Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna 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 Varna 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.
Where Should I go: Varna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Varna
Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.
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 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Plitvice Lakes National Park $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is $133. 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 Varna and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Varna and Plitvice Lakes National Park
Looking for a hotel in Varna 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.
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: Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Plitvice Lakes National Park $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
- Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
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 Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
- From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
- Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Varna 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
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Food Meals for one dayVarna $23Plitvice Lakes National Park $43
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Plitvice Lakes National Park $36
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
- From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
- From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
- Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
- GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
- Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Plitvice Lakes National Park $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Varna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:
- Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
- Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
- Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
- The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
- E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park than you might in Varna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varna Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Varna 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 Varna or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Varna or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Varna or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.
It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The weather in Varna can be very cold. Varna is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Varna or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Varna is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Varna
| Varna | Plitvice Lakes National Park | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.