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

Should you visit Setubal 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 Setubal and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

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

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Setubal?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, 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 Setubal and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Setubal 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 Setubal


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: Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22

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 Setubal or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Setubal 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
    Setubal 35
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
  • Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
  • Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $64
  • Évora: Private Walking Tour: $64
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $98
  • Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $93
  • Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
  • Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
  • Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64

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
    Setubal 10
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170


When comparing the travel costs between Setubal 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 Setubal Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 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
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Setubal is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 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
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, 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 January, Setubal is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 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
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Setubal is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 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
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Setubal

Setubal Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)