I often get questions about choosing between Croatia’s two most amazing national parks: Plitvice Lakes and Krka. It’s a tough choice, as both are undeniably stunning examples of natural beauty, each offering its unique set of natural wonders.
If you’re trying to decide between the iconic turquoise lakes flowing below the wooden boardwalks of Plitvice or the accessible Krka waterfalls and Krka Monastery, you’re not alone. So, I’ve put together a guide that weighs up Krka vs Plitvice – to help you decide.
If you’re short on time and staying on the coast, Krka National Park is the better choice. If you want dramatic scenery, longer walks, and are arriving via Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the better option. If you have time for both, visit both.
| Plitvice Lakes | Krka National Park |
| Ideal for a weekend | Ideal for a day trip |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Great park for families |
| Overnight stay options | Easy walk |
| Longer hikes | In Dalmatia near Šibenik |
| Loads of photos ops | Closer to major cities |
| Biggest Waterfalls | Shortest Route |
Krka National Park is better for a day trip because it is closer to major coastal cities and can be explored in a few hours. Plitvice Lakes usually requires a full day or an overnight stay to do it justice.
Spring is the best time to see all of Croatia’s eight stunning national parks. This means it’s the time of the year that one of the most common questions I’m always asked lands in my inbox – over and over again.
Which of the national parks to visit? Readers always ask me to help them choose between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park.
Yikes, decisions, decisions!
The best answer to the Plitvice or Krka question is: If you have time, visit both, as they are equally beautiful in their own ways.
If you don’t have enough time, however, and you have to choose between Krka and Plitvice, it all comes down to where you’ll be based, your interests, and how much time you actually have.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is larger and has more to see, but it is farther inland and takes longer to reach than Krka Lakes if you stay in Dubrovnik or Split.
On the other hand, Krka National Park is much more accessible from Zadar and Split, but it is smaller. So, if you’re short on time, that helps loads.
See what I mean? Choosing between Krka and Plitvice Lakes is already getting confusing. There are just so many factors. It all depends on your situation.
Keep reading below for our in-depth analysis on weighing up Plitvice Lakes vs. Krka National Park.
Let’s compare Krka National Park vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park, discuss their features, main attractions, and downsides, and see what decision you make at the end. We’ll start with the more famous national park: Plitvice Lakes.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice Lakes are about 2 hours from Zagreb and about 1.5 hours from Zadar by road.
You’ll find lots of tours and buses that head here. You can also get to Plitvice Lakes from the coast, but because it is further away from the coast, you’ll pay more for these than you would from Zagreb.
However, this shouldn’t put you off, because it isn’t on the UNESCO World Heritage List for nothing! Obviously, this will also depend on traffic, as during the summer season, it seems like everyone is trying to get to this park!
Plitvice Lakes has a series of 16 interconnected lakes, spanning a much larger area than Krka, with the lake system stretching roughly 8 km from top to bottom and covering about 300 square kilometers.
It can take about 20 minutes to walk from parking areas to specific park entrances, but the size of the park is a blessing because crowds disperse more once you move away from the main boardwalk sections.
If you have a weekend spare, you should definitely dedicate it to exploring Plitvice, because a day, including travel time, probably wouldn’t leave you enough time.
Swimming And Walking
You cannot swim in either Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park. Swimming has been banned at both parks, including Skradinski Buk at Krka, and the rules are strictly enforced.
You can’t swim in the park; it’s prohibited. On the other hand, countless hiking trails around the park take you around the lakes and the natural landscape.
If you want to take a million stunning photos, Plitvice is the best bet, as some of the sights you’ll see are truly amazing. If you’re into wildlife spotting, you may spot birds and other wildlife, though large mammals such as wolves and brown bears are scarce to see.
Plitvice Lakes Entry Costs
Entry into the park depends on the season and is subject to change, so please double-check before making your way there. Check the park website for the latest fees.
Adult Tickets – Entry Fees (seasonal and subject to change)
- January, February, March, November, December: €7
- April, May, October: €20
- June, July, August, September: €40
- Reduced late-afternoon tickets may be available in peak season, depending on daily capacity.
Children’s Tickets (Ages 7 to 18) – Entry Fees (seasonal and subject to change)
- January, February, March, November, December: €4
- April, May, October: €12
- June, July, August, September: €15
- Reduced price after 15:00 (June–September): €11.25
Free Entry
- Children under 7 years of age
Ticket Includes
- Access to all open walking routes and lakes
- Panoramic train and electric boat transport within the park
Additional Notes
- Tickets are limited in high season
- Strongly recommended to buy tickets online in advance
Reasons To Avoid Plitvice Lakes
- Suppose you have small children in a pram. This park is not pram-friendly. Even if you have a travel pram, with the number of people, narrow tracks, or no trails, you cannot push a pram through the park.
- If you require a wheelchair, sorry, but it would be tough to push a wheelchair around.
