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

Should you visit Ericeira or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ericeira and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ericeira or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

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 G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, 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 Ericeira?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ericeira is €100, 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 Ericeira and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ericeira 51
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ericeira 102
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Ericeira and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Ericeira 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 Ericeira


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.
    Ericeira 25
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira

Also for Ericeira, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer To or From Ericeira: $91
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ericeira: $91
  • Lisbon Airport Private Transfer: $80
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area: $75
  • Transfer Privado de/para Aeroporto de Lisboa para Ericeira: $47

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 Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Ericeira or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Ericeira 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
    Ericeira 25
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ericeira 26
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ericeira.

  • Custom-Tailored Immersive Photo Experiences: $48
  • Ericeira Private Tour: Hidden Gastronomic Gems with lunch: $106
  • Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $71
  • Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $385

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
    Ericeira 17
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Ericeira

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ericeira:

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines: $43
  • Private Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines & Snacks: $61


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ericeira and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Ericeira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ericeira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ericeira 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 Ericeira.

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



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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Ericeira are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Ericeira is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ericeira in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 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 Ericeira. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Ericeira gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ericeira usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ericeira gets 5 mm (0.2 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
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Ericeira during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ericeira is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 19°C (66°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Ericeira. In the autumn, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ericeira gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ericeira gets 80 mm (3.1 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
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ericeira and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Ericeira is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Ericeira averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Ericeira gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ericeira gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ericeira usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ericeira gets 110 mm (4.3 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
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Ericeira as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ericeira is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ericeira in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ericeira this time of the year. In the spring, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ericeira gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ericeira gets 64 mm (2.5 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
    Ericeira 16°C (60°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Ericeira

Ericeira Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)