova. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both places where visitors can find excellent hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Plitvice Lakes National Park is very family-friendly. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.


Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arachova is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Arachova
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot is easy. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Arachova Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arachova than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arachova than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Arachova.


  • How many days in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Arachova, you'll find museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Arachova is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The outdoorsy town of Arachova offers food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Arachova?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Arachova


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arachova 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
    Arachova 29
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arachova Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arachova during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Arachova is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the summer, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Arachova is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arachova in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arachova usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. In January, Arachova is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 10°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arachova for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Arachova is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arachova usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arachova

Arachova Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)