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

Should you visit Kotor 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 Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

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

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

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kotor is adequate for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

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

Is Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

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

Is Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Kotor is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kotor offers plenty to see. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

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.

Is Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Both Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great coastal town 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.

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

Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is mostly 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 Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kotor than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Kotor, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

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

One day in Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kotor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Kotor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Kotor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Kotor is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Kotor averages around 26°C (80°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 Kotor. In the summer, Kotor often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kotor gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Kotor usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kotor gets 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kotor and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kotor is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kotor in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kotor usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Kotor gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kotor usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kotor gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Kotor as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine. 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. In January, Kotor is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Kotor average around 6°C (42°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Kotor often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kotor gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kotor usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kotor gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Kotor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Kotor is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Kotor averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Kotor usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Kotor gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. In April, Kotor usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kotor gets 154 mm (6.1 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 Kotor