A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Hvar vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Backpackers, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hvar is famous for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes.

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

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

Hvar is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Hvar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hvar is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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

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

Hvar 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 Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

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

Is Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

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

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hvar. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Both Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park are superb to visit with kids.

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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.

Is Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Both Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

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 Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable island. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

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

How long in Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hvar than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Hvar, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

One day in Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Hvar is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the energetic destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The party-oriented island of Hvar offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The world-famous national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Croatia, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Croatia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hvar or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hvar as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hvar is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Hvar average around 26°C (80°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In the summer, Hvar often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hvar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Hvar usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hvar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hvar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Hvar is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hvar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. Hvar usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Hvar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hvar usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hvar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hvar during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. In the winter, Hvar is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hvar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Hvar often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hvar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Hvar usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hvar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.

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

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hvar usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Hvar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hvar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hvar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hvar