Finding the right itinerary for your needs can be complicated. If you want to visit Plitvice Lakes and the surrounding areas of Croatia, this article is the answer to your problem. With conflicting information and unclear routes, there’s always the risk of missing out on the most beautiful attractions. Planning your trip can be stressful. That’s exactly why Tourial is the ideal solution. We’re here to help you create a well-rounded, practical, and experience-filled itinerary in Croatia. Plus, you can even keep it with you at all times—right at your fingertips.
The Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice National Park
The Plitvice Lakes are one of Europe’s most fascinating natural destinations. Located in the heart of Croatia, the Plitvice National Park is famous for its sixteen lakes connected by waterfalls, wooden walkways, and trails. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place offers postcard-perfect views.
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To get the most out of the park, we recommend setting aside at least a full day for your visit. The main entrances provide access to various trails. Admission is €25, or €40 if you choose to visit during the summer, when the days are longer. Electric boats and scenic trains make getting around easy and let you admire the scenery without any effort. Among the most spectacular sights is Veliki Slap, Croatia’s tallest waterfall, standing at 78 meters.
The Surrounding Area of the Lika Region
Rastoke, the Village of Fairies
But a trip to the Plitvice Lakes isn’t limited to just the park. The surrounding area offers picturesque villages and many natural landscapes. Just a few kilometers away lies Rastoke, a small village known for its water mills and little houses built next to the waterfalls. Legend has it that on nights when the millers worked until dawn in the old watermills, fairies would emerge from the waterfalls and the surrounding woods. They would steal the millers’ horses to ride them and play all night long. In the morning, the animals would return exhausted, with their manes tangled. The fairies would also dance near the streams and wash their clothes in the river, inviting the millers to join them. Rastoke is therefore called the “village of the fairies.”
Una River National Park
Another interesting stop is the Una River National Park, located on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of the youngest national parks in Europe: it was established as recently as 2008. Less touristy than Plitvice, this natural haven offers spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, and activities such as rafting and kayaking. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a more adventurous experience. The name “Una” likely derives from the Latin word una, meaning “unique.” According to tradition, the Romans were so impressed by the river’s color that they called it “the one and only.” This is because the Una River is considered one of the clearest in Europe. The water changes color from emerald green to bright turquoise depending on the light and the minerals present in the karst riverbed.
Zara
On this itinerary through Croatia, those who love the sea can continue on to the Croatian coast. In about two hours by car, you can reach Zadar. Here, the famous Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun are well worth a visit—two art installations that make the waterfront one of the most picturesque in Croatia. Zadar is also an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby islands and enjoying a few relaxing days on the beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
Fun Facts and Tips
When is the best time to enjoy this tour of the Plitvice Lakes?
If your itinerary also includes Rastoke and Una National Park, the best time to visit overall is between mid-May and late June or in September. The temperatures are ideal for hiking, and there are fewer tourists than during the height of summer.
Can you visit Plitvice Lakes in a RV?
Yes, you can visit Plitvice Lakes National Park in a RV, and it’s a very popular destination for road trips in the Balkans. The park’s official parking lots accommodate RVs, especially near Entrances 1 and 2. During peak season, it’s best to arrive early because they fill up quickly. Wild camping or overnight camping inside the national park is not permitted. If you prefer, there are several well-equipped campgrounds in the surrounding area, including Camping Korana and Camping Borje.
Is it possible to do this itinerary in Croatia by motorcycle?
Yes, this route is great for motorcycle travel. There are roads—such as those to Slunj, Plitvice, and Bihać—that wind through forests, highlands, and small villages. These routes make for a truly scenic motorcycle trip.
How much do tickets to Rastoke cost?
None: Rastoke doesn’t have a formal admission fee. The village is open to the public, and you can walk around freely. The only things you have to pay for—though they’re optional—are guided tours and admission to the mills.
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