Two of Croatia’s most popular National Park destinations are Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Both offer breathtaking scenery, turquoise waters, countless waterfalls, and amazing hiking trails. But both have distinct differences, and choosing between them can be tricky.
When I was planning my trip to Croatia, I knew I wanted to visit their fairytale-esque national parks. But as I narrowed it down to two (Krka and Plitvice), I contemplated “which one?” Ultimately, I couldn’t choose and ended up going to both. In this guide, I’ll unveil the unique features of both parks, and help you decide which best suits your travel itinerary.
Krka National Park
- Smaller and more accessible: Krka is closer to Croatia’s popular coastal towns like Split and Zadar, making it ideal for a day trip if you’re basing yourself in one of these cities.
- Easy-going atmosphere: The trails are shorter and you can enjoy boat rides on the Krka River, explore historic mills, and visit a beautiful islet monastery accessible by boat.
- Less expensive: Ticket costs tend to be cheaper than Plitvice, which can be potentially more budget-friendly
Swimming opportunities:One of the biggest attractions of Krka is the chance to swim beneath the Skradinski Buk waterfall.As of 2021, you are no longer permitted to swim. Swimming is banned in order to preserve natural resources and lower pollution.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Larger and more dramatic: Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an extensive network of wooden walkways over cascading lakes and waterfalls. The park is vast and almost three times bigger than Krka, so you can easily spend a whole day or two exploring its diverse landscapes.
- Hiking and exploration: Plitvice Lakes offers a wider range of hiking opportunities, ranging from short strolls to long routes. Because of its larger size, there is more to see and explore in its diverse landscapes and variety of hiking trails.
- More diverse landscape scenery: Plitvice boasts not just waterfalls and lakes, but also forests, caves, and panoramic viewpoints!
Comparing the Two – Brief Overview
| Feature | Krka National Park | Plitvice Lakes National Park |
| Size | Smaller (109 sq.km) | Larger (296 sq. km) |
| Accessibility | More accessible from the coast | Less accessible, more inland |
| Entrance Fee | 7-40 eur (depends on season) | 10-40 eur (depends on season) |
| Swimming | Not permitted anymore as of 2021 | Not permitted |
| Scenery | Waterfalls, river, historic sites | Waterfalls, lakes, forests, caves, viewpoints |
| Activities | Shorter hikes, historical sites, boat tours | Longer hikes with an extensive trail network |
| Atmosphere | More relaxed | More dramatic |
Which is better?
Ultimately, the “better” park depends on your preferences.
- If you’re short on time – Krka
- If you want a variety of activities – Krka
- If you have more time – Plitvice
- Best value for money – Plitvice
- Dramatic views – Plitvice
- Love hiking – Plitvice
If I had to recommend one park to my family and friends, I would recommend Plitvice. To me, Krka is impressive, but Plitvice is even more so.
BUT, if you have the time, the best solution is to visit both. I spent one day in Krka and two days in Plitvice, and retrospectively, I would still keep this itinerary. If you can not visit both, either park would still be a wonderful experience. Both offer stunning natural landscapes and an unforgettable experience for a lifetime!
