Best Spots In Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an absolute stunner, with its 16 cascading, interconnected, multi-hued, lakes and over 90 waterfalls. This must-see Croatian park, located between Zagreb and Zadar, is an UNESCO World Heritage site and a natural wonderland.

With more than 73,000 acres of protected land, it’s also big, so plan to spend at least a half day here. With 7 different trails, that range from 1.8 miles (3km) to 11 miles (18km) in length, three entrances and two ferry points, understanding the layout can be a little confusing. And although there is signage, directions are still somewhat vague.

I spent a day and a half wandering here and created this guide to help you manage your day and quickly find the best spots to see inside the park. Spots you can see in a half day.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Lakes

I’ve never seen such brilliantly colored lakes. Each is a slightly different hue, ranging from azure, to soft teal and green, and everything in between, depending on the mineral content, depth, time of day, and the angle of the sun.

This plus the various shades of green from the trees, create a magestic kaleidoscope of blues and greens.

The water is so crystal clear, you can see everything below the surface, including the many silvery fish swimming about. Your first instinct is to dive in, but there’s no swimming in these protected waters.

Surrounded by hiking paths and walkways, you can explore the park and these lakes, stumbling upon magnificent waterfalls as you go.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Waterfalls & Best Spots

Plitvice’s waterfalls are created by natural dams between the 16 lakes, from things like accumulations of twigs, moss, and algae, and from lakes positioned on different levels, cascading down to those below.

Although there are around 90 waterfalls here, I found the two most beautiful to be Veliki Slap and Veliki Prstavac.

Note that there are two viewpoints for Veliki Slap, so I’ve listed it twice below. The first is the ‘postcard view’ from an observation platform and the other is directly underneath it on the opposite side of the park.

Veliki Slap: Postcard View

Veliki Slap translates to Big Waterfall, and this is the biggest and most beautiful waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s over 255 ft (78 m) with several cascading falls. You don’t have to walk far to see this one as it’s the first thing you see after arriving through entrance 1.

Although this is the biggest and best, the sun doesn’t reach its full length for optimal viewing until after 10 or 11 AM.

Based on this and the fact that my second favorite waterfall, Veliki Prstavac, is best first thing in the morning, I actually suggest starting at Entrance 2, as its easiest to access from there.

Veliki Prstavac

The second most beautiful waterfall, at least in my humble opinion, is Veliki Prstavac, which translates into The Great Chief.

This waterfall is best in morning light, and getting there before the crowds allows you to actually enjoy it. As it’s smaller, and there are less people if you visit it early, it actually feels a bit more intimate than Veliki Slap.

To get here at its optimal viewing time, it’s best to arrive at the park via entrance 2 when the park opens at 7 AM. After entering the park, follow the signs to P1, the first ferryboat area, and take the short ferry ride to P2.

After getting off the boat, follow the trail there. It will lead you around the edge of Lake Gradinsko (below). As you get closer, you will see the falls across the lake (below).

I arrived at Veliki Prstavac at about 7:15 AM…and I had it to myself as no one else was there!!! I did this the day prior, but didn’t find it until the afternoon. The light was not as good and there were so many people jostling for a photo on the boardwalk, it was a bit uncomfortable.

Other, Smaller Falls

After seeing Veliki Prstavac, continue along the trail loop. There are other falls ahead, beautiful scenery, and picturesque lake views.

When you arrive back at P2, take the ferryboat to P3. At P3, follow the low trail on the lake opposite the entrance side (same side as Veliki Prstavac). It will be crowded as this is a popular path, but also a reminder that the earlier you make it here, the better.

You will pass several smaller falls on the way, like Slapovi Milke Trnine and Milanovacki Slap.

Lower Lakes: Milanovac and Galanovac

Continue following the trail around the lower lakes of Milanovac and Galanovac.

The water here is such a beautiful shade of blue green, you will want to stop for photos. This area is another one of the best spots in Plitvice Lakes National Park, so best to get here directly after Veliki Prstavac waterfall loop trail, before the crowds arrive.

Veliki Slap: Base

Continue walking along the boardwalk until you reach the base of Veliki Slap. This is the base of the waterfall viewed by entrance 1 above. Note that you will be across the lake from entrance 1.

I read about a ‘secret’ photo spot above Veliki Slap. I think the start of that trail is right beside Veliki Slap, but it was closed when I was there.

