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Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Destination Guide

Plitvice Lakes

Croatia

Best things to do in Plitvice Lakes

11 curated attractions in Plitvice Lakes, Croatia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

10°C/50°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes is a small Croatian destination best known for its national park, home to a series of terraced lakes and waterfalls that somehow manage to outshine everything else around them. The national park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws visitors from all over for its extraordinary natural beauty and well-marked trails that guide you through lush landscapes and past crystal-clear waters. The nearby village of Rastoke, with its own waterfalls and quaint wooden mills, offers a glimpse of traditional lifestyle, but the lakes are the main event. Expect to share the trails with plenty of other hikers, especially in peak season, as people come primarily for the iconic scenery and those famous cascading falls. If you're expecting something more urban, you might want to keep looking.

Who it's for

Anyone who enjoys nature walks and doesn't mind a fair number of fellow tourists. A bad choice for those seeking nightlife or a pulse of city life, as the focus here is entirely on the great outdoors. If you want a proper meal, be prepared for limited options and perhaps a wait.

Getting around

Public transport: Limited

  • Entrance 1 to the national park is a short walk from the main parking area
  • The nearest town is about half an hour away by car
  • Public transport options are limited, with infrequent buses serving the area
  • Expect to walk quite a bit within the park, especially between lakes
Rastoke

Rastoke

Traditional villages
Rastoke Waterfalls

Rastoke Waterfalls

Waterfalls
Rastoke Village

Rastoke Village

Traditional villages
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park

National parks & nature reserves
City Center

City Center

Streets & neighbourhoods
Entrance 1

Entrance 1

National parks & nature reserves
Lookout Point

Lookout Point

Scenic viewpoints
Veliki Slap Viewpoint

Veliki Slap Viewpoint

Waterfalls
Kozjak Lake

Kozjak Lake

Lakes
Kolovare Beach

Kolovare Beach

Beaches
Prošćansko Jezero

Prošćansko Jezero

Lakes

Where to eat in Plitvice Lakes

The places worth planning a meal around.

Degenija Restaurant

Degenija Restaurant

Croatian · $$

★ 4.7 · 7,946 reviews

Licka Kuca

Licka Kuca

Croatian · $$$

★ 4.2 · 3,146 reviews

Park Restaurant

Park Restaurant

Croatian · $$

★ 3.8 · 1,526 reviews

Plitvice Ethno House

Plitvice Ethno House

Croatian · $$

★ 4.1 · 565 reviews

Restaurant Plitvice

Restaurant Plitvice

Croatian · $$$

★ 4.5 · 557 reviews

Café in Park

Café in Park

Cafe · $

★ 4.1 · 181 reviews

Things to do in Plitvice Lakes

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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