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

Should you visit Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Lake Garda and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Lake Garda and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Lake Garda has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lake Garda is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Lake Garda is famous for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also well known for Sirmione.

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

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

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

Lake Garda is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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 Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Lake Garda is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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

Is Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

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

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Lake Garda and Plitvice Lakes National Park both have great trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 the Shopping Better in Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Lake Garda is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very kid-friendly lake. 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 Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lake Garda and Plitvice Lakes National Park make for a great place to visit.

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Couples visit Plitvice Lakes National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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

Lake Garda is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Lake Garda can move around easily with public transportation. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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 Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

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

How long in Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

One day in Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Lake Garda, you'll find food and shopping. 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.

With around the world-famous national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Plitvice Lakes National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With around the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Lake Garda. 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, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Lake Garda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The energetic lake of Lake Garda offers nightlife and food. 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 lake offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, 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 Lake Garda and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Plitvice Lakes National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plitvice Lakes National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lake Garda is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 24°C (75°F), 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 Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lake Garda usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Lake Garda gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake Garda usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Lake Garda is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lake Garda averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Lake Garda often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lake Garda gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lake Garda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lake Garda is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lake Garda in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Lake Garda usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Lake Garda gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lake Garda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lake Garda during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Lake Garda is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 13°C (55°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lake Garda often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lake Garda gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lake Garda