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

Should you visit Chania 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 Chania 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.

Chania

Chania is a picturesque, historic, and idyllic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Chania and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chania than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chania is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Chania is well known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. Also, Chania is famous for The Venetian Harbor.

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Chania specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chania is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chania 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 Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

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

Is Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Chania is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Chania is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Chania 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 Chania. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

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

Is Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Chania 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 Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

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

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great city 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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Plitvice Lakes National Park are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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

Chania 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 Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Chania 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.

Chania is very walkable. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

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

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

How long in Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chania than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

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

One day in Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Chania, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.

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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Chania is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the charming destination of Chania. 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.

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 Chania or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The historic city of Chania offers scuba diving and snorkeling 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 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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park than you might in Chania.

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

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, 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.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°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 Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Chania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. 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 October, Chania is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania 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. Chania is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chania is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Chania