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

Should you visit San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit San Remo 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.

San Remo

San Remo is a beautiful, scenic, and authentic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

San Remo and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and San Remo have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. San Remo is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

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

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

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

San Remo 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 San Remo. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

San Remo is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities San Remo has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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

Is San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

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

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

San Remo is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

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


Is San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

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.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have 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.


Is San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

San Remo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

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

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

San Remo 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 San Remo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around town.

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 San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

San Remo
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

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

How long in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, San Remo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Remo 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 San Remo than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Remo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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


  • How many days in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Remo 1-2 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In San Remo, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

San Remo 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. 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, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of San Remo. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The authentic coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. 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 national park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, 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 San Remo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Remo is €152, 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 San Remo and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Remo 80
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Remo 160
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in San Remo and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in San Remo 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 San Remo


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: San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Remo 46
    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:

  • 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 San Remo or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and San Remo 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
    San Remo 44
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Remo 23
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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
    San Remo 14
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


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



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

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

In the summer, San Remo is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Remo in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Remo usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 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
    San Remo 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

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

In October, San Remo is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Remo usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 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
    San Remo 17°C (63°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for 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. San Remo is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Remo usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 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
    San Remo 9°C (48°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

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

In the spring, San Remo is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Remo in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 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
    San Remo 13°C (56°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and San Remo

San Remo Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)