Romantic Getaway Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes: fill your hearts with unrivalled natural beauty
Treat yourselves and travel more often!
Do you love nature and wide-open spaces? Set off on a romantic getaway to the Plitvice Lakes, an enchanting destination nestled in the heart of Croatia.
Surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, the Plitvice Lakes provide an idyllic backdrop for a romantic escape. Take this opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break and immerse yourselves in the unspoilt nature of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But why settle for just one destination when you can make the pleasure last longer? By extending your stay, you can turn this romantic weekend into a double city break, combining the tranquillity of the Plitvice Lakes with the charming UNESCO-listed coastal city of Zadar. Offering an experience rich in contrasts, this getaway promises moments of relaxation, adventure and discovery, all in the company of your loved one.
When should you visit the Plitvice Lakes for a romantic getaway?
When planning a romantic getaway to the Plitvice Lakes, the time of year you choose to visit can have a significant impact on your experience.
Although the Plitvice Lakes are beautiful throughout the year, it is important to consider the tourist seasons if you want to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding nature.
The peak tourist season generally runs from June to August, when Croatian and international visitors flock to the lakes to enjoy the beautiful summer weather. During these months, the trails can be crowded and coachloads of tourists can invade the natural surroundings, reducing the privacy and serenity you may be looking for during a romantic getaway.
Therefore, to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the peaceful beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, it is best to plan your visit during the low season, such as spring (March, April and May) or autumn (September and October). During these periods, you will have a better chance of enjoying a calm and romantic atmosphere.
How can you reach the Plitvice Lakes?
For a weekend at the Plitvice Lakes, you can consider flying to one of Croatia’s main airports, such as Zagreb, Zadar or Split. These cities benefit from a good range of international flight connections. Once you arrive at your chosen airport, you can hire a car for an independent and flexible journey to the Plitvice Lakes, which are within a reasonable distance of each of these cities. Alternatively, you can also travel by bus from the airport to the Plitvice Lakes, although this may require a little more travel time.
We recommend flying to Zadar Airport, the closest airport, located approximately 120 kilometres away. It is a pleasant, small and easily manageable airport. You can spend two or three days in Zadar before spending a similar amount of time at the Plitvice Lakes, surrounded by nature and magical landscapes. Buses run from Zadar Bus Station to the lakes. You should check the timetables in advance, as these are not local city buses.
If you are travelling by bus, get off at Entrance 1 so that you can leave your luggage in the lockers by the entrance and save time. If you are travelling by car, it does not matter which entrance you choose, as Entrances 1 and 2 both have their own paid car parks.
Where should you stay near the Plitvice Lakes for a romantic getaway?
Like other nature destinations such as the idyllic village of Esch-sur-Sûre, the Plitvice Lakes region is popular with both tourists and Croatians.
The period from May to September is particularly busy. If you cannot travel at another time, plan and make your reservations well in advance, both for your accommodation and your tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
When it comes to accommodation, there are places to stay very close to the lakes, saving you from having to walk long distances or hire a car. We have selected a number of picturesque places that allow you to visit without renting a car. You can also spend the day exploring the lakes before taking a bus in the evening to discover the idyllic village of Rastoke and stay there overnight.
What can you see and do during a romantic weekend at the Plitvice Lakes?
Explore the natural wonders of the Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes are part of Croatia’s oldest and largest national park. It is also one of the country’s most visited, attracting both Croatian residents and international tourists.
They consist of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls created by the deposition of travertine, a distinctive type of limestone also known as tufa. This unique formation led to the lakes being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
There are several different walks to choose from inside the park, depending on how much time you have available. If you are looking for an easy route that is not too long, you can choose Programme B, which takes approximately four hours to complete, excluding time for lunch.
Programme B follows a loop, meaning that you never have to walk through the same place twice. The route leads through the limestone canyon of the Lower Lakes.
If you would like to spend the entire weekend at the lakes, you can do so and experience several different walks. In this case, we recommend buying a two-day ticket directly.
Plan your itinerary in advance by choosing your preferred route here.
Enjoy outdoor activities around the Plitvice Lakes
Depending on the season in which you visit, the Plitvice Lakes region offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including kayaking, cycling, rafting, horse riding, quad biking, ziplining and much more.
A little farther north are the Barać Caves, which you can reach by taxi from the Plitvice Lakes area, as well as a fallow deer sanctuary.
Discover the village of Rastoke
Without needing a car, you can set off to explore the charming and picturesque village of Rastoke, located approximately 30 minutes from the Plitvice Lakes by bus.
As services are not very frequent, make sure you plan your outbound and return journeys well in advance so that you do not find yourselves stranded.
