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

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sestri Levante and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a local, quaint, and relaxing seaside town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Sestri Levante and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • 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 Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Plitvice Lakes National Park is better known for its hiking, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for the terraced chain of lakes. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting.

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

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

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

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 Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sestri Levante is mediocre for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Sestri Levante There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

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

Is Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sestri Levante is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sestri Levante is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sestri Levante to enjoy the beach. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Plitvice Lakes 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.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.


Is Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination 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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

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

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

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 Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sestri Levante and Plitvice Lakes National Park are amazing when it comes to walkability.

Sestri Levante is a very easy seaside town to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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


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

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

How long in Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Sestri Levante. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sestri Levante 1-3 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Sestri Levante is a fun place to experience. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Sestri Levante is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical 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 Sestri Levante?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sestri Levante is €143, 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 Sestri Levante and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sestri Levante 75
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sestri Levante 150
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Sestri Levante and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante


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: Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sestri Levante 56
    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 Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Sestri Levante or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sestri Levante 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
    Sestri Levante 34
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sestri Levante 25
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $503

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
    Sestri Levante 7.86
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Sestri Levante and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.