Plitvice Lakes National Park actually holds the UNESCO World Heritage designation and is well known in Croatia in general. However, Krka National park is also very popular, especially for visitors that stay in Split.
This is why we have tried our best to sum up some of the key points about each destination, so you can have a better idea of the best option for you.
Which is better Plitvice or Krka?
The question about which to choose, Plitvice or Krka is not as easy as it seems. The short answer would be: Go to Krka waterfalls for a day trip or go to Plitvice for a Weekend getaway.
Of course, this doesn't have to be the case if you only have one day for visiting, since any of them are great.
Both are beautiful in its own way and the best way to find out is to read our suggestions below. The concept of visiting these National parks is somewhat different.
Go to Krka waterfalls for a day trip
If you are staying in Split for more than one day, you should definitely consider to visit Krka waterfalls. It is a best day trip in nature from Split, for sure. Not only do you explore the beauty of nature, but you enjoy some other activities as well.
It takes no more that 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there by bus or by car.
When the weather is best and the season is officially open at Krka waterfalls, all visitors are allowed to swim in front of some of the waterfalls. This is actually the main reason people go here, for that unique experience.
People go by themselves or with a tour guide. Day trips that are organized from Split all include free time to swim. Just a tip, bring some swimming shoes so that you can feel more comfortable, since it is a natural sight and the bottom of the river can be rocky or grassy.
Besides that, you can have a look around and learn more about the history of the place. At Krka waterfalls, there is the second oldest hydroelectric power plant (second to Niagara Falls). People used to live there prior to industrial revolution and have been engaged in agricultural activities.
You can also have a meal and some ice cream there, so in case you forget to bring a snack, you should be taken care of.
How do I get to Krka waterfalls?
To actually get to Krka waterfalls, you first have to go to Skradin and then take a boat to take you there. You have to buy an entry ticket for the boat and for the waterfalls.
The easiest way to get to Skradin is by a car or by bus. You can take the bus from Šibenik or From Split. You can even take the bus from Split Airport if you are tight with your schedule and want to get there right away.
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Other option is to just buy a day-trip from the city you are in, for example, from Split. They are fairly priced and very well organised. The good thing is that you don't have to wait in lines, since the guide takes care of tickets and everything else.
You can find out all the information about the price of Krka waterfalls entry ticket and other important stuff online.
Go to Plitvice for a Weekend getaway
Even if you are staying in Split for a short period of time, but really wanting to visit Plitvice lakes, you can do so. It does take about 3,5 hours to get there by car or by bus, but it’s worth it. If you want, you can wake up earlier and go there a 7.30 AM and come back at 7 PM. If you have a rent-a-car, it shouldn’t be a problem.
We usually recommend this for visitors that are able to spend the night there or if it is on their way to visit, if they are for example going to Zagreb anyway (it is on the way to Zagreb).
No matter which season it is, summer or winter, Plitvice lakes display some amazing nature. Wow! Frozen waterfalls during winter time will take your breath away and you will not believe your photos, but beautiful serene and green nature during spring and summer will stay in your heart as a precious memory.
It is not allowed to swim at Plitvice lakes, but the entire place is huge and you can be sure to explore the nature and cross a lot of bridges there the entire day. You will be able to walk many miles and hike through the paths of Plitvice, taking detours and appreciating the nature.
Bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Plitvice area is in the middle of nature, but there are some accommodation offers, so you will also be able to find a restaurant to eat and rest.
You can find out all the information about the price of Plitvice entry ticket and other important stuff online.
Is one day enough for Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, of course. One day is enough to visit Plitvice. It is quite large and you can explore it for days, just like Versailles greenery in France, but you can also walk around for one day and that is it.
It is up to you, your time and interests. The star of the show is the largest waterfall called Great waterfall (Veliki slap) and the view of it from the top (the starting point of your visit). Everything else is a bonus.
How far is Plitvice from Krka?
Krka and Plitvice are actually not that far from each other. The distance between Krka waterfalls and Plitvice is about 240 km. It takes about 2 and a half hours to get from one to another by car.
Can you do Krka and Plitvice in one day?
This question came right after the last one. You can visit both of them in one day if you are really into it, into nature and all your travel is based on natural beauties.
Keep in mind that you will have to have a car rented out so that you can drive from one place to another. The reason for this is the fact that you will probably start from a city, such as Zagreb, Split or Zadar. It will take you 2-4 hours to get to Plitvice or Krka.
For this reason, it is best that you start your day early. When we say early, we mean it! Start your car at least at 6 am.
You can go to Plitvice and be there for 4 hours and then drive about 2 hours to Krka waterfalls. There you can also be 3 to 3 hours and call it a day.
You will have to plan your meals and decide if you would like to have a meal at a restaurant at Plitvice or at Krka. You will also have to consider that it is best to do this during summer, since the day is the longest and the sun goes down after 8 PM.
If you would like to go swimming at Krka waterfalls, maybe go there first, since the water is colder than sea water. It is good that the water is natural, it is not salty, so you will not feel itchy during your next trip :)
Bring sunscreen, for sure and keep in mind that you will need a lot of energy!