After Veliki Slap, double back, taking the footbridge across the lake and up to Entrance 1, for the ‘postcard view’ of Veliki Slap. This is the ultimate view in the park!

By this time, it will be in full sun and there will not be crowds as many people will have started here and moved on.

Lunch

After this, it will probably be time for lunch, which can be purchased at cafes located near P3 and P1. They both have mostly the same stuff, so either works. I found cell phone chargers in P1, however, so chose that cafe.

Options For The Afternoon

After lunch, if you have more time, there are several options.

You can head back over to P2 and take trail K up and around. It passes through some quiet wooded areas with views of the lake, and some waterfalls, from above.

This is ideal if you want shade, as it’s wooded, and want to escape the crowds.

At the same time, the most beautiful parts of the park are in the lower sections, so it’s a trade-off.

One of the waterfalls you can see from this trail is below.

Another option is to hike along the lower lakes from P3 to P2, or P1. This is relatively flat, so an easier stroll. However, this can be a bit crowded. Parts of it are also in full sun, so less ideal on a hot day.

A third option is to rent a rowboat and ride around Plitvice’s largest lake, Kozjak (below). Or, you can just sit on the bank of the lake by the ferry boats and enjoy the scenery.

If you have have more time and want a longer hike in Plitvice, there are longer hiking trails in here too. They range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

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Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes National Park

Ideally, you should should arrive in Plitvice the afternoon/evening prior. Buses arrive from Split, Zadar, and Zagreb and can drop you at either entrance 1 or 2.

The place where I stayed at is no longer in business. Although I have not stayed at any of the places below, I’ve tried to made it super easy for you by selecting the highest rated places within walking distance of the park, starting with those close to entrance 2, then entrance 1 (make sure to buy the correct ticket!).

I list entrance 2 first as it’s my preference to start at this entrance to see Veliki Prstavac in the best light and with no crowds, but this is your choice.

Rooms Walking Distance of Entrance 2 

These places within walking distance of entrance 2 are in Mukinije. The Jezerce-Mukinije bus stop is also nearby. Entrance 1 is a short drive away (about 3-4 miles).

Hotel Plitvice is the closest, as it’s on the Plitvice Lakes property, but it does not get the best reviews and is about 50-100% more than the  budget priced places below. I list it for those that really want convenience.

Budget

Guesthouse Bor Plitvice Lakes is less expensive than the units below as it’s a little farther away from entrance 2, about a 20-25 minute walk. There is access to a kettle and fridge with most rooms.

GABY Apartment – center of Plitvicka Jezera is a basic apartment that’s a 10-15 minute walk to entrance 2. This unit has a kitchen you can use and a market nearby.

10 Minutes Walk To The Lakes is a basic apartment that’s a 10-15 minute walk to entrance 2. This unit has a kitchen you can use and a market nearby. I moved how they names this one. Great idea as it’s not easy to find the closest places.

Moderate

L&L Leisure Apartments Plitvice is a nicely decorated apartment that’s about a 10-15 minute walk to entrance 2, but costs almost twice as much as the places above.

Afrodita Wellness Essence is a nicely decorated apartment that’s about a 20-25 minute walk to entrance 2. The unit has a kitchen, sauna, and hot tub. Perfect if you want a little luxury relaxation after walking all day.

Rooms Walking Distance of Entrance 1

Note many of the reviews for the places below comment that there are no restaurants or markets within walking distance, so you will need to bring your own food, eat at the park, or select a place that has a restaurant/food included (some do). Entrance 2 is a 2-3 miles drive away.

Note: For the places that offer breakfast, make sure to ask what time breakfast starts if you want to be at the park by it’s 7 AM opening time.

Budget

Pansion Danica offers an inexpensive single room and standard rooms for 2 or 3 people. All rooms have a fridge. It’s about a 10 minute walk to entrance 1. Breakfast is served in the room and there is a restaurant. I list this one under budget first, as it’s the least expensive of all the options list here.

House Milan offers a studio with a full sized bed and a kitchenette. It’s about a 10-minute walk to entrance 1.

Antemurale – Luxury Rooms, Plitvice is a 4-star hotel with a restaurant. They also have a pool table, ping pong, and darts for fun and a buffet or continental breakfast. It’s about a 10-minute walk to entrance 1.

