Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes National Park
This guide will show you where to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest national park, and it’s a very popular destination. The national park is known for its 16 cascading lakes with clear turquoise waters and more than 90 waterfalls.
While it’s possible to visit Plitvice Lakes on a day trip, you really need at least two full days in order to see everything. Plitvice Lakes is very large, covering close to 116 square miles.
I personally visited Plitvice Lakes on a day trip from the capital Zagreb, but if I were to go back, I would definitely spend at least one night close to Plitvice Lakes so I could spend more time there.
What city is closest to Plitvice Lakes?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the central region of Croatia. The closest cities are Zadar (1 hour and 40 minutes away by car) and Zagreb (2 hours away by car.)
Plitvica Selo and Jezerce are two villages closest to the entrances of Plitvice Lakes National Park. If you stay in one of these villages, you can easily walk to the national park.
Is it worth staying at Plitvice Lakes?
It’s definitely worth staying at Plitvice Lakes. The national park is quite large, and you can’t fully explore it in just one day. While many people do just visit on a day trip, you really need longer than that!
I wish I had stayed at Plitvice Lakes overnight instead of just visiting on a day trip. Another perk of staying overnight is being able to get to the park early before the crowds arrive!
⏰ Short on time? This full-day tour from Split will let you see the highlights of Plitvice National Park. Or if you are staying in Zagreb, this Plitvice Lakes tour is another good option.
How long should you stay at Plitvice Lakes?
Two full days is the perfect amount of time to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, so staying for one or two nights should be enough. You could stay for longer if you want to try other activities in the area.
What is the best hotel at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
There are a few hotels inside the national park itself. These hotels are all a little dated and owned by the government, so they might not be the best value for your money. However, the convenience of being right inside the park can make staying at one of these hotels worth it for a night or two.
Outside the park, there are more hotels within walking distance of the entrances. These can offer better accommodations and amenities while still being very close to the national park. Most of the best hotels outside of Plitvice Lakes National Park are guesthouses and B&Bs, some with self-catering facilities.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park:
- Best for families: Holiday Park Fenomen Plitvice
- Best for couples: Plitvice Falls Cottage
- Best inside the park: Hotel Jezero
- Best budget: Natura Plitvice Lakes
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels near Plitvice Lakes:
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
B&B Plitvica Creek
B&B Plitvica Creek is one of the top-rated bed & breakfasts near Plitvice Lakes National Park. This quaint B&B has been updated with modern and luxurious guest rooms, making it the perfect place to base yourself on a visit to the national park. It’s about a twenty-minute walk to the entrance of Plitvice Lakes.
The property is situated on Plitvice Creek, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating where you can relax and unwind. Breakfast is available for an additional fee, and parking on-site is free.
B&B Lower Lakes Plitvica Selo
B&B Lower Lakes Plitvica Selo is another one of the best-rated bed & breakfasts within walking distance of Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in the lovely touristic village of Plitvica Selo.
This cozy B&B offers free breakfast every morning so you can fuel up before a day of exploring the national park. Some rooms have private balconies or terraces, and parking is free at the property. There’s also a free airport shuttle, which is very helpful if you’ll be departing Croatia after your visit.
Plitvice Falls Cottage
Plitvice Falls Cottage is another one of the best places to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is located within walking distance of the park. This guesthouse is perfect for couples, with a private jacuzzi in some rooms. There is no better place to relax after spending a long day exploring the park.
Additionally, there is free parking and breakfast available for an additional cost.
Holiday Park Fenomen Plitvice
Holiday Park Fenomen Plitvice is the best place to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park for families or any travelers who want some extra space. There are studios and one-bedroom apartments available here with private kitchenettes, as well as typical hotel rooms. Free breakfast is included each morning.
The rooms are modern and updated, and the spacious grounds of the property include free parking, a hot tub and sauna, outdoor seating, and a children’s playground. It’s less than a mile from the national park.
B&B Plitvica Lodge
B&B Plitvica Lodge is another great bed & breakfast within walking distance of Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s less than one mile from Entrance 3, the least crowded of all the park entrances.
This B&B offers cozy rooms, some with private balconies overlooking the surrounding forest. There’s also a free breakfast included so you can fuel up before a big day of hiking, and free parking.
Pansion Breza
Pansion Breza is an affordable and simple guest house in the charming and quaint Plitvica Selo village that is just a ten-minute walk to the entrance of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The property is located on beautiful grounds and offers private parking. Some guest rooms have private parking. A delicious breakfast and other home-cooked meals are available for an additional fee.
Natura Plitvice Lakes
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay that is within walking distance of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Natura Plitvice Lakes is a good option. This guesthouse is just three minutes from the bus station that will take you to Entrance 2 of the national park, or about a twenty-minute walk.
The property offers comfortable rooms, free private parking, and barbecue facilities. It’s an excellent place to stay if you’re looking to save money and be close to the national park for your visit.
Hotel Jezero
If you want to stay inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hotel Jezero is your best option. Of the three hotels inside the national park, this one is the nicest and receives the best ratings from guests.
However, it still leaves a little to be desired with its dated style and relatively high price compared to nearby options. But you can’t beat the convenience of being right inside the park. Not to mention, the hotel offers amenities like free breakfast, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes National Park
This guide showed you where to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best for families: Holiday Park Fenomen Plitvice
- Best for couples: Plitvice Falls Cottage
- Best inside the park: Hotel Jezero
- Best budget: Natura Plitvice Lakes
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Plitvice Lakes!
Related Guides:
