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

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

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Toulon and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulon. Although Toulon and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Toulon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toulon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also home to The Old Town.

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

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

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Toulon is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Toulon 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 Toulon. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

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 Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Toulon 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 Toulon has a few options to choose from. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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

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

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

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


Is Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Toulon is adequate for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

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

Is Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.


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

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its 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.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.


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

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Toulon 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 Toulon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take 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 Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Toulon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.


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

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

How long in Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

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

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


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

One day in Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Toulon, you'll find food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Toulon 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the real world destination of Toulon. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Toulon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The real world port city of Toulon offers nightlife and food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to 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 Toulon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulon is €119, 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 Toulon and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulon 79
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulon 158
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Toulon and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Toulon 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 Toulon


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: Toulon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulon 7.14
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille Provence Airport: $117
  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $117

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 Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

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

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Toulon 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
    Toulon 30
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $102
  • Toulon Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulon 13
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Toulon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Toulon are as follows:

  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $55
  • Ile de Porquerolles: VIP tour et déjeuner Fondation Carmignac: $217
  • Private Heritage Walking Tour in Toulon: $178
  • Provence Abbey of Thoronet Entrance Ticket: $9.81
  • Toulon Private Tour: $278
  • Little Train Ticket: $9.62

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
    Toulon 14
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $13
  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Ramatuelle + wine tasting: $97


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



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

The summer brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the summer, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 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
    Toulon 24°C (75°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Toulon is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulon usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 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
    Toulon 16°C (61°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Toulon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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, Toulon is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 7°C (44°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 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
    Toulon 7°C (44°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulon usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 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
    Toulon 13°C (56°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Toulon

Toulon Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)