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

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, 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 Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is $133. 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 Izmir and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

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

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

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152


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

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



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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Izmir is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, 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, Izmir is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, 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, Izmir is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Izmir is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Izmir

Izmir Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)