Apartment I&M in Plitice Jezera offers breakfast, grocery delivery (for a fee), and has a restaurant as well as a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. This is also a 10-minute walk to entrance 1.

Other Tips For Plitvice Lakes National Park

1. Pre purchase your tickets on line! They sell out. And even if not, you will avoid a long queue and wasting time in the morning. Click here to purchase them online.
2. Get there at 7AM when they open. The crowds usually arrive as individuals by bus or as tour groups at 9 or 10AM. There can be as many as 14,000 visitors on peak days, so I can’t stress trying to beat them enough!
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park also has a mobile app you can download, check their website for details.
4. If you’re using your phone for photos, remember to bring a battery charger. If you forget, you can find plugs inside the cafe at P1.

Getting To Plitvice Lakes National Park

Although you can visit as a day trip, it’s really best to stay nearby the night before so you can arrive in the park before the masses of people arrive.

The bus may not seem like the most exciting way to get around, but it’s very efficient and one of the best ways to get to Plitvice Lakes National Park unless you self drive or take a tour. If taking one of the many public buses, make sure you figure out which stop you want to get off of, Entrance 1 or Entrance 2, before you depart.

Self-Driving To Plitvice Lakes National Park

Self-Driving to Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great option as roads are smooth and well-maintained. Driving is done on the right-hand side of the road. Traffic, however, can be heavy on summer weekends.

Citizens from other EU countries can use their standard drivers license (as long as it uses Latin letters). And believe it or not, US Citizens in Croatia for Tourism or business may use a US license for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is not required, but a good idea.

Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the vehicle and mobile phone use is illegal while driving, unless using a hands free device. There is a zero alcohol tolerance for those under 25 and low limited for everyone else, so don’t drink and drive.

Zagreb To Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice is about 2.5 hours south of Zagreb. There are multiple buses that leave the Zagreb Central Bus Station daily (in peak season). If arriving from the Zagreb airport, you can take the airport bus to the Zagreb Central Bus Station before catching the bus to Plitvice.

Other options include self-driving, taking a taxi, or booking a tour. If taking a tour from Zagreb, I recommend this Private Day Tour from Zagreb.

Zadar To Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice is less than 2 hours north of Zadar. Several buses leave the Zadar Central Bus Station daily (in peak season). Make sure you book the direct bus, as the other bus makes additional stops, taking almost 3 hours.

As above, other options include self-driving, taking a taxi, or booking a tour. if taking a tour from Zadar, I recommend this Day Tour From Zadar.

Split To Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice is about a 3.5 hour drive north of Split, which makes it challenging to make a day trip, but still possible. There are also several daily buses that make this trip in peak season. The main bus station in Split is called the Autobusni kolodvor Split, which is located near the old town.

As above, other options include self-driving, taking a taxi, or booking a tour. if taking a tour from Zadar, I recommend this Day Tour From Split.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is about 5 hours south of Plitvice. Although there is no direct public transportation, you can take a but to Split, then a bus to Plitvice.

Due to its distance, it’s best to plan in an overnight stay from Dubrovnik. If you really have no other option, you can take this Day Tour From Dubrovnik.

Want More of Croatia?

Plitvice National Park is located between Zagreb and Zadar, making it a perfect stop when visiting either, or both. Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, has a charming Old Town and lively food and entertainment area called Tkalciceva street. The city of Zadar, perched on the Adriatic, has ancient Roman ruins and 16th century Venetian Walls, along with beach areas and nearby islands to visit.

Split, a few hours south, is a great city, with the world’s best Roman palace remains, Emperor Diocletian’s, and its beautiful bay nestled in pine mountains. And although it has beaches of its own, you can easily take ferries From Split out to some of the more popular islands, like Hvar, Brac, Korcula, and Vis.

Or you can do the ultimate adventure and island hop all the way from Split to Dubrovnik.

And of course, there’s the most popular stop in Croatia, UNESCO listed old town Dubrovnik, one of the finest, most well-preserved, medieval towns in the world. Whether you chose to start or end your trip here, it’s a must see.

To help you plan your trip, see my Croatia Travel Guide, which covers all the top destinations, as well as how to get around, safety, scams, logistics, and more.

Safe Travels!

If you’re interested in learning more about me and my philosophy on travel, see my about me page.