April 20, 2024

Plitvice Lakes: Croatia's Most Spectacular National Park

Sixteen terraced lakes, over 90 waterfalls, and ancient forest — Plitvice Lakes National Park is a day trip from Petrčane that will stay with you for life.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's most visited natural attraction — and rightly so. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the park covers 296 square kilometres of forested limestone karst landscape, carved over millennia into a cascade of 16 emerald-green and turquoise lakes connected by hundreds of waterfalls.

Getting There from Petrčane

Plitvice is approximately 130 kilometres from Petrčane, taking the A1 motorway inland via Zadar North. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. In July and August, expect heavy queues near the park entrance — leaving by 7am from Petrčane is strongly recommended.

There is no direct public bus from Petrčane; the best option is to drive or join an organised tour from Zadar (many operators run daily trips in summer).

The Lakes

The park is divided into the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and Lower Lakes (Donja jezera), connected by wooden boardwalks and boat crossings.

Lower Lakes

The Lower Lakes are the more dramatic section — steep canyon walls, thundering waterfalls including the 78-metre Veliki Slap (Croatia's tallest waterfall), and the vivid turquoise colour of Lake Novakovića Brod. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here.

Upper Lakes

The Upper Lakes are broader and more forested, with a series of wide, shallow cascades. Less crowded than the Lower Lakes, especially in the afternoon. Allow 2–3 hours.

Entrance & Practical Information

• Entrances: Entrance 1 (Lower Lakes) and Entrance 2 (Upper Lakes)
• Tickets: Buy online in advance — in summer, day tickets frequently sell out
• Price: Adults approximately €20–35 depending on season; includes boat and panoramic train
• Time needed: Half day minimum; full day recommended

Tips for a Great Visit

• Arrive early: Gates open at 7am. Before 8am avoids queues and gives you the morning light
• Route C or H: Cover both lake sections — 4–6 hours walking
• Overcast days produce the best photos — water colour saturates without harsh shadows
• Combine with: Stop at Rastoke village (30 min detour on the return route)