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

Should you visit Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Cinque Terre and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is well known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes.

Vernazza Harbor

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

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

Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cinque Terre The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

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

Is Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

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

Is Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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

Is Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Cinque Terre is adequate for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

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 Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre and Plitvice Lakes National Park are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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.

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

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

How long in Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cinque Terre than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this scenic national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Cinque Terre 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 fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

You'll find around the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cinque Terre or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

In the summer, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cinque Terre in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cinque Terre usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Cinque Terre is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre 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. Cinque Terre is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In January, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Cinque Terre during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cinque Terre in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Cinque Terre