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

Should you visit Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Calais and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • 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


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Calais than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Calais is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

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

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

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

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 Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Calais is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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

Is Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Calais is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

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

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular national park 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Calais 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 Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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 Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Calais
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

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


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

One day in Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Calais is a fun place to experience. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Calais. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The coastal city of Calais offers nightlife and food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Calais?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Calais is €139, 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 Calais and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calais 77
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calais 154
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Calais and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Calais 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 Calais


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: Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calais 47
    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 Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Calais 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
    Calais 35
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Calais 8.92
    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
    Calais 12
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


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



When is the best time to visit Calais 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 Calais or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Calais during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Calais is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Calais in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Calais. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 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
    Calais 17°C (63°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 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
    Calais 12°C (54°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Calais as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Calais 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. Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Calais is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Calais gets 46 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
    Calais 4°C (40°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Calais is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Calais in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Calais usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 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
    Calais 9°C (47°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Calais

Calais Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)