Spend your summer in Croatia's alluring natural park, boasting an abundance of cascading waterfalls, rather than the famed Lake Como.
In the heart of Croatia, nestled amidst lush forests and cascading waterfalls, lies the enchanting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant colours, and breathtaking scenery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit destination for savvy travellers.
However, with over 1.5 million annual visitors, navigating the park during peak season can be a challenge. To help you enjoy the park's beauty with fewer people around, we've compiled some strategies to beat the crowds.
Firstly, visiting early in the morning is a great strategy. Arriving at 7 am, as the park opens (around 7:30 AM), allows you to experience fewer visitors, especially during the busy summer months. This early start also gives you the opportunity to capture stunning photos before the crowds descend.
Avoiding peak hours, from 10 AM to 5 PM, is another essential tip. These are the times when most tourists arrive, often as day-trippers from Zagreb or Split. By planning your visit outside of these hours, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Consider visiting during the off-season or rainy days, when visitor numbers drop significantly. While the weather might not be ideal, it reduces the crowd and still offers beautiful views.
Exploring alternative routes and secret spots is another way to avoid crowds. For instance, the partially broken steps on the side of Veliki Slap waterfall lead to less crowded viewpoints, away from the main trails.
Booking tickets online ahead of time with timed entrances and staying nearby can also help you gain early access and flexibility on entry gates. This not only helps you avoid congestion but also allows you to visit the park at a time that suits you best.
Guided small group tours with knowledgeable guides can help you navigate the park, avoiding crowded areas by taking lesser-known trails. These tours often reveal tips for beating the tourist rush and recommend secret viewpoints for magical experiences without crowds.
Watching videos by experienced tour providers can also provide valuable insights. They often share tips for beating the tourist rush and recommend secret viewpoints for a more unique Plitvice experience.
Plitvice Lakes National Park spans 30,000 hectares and is home to 157 bird species, 50 mammal species, 1,267 plant species (22 of which are threatened and on the Croatian red list), and various wildlife such as brown bears, lynx, wolves, otters, and deer.
Just 30 km away from Plitvice, you'll find the charming village of Rastoke, nicknamed "little Plitvice" due to its 28 cascades. While smaller and less crowded, Rastoke offers an intimate aquatic spectacle, with its highest cascade plunging 22 meters. Here, rural tranquility reigns, and according to legend, mischievous fairies reside.
Since 2019, a quota system has been in place, allowing a maximum of 12,000 visitors per day. The park is open every day from 7h to 20h (April to October) and from 8h to 16h (November to March).
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park during the late afternoon can be a good option as tourist buses have departed. This allows you to enjoy the park's beauty in relative peace, making for a memorable experience. Whether you choose to visit Plitvice during the day or in the evening, remember to respect the park's fragile ecosystem and adhere to the rules, such as the prohibition of swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
With these strategies in mind, you're now well-equipped to enjoy the park's stunning scenery with fewer people around and a more serene experience.
During your travel, you might want to consider opting for in-flights early in the morning or late in the evening to arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park at less crowded times. Embracing a lifestyle that includes exploring the park during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or during the evening, can offer a more peaceful home-and-garden-like experience amidst the park's breathtaking scenery.
