Pag Island

Culture in the Villages, Party on the Beaches

Surrounded by smaller and larger islands, the idyllic island of Pag is located north of the Croatian coastal town of Zadar and south of Rijeka. The island is characterized by a mild climate, a Mediterranean landscape- ideal for hiking and cycling- as well as by its regional dishes such as the famous Pag cheese. The originality and naturalness of the island, the clean sea water, the delightful, less frequented often sandy and pebble beaches and the mild Mediterranean climate- all this makes the island of Pag the popular holiday destination on the Adriatic that it is. With an area of almost 285 m², a length of nearly 60 km and a width up to 9 km, the island of Pag officially belongs to both the Kvarner region and the region of northern Dalmatia. In the south since 1968, the island of Pag has been connected to the mainland by a 300-meter-long bridge which stretches towards Zadar and the mainland. The ferry (Prizna - Zigljen) lying in the northwest of the island has made the coming and going into a rapid 15 minute crossing. 

Vacation and Relaxation in a Protected Idyll

Pag is the capital of the island with 3,800 inhabitants and is located in a protected, deep bay, facing the mainland, allowing for relaxed bathing in the sun. For a family holiday this place is ideal because you benefit from the protected location of the city and the sea in this area is mostly quiet. Culturally and historically interesting is the old town, which was created according to strict geometric patterns. Encompassed in the pattered attractions are the city walls, watchtowers and the main square covers. Pag is known primarily for its salt marshes. The City Salt Museum informs visitors of the salt production history in Pag, which has a long tradition. Pag is rich in tradition, including Pag's famous lace- embroidery.

Zrce and Novalja - Popular Among Young People

In the bay opposite of Pag is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia - the Zrče (party) Beach. At the beach, which belongs to Novalja, young travelers celebrate and throw wild parties. These parties occur on land and on the water, such as on a boat trip or through a variety of water sports. Like the Zrče-Beach, Novalja is itself a lively place for tourists with its gastronomic diversity and numerous accommodation possibilities. To the north lies Stara Novalja - a quiet place, the ideal conditions for diving and whose Planjka beach offers a family-friendly sandy setting with excellent water quality (Blue Flag). Even a trip to Lun is worthwhile. The place is located at the northernmost tip of the island and offers one of the most beautiful landscapes, which is home to the great wild olive tree reserve. Finely pebbled and sandy beaches can be found in Caska, near Novalja, as well as in Povljane in the southeast of the island. According to legend, Caska was once a sunken old town dating from Roman times. Povljane has also been inhabited since the Roman era, which numerous excavations testify to.

Cheese From Pag Island: Discover New Culinary Territories

Tourists here can find many, secluded beaches, the famous Pag cheese (sheep's cheese) and regionally grown wine - all over the island - but especially in Metajna. The small fishing village faces towards the west side, the mainland, and therefore offers many pebbled and sandy beaches with calm water. In Metajna you can enjoy the local cuisine: Including the famous Pag cheese or prosciutto (cured ham).

How to get there

Pag has a fixed link to the mainland thanks to the bridge in the south of the island. Those who want to save stress and long travel times to the most popular resorts in the northern parts of the island, are best off using the cheap and fast ferry service between Zigljen on Pag and Prizna south of Jablanac on the mainland. The car ferry route number 335 from the Jadrolinija ship company runs every day at least 15 times a day and transports people and vehicles about every 15 minutes. Between late June and late August, the ferry runs from 4am to midnight hourly around the clock.

Pag is connected with Rijeka and the island of Rab from the end of May to the end of September with the Jadrolinija ship company's catamaran route number 9309. Once a day the ship departs from Novalja and reaches Rab after about an hour ride and reaches Rijeka after about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The disadvantage of this relatively quick and direct connection is that no automobiles are allowed on this boat. On the other hand, it is especially interesting for those without a mobile base or for cyclists.