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

Should you visit Mamaia or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Mamaia 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.

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

Mamaia

The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.

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 Tours for Seniors to Romania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, 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 Mamaia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $64, 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 Mamaia and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mamaia $25
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mamaia $50
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Mamaia 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 Mamaia


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mamaia $27
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mamaia

Also for Mamaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $272
  • Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $251
  • Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $218
  • Private Transfer from Constanta to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $174

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 Mamaia or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mamaia 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
    Mamaia $22
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mamaia $13
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Mamaia

For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $86
  • One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $175
  • Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21

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
    Mamaia $12
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Mamaia

Also in Mamaia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Unveilling the Essence: Gabai Winery's Captivating Wine Tours: $44


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

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



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

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

In July, Mamaia is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 22°C (72°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 Mamaia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 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
    Mamaia 22°C (72°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Mamaia is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 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
    Mamaia 14°C (56°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mamaia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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. Mamaia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mamaia is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mamaia in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 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
    Mamaia 1°C (33°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mamaia during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Mamaia is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 10°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 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
    Mamaia 10°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mamaia

Mamaia Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 26 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)