- If you don’t like crowds, do not go to Plitvice in summer. Not even early can you escape the thousands of day-trippers. One summer I was there, it was wall-to-wall bodies; I could not even see the central falls without dozens of people pushing and bumping into me. Gross.
- You want to swim. Swimming is prohibited, and fines can be issued for entering the water.
Brands We Use And Trust
Krka National Park
When comparing Krka vs. Plitvice Lakes solely on size, Krka National Park comes out second. This is the smaller of the two parks, Krka, but it also comes with some advantages over its bigger neighbor. For starters, Krka might be smaller, at around 109 square kilometers, but it is closer to the main coastal resorts, just an hour from Zadar by road, in Sibenik-Knin County.
As the largest town near Krka, Šibenik now offers travelers plenty of accommodation options.
The exact times depend upon traffic, especially during the summer season. You won’t struggle to find day trips for sale at excursion offices either.
Krka Falls encompasses the most significant section of the Krka River and is home to 7 stunning waterfalls, including the largest, Skradinski Buk.
The smaller park size also makes it ideal for families who want a day out in nature without traveling too far or exerting themselves too much.
However, Krka National Park isn’t all about nature, as there are a few nods to history within its borders, too. There is a working loom and a blacksmith within the small village, and you can see how life used to be before the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.
So, while Plitvice might be ideal for a weekend in nature, Krka is undoubtedly the best bet for those with an extra day.
Swimming & Walking
We mentioned that you couldn’t swim in the lakes of Plitvice, and as of 2021, a swimming ban was also placed at Krka. You used to be able to swim in front of the biggest waterfall, Skradinski Buk, but now you’ll have to hope to catch some spray as you pass to cool off.
The downside is that Krka has fewer walking routes than Plitvice.
However, you won’t miss out on nature, as the walking routes offer beautiful scenery; in the summer months, you’ll notice a pleasant scent in the air when the trees bloom.
Krka National Park Entrance Fee
Peak-season tickets at Krka are capacity-controlled, and access to Skradinski Buk may be restricted during busy summer days.
There are five entrances to the park, with most people catching the boat ride from Skradin or using the Lozovac entrance. If traveling by car, there is free parking at the Lozovac entrance. You can also enter at Visovac, Slapove Krka, and Burnum.
Entry costs vary by season, and children receive discounted entry.
- Individual Adults – All Accessible Land Sites:
- January, February, March, November, December: 7.00 euros
- April, May, October: 20.00 euros
- June, July, August, September: 40.00 euros
- Individual Adults – Specific Sites (Roški Slap, Kistanje, Manojlovac, Burnum, Krka Eco Campus):
- January, February, March, November, December: 7.00 euros
- April, May, October: 12.00 euros
- June, July, August, September: 20.00 euros
- Individual Children/Students/Hiking Society Members – All Accessible Land Sites:
- January, February, March, November, December: 4.00 euros
- April, May, October: 12.00 euros
- June, July, August, September: 15.00 euros
- Individual Children/Students/Hiking Society Members – Specific Sites:
- January, February, March, November, December: 4.00 euros
- April, May, October: 8.00 euros
- June, July, August, September: 12.00 euros
- Groups of Adults – All Accessible Land Sites:
- January, February, March, November, December: 5.00 euros
- April, May, October: 16.00 euros
- June, July, August, September: 30.00 euros
- Groups of Adults – Specific Sites:
- January, February, March, November, December: 5.00 euros
- April, May, October: 10.00 euros
- June, July, August, September: 15.00 euros
- Groups of Children/Students – All Accessible Land Sites:
- January, February, March, November, December: 4.00 Euros
- April, May, October: 10.00 Euros
- June, July, August, September: 15.00 Euros
- Groups of Children/Students – Specific Sites:
- January, February, March, November, December: 4.00 euros
- April, May, October: 7.00 euros
- June, July, August, September: 10.00 euros
Prices, access rules, and included areas change frequently, so always confirm current fees and entry conditions on the official Krka National Park website before visiting.
Reasons to Avoid Krka National Park
- You want to hike for days. Krka is a day-tripper’s paradise. If you’re going to get lost in the woods, it is not for you.
- You have small kids who need to be in a travel stroller – this is impossible (trust me, we had to carry ours)
How To Get To Krka Waterfalls
How To Get To Plitvice Lakes
Don’t Take Just My Word For It
I asked the Plitvice vs. Krka question on my Facebook page a few years ago – and you can see just what everyone had to say – and read the comments to see why.
So, Which Should You Visit? Plitvice Or Krka?
The best answer I can give to choosing between Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park is simple. Don’t.
I urge you to find the time to go to both. Okay, I know most of you are short on time, so here goes: if you’re mostly staying on the coast, head to Krka Waterfalls. If you land in Zagreb, go to Plitvice on the way to the coast.
Both parks are genuinely stunning, and while Plitvice is much larger and some say more beautiful, that is not the only factor.
