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

Should you visit Ephesus 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 Ephesus 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.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a ancient, world-renowned, and fascinating archeological site. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ephesus travel costs.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. Many visitors also come to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking. See Plitvice Lakes National Park travel costs.

Ephesus and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Ephesus and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Ephesus attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Ephesus is famous for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also well known for the terraced chain of lakes.

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

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

Ephesus is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Ephesus from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ephesus 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 Ephesus. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

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 Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ephesus is adequate for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Ephesus doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

People don't go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the nightlife. There are some bars near the park, but that's not why most visitors come to the area.

Is Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for hiking. However, Ephesus is not a hiking destination.

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.

Ephesus is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ephesus. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park More Beautiful?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Even with the crowds, this is a spectacular destination and a highlight of any trip to Croatia.

Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Plitvice Lakes National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Ephesus is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Is Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park 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.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for backpackers.

Many 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.

Ephesus is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

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

Ephesus is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Ephesus can move around easily with public transportation. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

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 Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

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

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

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

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

How long in Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Ephesus. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Ephesus. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Ephesus 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.

One day in Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Ephesus is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer.

Five days in Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the world-renowned destination of Ephesus. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ephesus or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The fascinating archeological site of Ephesus offers museums 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 archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, 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 Ephesus and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Ephesus.

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

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ephesus for 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 July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 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 Ephesus