Our last stop on this trip was the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. After returning to Split from Dubrovnik, we hopped in the car and headed out to see the lakes. The drive from Split to the park took us about three hours.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice is home to 16 interconnected lakes, each with striking shades of emerald green, turquoise, or deep blue – depending on the minerals in the water and the lighting. Add to that over 90 waterfalls, and it’s easy to see why this place is so magical.
In 1979, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of Croatia’s most popular attractions, drawing over a million visitors each year. If you’re planning a summer visit (June through August), prepare for big crowds.
An Overview of the Park
The park is divided into two main areas: the Upper Lakes and the Lower Lakes. The postcard-worthy Lower Lakes are known for their dramatic waterfalls, while the 12 Upper Lakes are famous for their crystal-clear blue-green waters.
Which route to take?
There are two main entrances — Entrance 1 (Lower Lakes) and Entrance 2 (Upper Lakes). Between them lies Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park. If you start at Entrance 2, you can take a boat ride (included in your ticket) across Lake Kozjak to reach the Lower Lakes (or the other way round). There are also shuttle buses (also included) that connect different sections of the park, including both entrances and the central area.
Depending on the time of day or season, you might need to wait a bit for the boats or buses, so plan accordingly.
There are several well-marked hiking routes throughout the park. You can choose one depending on how much time you have and how far you want to walk. There is clear signage and maps around the park.
Tickets
It’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance, as there’s a limited number available on-site. Online bookings get priority.
We visited in the off-season and were able to buy our tickets at the entrance without any issues.
You can purchase either a one-day or a two-day pass. If you want to take your time or explore every corner of the park, consider the two-day option.
Prices vary significantly depending on the season, from €10 in low season to up to €40 during peak summer months.
👉 Check the latest prices here
When to visit
The best time to visit is spring or early summer, when the waterfalls are at their fullest and the greenery is lush and vibrant. We were there in early April, and while it was still beautiful, the landscape was a bit bare—nature hadn’t fully woken up yet.
For a quieter experience with gorgeous fall colors, late September to October is also a great time to visit.
If you can, avoid July and August. Not only are they the busiest months, but they’re also the hottest—yes, even surrounded by trees and lakes! If summer is your only option, try to arrive early in the day to beat the crowds.
How Much Time Do You Need?
We arrived around 12–1 PM and only had a half day to explore. In hindsight, I wish we had stayed longer. We entered through Entrance 2, took the boat across the lake, and explored the Lower Lakes. I took about a million photos (obviously!), so by the time we finished that section, the park was about to close—and we missed the Upper Lakes.
With a heavy dose of FOMO and some serious regret, my boyfriend eventually managed to drag me away.
If you’re short on time, a full day is doable—just be prepared to walk a lot. If you want to take it easy, or see it all without rushing, I’d recommend spending two days.
While writing this post, I discovered there are a couple of incredible panoramic trails with epic views over the lakes. If I’d known earlier and had more time, I definitely would’ve dragged my boyfriend there too 😅
Where to park
We parked near Entrance 2, where there were plenty of spaces available. It was a short hike from the lot to the park entrance.