Choose Plitvice Lakes if you want longer walks, dramatic scenery, and a full-day or overnight experience.
Choose Krka if you want an easy, accessible day trip from the Dalmatian coast.
If time allows, visiting both parks offers the best overall experience.
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FAQs
Is Plitvice or Krka better?
Neither park is objectively better; it depends on your travel style and timing. Plitvice Lakes is better for dramatic scenery, longer walks, and a full-day or overnight visit.
Krka National Park is better for an easy, shorter day trip from the Dalmatian coast.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is worth visiting if you enjoy walking trails, waterfalls, and spending several hours immersed in nature. It is gratifying if you can arrive early or stay overnight. It is less ideal if you are very short on time or visiting during peak summer crowds.
Is Krka National Park worth visiting?
Krka National Park is worth visiting if you want a relaxed day trip with waterfalls, short walks, and minimal planning. Its proximity to coastal cities makes it an easy addition to a Dalmatian itinerary, but it does not offer the same scale or hiking depth as Plitvice.
Which park is better for a day trip?
Krka National Park is better for a day trip because it can be explored in two to four hours and is close to major coastal cities. Plitvice Lakes usually takes a full day to explore and is best enjoyed without rushing.
Can you swim in Plitvice or Krka?
No, swimming is not allowed in either Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park. Swimming has been banned at both parks for several years, including at Skradinski Buk, and the rules are strictly enforced.
Which park is better for families with kids?
Krka National Park is generally better for families because it is smaller, flatter, and easier to navigate. Plitvice involves longer distances, stairs, and uneven boardwalks, which can be challenging with younger children or strollers.
How long do you need at Plitvice Lakes?
Most visitors need at least four to six hours inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, not including travel time. Staying overnight nearby allows for an earlier start and a more relaxed visit.
How long do you need at Krka National Park?
Most visitors spend two to four hours at Krka National Park. This makes it ideal for a half-day trip or a low-effort full-day excursion combined with nearby towns like Šibenik or Skradin.
Is Plitvice or Krka less crowded?
Outside peak summer months, both parks can be enjoyable. In summer, Krka tends to feel more controlled due to capacity limits, while Plitvice has heavier overall visitor numbers but more space for crowds to spread out once you move beyond the main boardwalks.
Should I visit both Plitvice and Krka?
If time allows, visiting both parks offers the best experience. Plitvice provides scale and scenery, while Krka offers convenience and accessibility. Together, they showcase two very different sides of Croatia’s national parks.
So, tell us, which of these beautiful places is worth visiting for you? Will it be Krka or Plitvice Lakes?
Gosh.. i am adding it to my bucket list.
Looks like a heaven on earth!!
We just got back from Croatia and spent a day at both KRKA and Plitvice. I’d give KRKA a 3/10 and Plitvice a 10/10. Plitvice had free bathrooms, better signage, more waterfalls close to the parking, was about 1/3 as crowded, better walking paths, better food, free parking, free boat ride and shuttle. I couldn’t believe I spent $30 a person at KRKA and then had to pay to use the bathroom. If would have only done Plitvice if I had known how much better it is.
How much should I expect to pay to visit this area? I’m wondering if it’s crazy high on my cruise ship?
What area do you mean?
The information on this website is so helpful; you made our trip planning easier.
I really enjoyed Krka and without having seen Plitvicka yet, would prefer to take my relatives to Krka, but as we arrive via Zagreb and won’t be visiting the south, we will try Plitvicka.
What impressed me most about Krka were the numerous pools of water that hosted fish and frogs. Lots of frogs just doing their thing and not bothered by you at all. Plus it has a very nice rustic restaurant area at the finish of the walk.
I’m apprehensive that Plitvicka will just be waterfalls, and not as connected with fish, frogs, dragonflies and other fauna that Krka has. Will see soon I guess.
Is Plitvice or Krka better for photos?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park offer incredible opportunities for photography, and the choice between the two depends on your preferences and the type of photos you want to capture. I’d say Plitvice has more choice and variation.
i’ve been to both. Krka in February 2008, Plitvice in April 2021.
Krka was stunning and despite it being cool in February, the sky was blue and the falls were astonishing, otherworldly.
Pltvice was much larger and suffered, at least for us, by grey dreary weather.
Now, if both places had great weather it might have been overwhelming for Pltvice. There are something like 9 lakes connected, you can walk up or down. But i will tell you, either one is a candidate for the most beautiful falls I’ve ever seen, and that includes….Niagara, Multnomah, most of the major falls in Iceland and New Zealand, several beautiful falls (Arethusa and Sabbaday) in New hampshire, Moxie Falls in Maine and a host of others in various countries. As astonishing as Niagara is (and by extension I’m sure Victoria and Iguazu are show stoppers) Krka and Pltvice aren’t about size; they’re about beauty. Don’t sweat it. Go to which ever one is most convenient and don’t regret it. if you can, go to both. If you can pick either one, I’d probably opt for Pltvice just because of the variety.