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

Should you visit Hondarribia or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hondarribia and Plitvice Lakes National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, 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 Hondarribia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hondarribia is €132, 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 Hondarribia and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hondarribia 70
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hondarribia 140
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Hondarribia and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hondarribia 32
    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 Hondarribia or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hondarribia 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
    Hondarribia 41
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hondarribia 22
    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
    Hondarribia 18
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


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



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hondarribia and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hondarribia is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Hondarribia averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, 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 Hondarribia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hondarribia usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Hondarribia gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hondarribia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hondarribia gets 81 mm (3.2 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
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Hondarribia as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Hondarribia often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hondarribia gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hondarribia usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hondarribia gets 155 mm (6.1 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
    Hondarribia 16°C (60°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hondarribia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the cuisine.

The weather in Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold. In January, Hondarribia is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Hondarribia average around 8°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Hondarribia usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Hondarribia gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. In January, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hondarribia gets 183 mm (7.2 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
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hondarribia during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Hondarribia is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Hondarribia averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Hondarribia often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hondarribia gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. Hondarribia usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hondarribia gets 163 mm (6.4 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
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hondarribia

Hondarribia Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)