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

Should you visit Paros 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 Paros 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.

Paros

Paros is a historical, diverse, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Paros and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Paros has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paros is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Paros and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Paros is famous for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also well known for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani.

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

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

Paros is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Paros specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Paros 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.

Paros has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

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 Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Paros for the nightlife scene. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

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

Is Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Paros. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Paros is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Paros. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

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

Is Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Paros is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Paros is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Paros is a good destination for hiking. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Paros is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Paros. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Both Paros and Plitvice Lakes National Park are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Paros is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known to be 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.

Is Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Paros 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, Paros has plenty to offer. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

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

Paros and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Paros. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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

Paros 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 Paros can move around easily with public transportation. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

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 Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Paros 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.

Paros is a somewhat walkable island. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

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

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

How long in Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paros than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

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

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

One day in Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Paros, you'll find museums and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Paros is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Paros, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

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 Paros or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The stunning island of Paros offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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 Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Paros and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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