A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Costa de Prata vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Costa de Prata or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Costa de Prata 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.

Where Should I go: Costa de Prata or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata is a region located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, an hour north of Lisbon. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and relaxed, welcoming, atmosphere. The area experiences gorgeous weather nearly all year round, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's Fahrenheit from May-September. June-August sees the warmest ocean temperatures, making these the best months for swimming. Even during their winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F, although ocean temperatures drop, making swimming a bit colder.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, 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 Costa de Prata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Costa de Prata is €151, 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 Costa de Prata and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Costa de Prata 78
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Costa de Prata 156
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Costa de Prata and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Costa de Prata 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 Costa de Prata


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.
    Costa de Prata 53
    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:

  • 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 Costa de Prata or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Costa de Prata 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
    Costa de Prata 44
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Costa de Prata 13
    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.

  • 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
    Costa de Prata 8.13
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Costa de Prata and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Costa de Prata is more expensive. And not only is Plitvice Lakes National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plitvice Lakes National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Costa de Prata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Costa de Prata than you might in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Costa de Prata 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 Costa de Prata or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Costa de Prata and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Costa de Prata is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Costa de Prata average around 23°C (73°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 Costa de Prata, it's very sunny this time of the year. Costa de Prata usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Costa de Prata gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Costa de Prata usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Costa de Prata gets 14 mm (0.6 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
    Costa de Prata 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Costa de Prata or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Costa de Prata as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Costa de Prata is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Costa de Prata averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Costa de Prata often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Costa de Prata gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Costa de Prata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Costa de Prata usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Costa de Prata gets 101 mm (4 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
    Costa de Prata 18°C (65°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Costa de Prata or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Costa de Prata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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, Costa de Prata is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Costa de Prata in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Costa de Prata usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Costa de Prata gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Costa de Prata. In January, Costa de Prata usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Costa de Prata gets 139 mm (5.5 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
    Costa de Prata 11°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Costa de Prata or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Costa de Prata during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Costa de Prata is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Costa de Prata average around 15°C (59°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Costa de Prata. In the spring, Costa de Prata often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Costa de Prata gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Costa de Prata usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Costa de Prata gets 92 mm (3.6 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
    Costa de Prata 15°C (59°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)