A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mont-Saint-Michel vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Mont-Saint-Michel and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes


Is there more to do in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Mont-Saint-Michel and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular for its hiking, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, food, and nightlife. Mont-Saint-Michel is famous for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also well known for the terraced chain of lakes.

How is Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mont-Saint-Michel is mediocre for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

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

Is Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.


Is Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very kid-friendly 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.


Is Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Mont-Saint-Michel?

How long in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, Mont-Saint-Michel has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Plitvice Lakes National Park. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.


  • How many days in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums and food. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.


A weekend in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 spectacular national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and food around the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The inspiring island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises in France, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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: Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

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 Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215

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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mont-Saint-Michel and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mont-Saint-Michel during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In July, Mont-Saint-Michel is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Mont-Saint-Michel average around 19°C (65°F), 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. In the summer, Mont-Saint-Michel often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Mont-Saint-Michel usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 39 mm (1.5 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Mont-Saint-Michel is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mont-Saint-Michel averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Mont-Saint-Michel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mont-Saint-Michel usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 62 mm (2.4 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mont-Saint-Michel as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 the winter, Mont-Saint-Michel is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mont-Saint-Michel in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Mont-Saint-Michel often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Mont-Saint-Michel usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 63 mm (2.5 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Mont-Saint-Michel or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Mont-Saint-Michel is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Mont-Saint-Michel average around 10°C (50°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Mont-Saint-Michel usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mont-Saint-Michel usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mont-Saint-Michel gets 44 mm (1.7 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)