Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's most visited national park - a UNESCO wonderland of 16 terraced lakes and countless waterfalls. Accommodation clusters around the two park entrances, with options ranging from the park's own hotels to family guesthouses in nearby villages. Staying overnight is essential for early morning visits before day-tripper crowds arrive.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Entrance 1 Area
Most accommodation, closest to the dramatic Lower Lakes waterfalls, and easiest logistics. Wake up early and be among the first into the park before day-trip buses arrive from Zagreb and the coast. The iconic boardwalk views are steps away.
Entrance 1 Area
Entrance 2 Area
Mukinje Village
Rastoke
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Day-trip crowds arrive 10:00–16:00 in summer - staying overnight is essential for a peaceful experience
- • The park's own hotels are convenient but often overpriced - nearby guesthouses offer better value
- • Summer (July-August) is extremely crowded - spring and autumn are far better
- • Winter visits are magical but many hotels close and some trails may be closed
Understanding Plitvice Lakes Geography
Plitvice Lakes National Park has two entrances about 2-3km apart. Entrance 1 (north) provides quickest access to the dramatic Lower Lakes and Big Waterfall. Entrance 2 (south) offers panoramic views and Upper Lakes access. Villages (Mukinje, Jezerce, Grabovac, Korana) surround the park with guesthouses. The main road runs between Zagreb (130km) and Split (230km).
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Plitvice Lakes
Entrance 1 Area
Best for: Lower Lakes access, main entrance, visitor center, most hotels
"Main tourist hub with easiest access to the dramatic Lower Lakes"
Pros
- Close to dramatic waterfalls
- Most accommodation options
- Visitor facilities
Cons
- Crowded in peak season
- Tourism-focused
- Pricey restaurants
Entrance 2 Area
Best for: Upper Lakes access, panoramic viewpoint, train/boat connections
"Quieter entrance with stunning panoramic views and Upper Lakes access"
Pros
- Better views
- Less crowded start
- Access to full circuit
Cons
- Fewer hotels nearby
- Further from waterfalls initially
Mukinje / Korana Village
Best for: Budget guesthouses, authentic village, Korana River, local restaurants
"Traditional Croatian village with family-run guesthouses and rural charm"
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Authentic experience
- River activities
- Local cuisine
Cons
- Need transport to park
- Basic facilities
- Very quiet evenings
Rastoke
Best for: Watermills, waterfalls, 'Little Plitvice', historic village
"Enchanting watermill village where rivers meet - a mini Plitvice"
Pros
- Unique watermill village
- Less crowded
- Great photography
Cons
- 50km from Plitvice
- Limited accommodation
- Best as day trip
Accommodation Budget in Plitvice Lakes
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
House Krizmanic
Grabovac
A welcoming 3-star guesthouse in Grabovac featuring a shared kitchen, garden with BBQ facilities, and a sun terrace. Located just a 10-15 minute drive from Plitvice Lakes National Park entrances.
Hotel Macola
Korenica
Clean and practical budget hotel with free parking, WiFi, on-site restaurant and convenient location for easy access to Plitvice Lakes National Park entrances.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Degenija
Entrance 1 Area
Family-run hotel with excellent restaurant, comfortable rooms, and easy park access. Best mid-range option.
Plitvice Miric Inn
Near Entrance 2
Charming family-run inn with excellent homemade food, traditional decor, and warm Croatian hospitality.
Lyra Hotel Plitvice
Near Entrance 1
Modern boutique hotel featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center, and telescopes for stargazing. Located in Ličko Petrovo Selo, it offers a contemporary and eco-conscious stay roughly 15-20 minutes from the national park entrances.
Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke
Rastoke
A modern 4-star hotel located a short drive from the historic watermill village of Rastoke. It features an on-site adventure agency for rafting and quad tours, plus a traditional restaurant serving local specialties.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Fenomen Plitvice Resort
Near entrances (quiet forested area)
An upscale resort with traditional wooden lodges, featuring luxury suites with kitchenettes and fireplaces, a private spa with a sauna and hot tub, and an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine.
Etno Garden Plitvice Luxury
Near Plitvice Lakes National Park
Boutique luxury property blending traditional ethno-style with modern comfort, offering serene surroundings and close proximity to the famous lakes and waterfalls.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Plitvice Villa Verde
Jezerce (2 km from Entrance 2)
Family-run villa with landscaped gardens, spacious modern rooms, and personalized hospitality. High-quality homemade breakfasts and easy park access with free parking.
Antemurale - Luxury Rooms
Rastovaca
Charming luxury guesthouse with modern air-conditioned rooms and on-site sauna options, located a short walk from Plitvice Lakes National Park Entrance 1 for easy access to the waterfalls.
Smart Booking Tips for Plitvice Lakes
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for May-September, especially weekends
- 2 Park entry tickets should also be pre-booked online in summer to avoid queues
- 3 Two-day tickets offer best value if you want to explore thoroughly
- 4 Spring (April-May) offers waterfalls at peak flow with fewer crowds
- 5 Autumn colors (October) are spectacular and crowds thin significantly
- 6 Consider combining with Rastoke watermills and Zadar or Zagreb
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Plitvice Lakes.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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