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

Should you visit Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Biarritz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Biarritz is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Biarritz and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also well known for Grande Plage.

How is Biarritz 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 Biarritz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Biarritz is adequate for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Biarritz specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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

Is Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Biarritz is great for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

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

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Biarritz is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park make for a great place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Couples visit Plitvice Lakes National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.


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

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Biarritz 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 Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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 Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Biarritz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

How long in Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.


  • How many days in Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Biarritz 3-7 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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 Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Biarritz, you'll find food and shopping. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

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 Biarritz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here.This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities. This seaside 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 The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, 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 Biarritz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Biarritz is €131, 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 Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Biarritz 74
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Biarritz 148
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Biarritz 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 Biarritz


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.


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Biarritz 39
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

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

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

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Biarritz 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
    Biarritz 34
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Biarritz 16
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Bayonne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $279
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $957
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $187
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • French Basque Country Coastline tour in a 70'sVW Van: $457
  • French Basque Country Private Day Tour in an 70's VW Combi: $599

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Biarritz 8.05
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Biarritz is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 20°C (68°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Biarritz is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Biarritz in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Biarritz usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 12°C (54°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Biarritz

Biarritz Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)