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

Should you visit Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Zadar 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.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Zadar and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zadar. Although Zadar and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

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

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

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

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zadar 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 Zadar. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

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 Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Zadar 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 Zadar has a few options to choose from. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

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

Is Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Zadar is great for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Zadar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Zadar. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

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

Is Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

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

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Zadar 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 Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

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

Is Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar 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.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very kid-friendly 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.

Zadar is a family-friendly town. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

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

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Both Zadar and Plitvice Lakes National Park are great destinations for backpackers.

Zadar is a great town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

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.

Is Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Zadar is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Zadar is very popular with students. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zadar 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 Zadar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 11 bus lines that travel 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 Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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

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

How long in Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

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

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

One day in Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Zadar, you'll find museums 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.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Zadar is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed destination of Zadar. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Zadar or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The relaxed town of Zadar offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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 town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best 3-Day Tours from Split, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubrovnik.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zadar and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Zadar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zadar Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zadar is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), 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 Zadar this time of the year. In the summer, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zadar 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.

Zadar is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zadar usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zadar during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zadar is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Zadar 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 April, Zadar is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zadar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zadar