Rastoke is often nicknamed “Little Plitvice” because of its similarities to the famous national park. As you stroll through the village, you will discover a network of rivers and waterfalls, as well as historic watermills that bear witness to the region’s industrial past.
Rastoke is also known for its traditional wooden architecture, with picturesque houses and wooden bridges adding to the village’s rustic charm. You can wander along its cobbled lanes and admire its well-preserved buildings.
Venture a little outside the village and you will find viewpoints offering spectacular views of the waterfalls and the lush surrounding countryside. It is the perfect place to take beautiful photographs and admire the region’s natural beauty.
Rastoke is also home to several cafés and restaurants where you can stop to sample local cuisine and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. Some establishments even have terraces overlooking the waterfalls, providing an idyllic setting for a relaxing break.
One of Rastoke’s main attractions is its peaceful and authentic atmosphere. As you wander through the village, you can soak up the serenity of the surrounding nature and escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities. We have found charming accommodation where you might even decide to stay.
Enjoy a candlelit dinner in a cosy atmosphere
Whether you choose to stay close to the Plitvice Lakes or elsewhere, extend your day of exploring breathtaking landscapes by dining in a warm and cosy restaurant, perhaps even one with a fireplace to enhance the atmosphere.
Visit the authentic village of Korana
From the Plitvice Lakes, you can take a bus to the small and authentic village of Korana.
The village of Korana is an enchanting destination offering an authentic immersion in Croatian rural life and the region’s natural beauty.
At the heart of the village is a traditional working watermill, offering a fascinating insight into the traditional flour-making process. Korana lies beside the river of the same name, where you will find places to cool off and swim in warm weather.
The village is also famous for its picturesque wooden houses, which add to its rustic charm. It is surrounded by magnificent natural landscapes that are ideal for hiking and exploring.
By visiting Korana, you can immerse yourselves in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, far from the bustle of urban life, and enjoy an unforgettable experience combining history, nature and Croatian authenticity.
Explore the historic city of Karlovac
Located north of Korana, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the lakes by bus, Karlovac offers a fascinating journey through Croatian history.
Karlovac was founded in the 16th century, and its architecture reflects its rich historical past. As you walk through its streets, you can admire well-preserved historic buildings, ancient churches and fortifications dating from the Renaissance and Austro-Hungarian periods.
Karlovac is known for its star-shaped fortifications, which once played an important role in defending the city. You can walk along the ramparts and bastions, discover the historic entrance gates and learn more about the military architecture of the period.
Karlovac is also famous for its parks and green spaces, which offer the opportunity to relax and recharge in the heart of nature. Karlovac’s municipal park, with its shady paths and beautifully maintained gardens, is particularly popular with both residents and visitors.
For culture lovers, the city is home to several interesting museums and cultural sites where you can learn more about its history and culture. Karlovac City Museum and the Karlovac Homeland War Museum are among the attractions not to be missed.
Make the most of your visit to Karlovac by discovering local Croatian cuisine. Many of the city’s restaurants and taverns serve traditional dishes, regional specialities and local wines in an authentic setting.
Where can you take a romantic excursion from the Plitvice Lakes?
Visit the UNESCO city of Zadar
As we have suggested from the beginning, Zadar is the obvious city to visit, particularly if you have flown into the airport of the same name.
More than a simple excursion, we invite you to spend two or three days there, a proper weekend in fact, as there is little doubt that you will be charmed by everything it has to offer.
The historic centre is not particularly large, but it invites you to relax and embrace slow tourism so that you can truly enjoy it. Furthermore, the island of Čiovo opposite also promises beautiful seaside or hiking excursions, depending on your interests.
Finally, just 30 minutes away by bus lies the highly romantic little town of Nin, which we also invite you to discover.
he Plitvice Lakes offer the perfect escape for nature lovers and couples seeking adventure and romance. With a multitude of hiking trails in addition to the eight official routes for exploring the lakes, it is very easy to spend an entire weekend discovering the breathtaking beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you want to relax beside crystal-clear waterfalls, lose yourselves along wooded trails or simply soak up the serenity of the landscapes, the Plitvice Lakes offer an unforgettable experience.
However, those wishing to prolong the pleasure and explore more of the region can create a short itinerary from Zadar to Zagreb, travelling via the Plitvice Lakes, Rastoke, Korana and Karlovac. Extending your journey in this way provides another opportunity to immerse yourselves in Croatia’s captivating and romantic landscapes while discovering picturesque villages, winding rivers and historic cities steeped in history.
Whether you choose a short weekend break or a longer escape, the Plitvice Lakes and their surroundings promise a memorable experience filled with discovery.