Papaya Club

Papaya is the largest and best-known open-air nightclub on Zrće Beach, the busy strip of clubs and beach bars near Novalja on the island of Pag. It sits right on the pebble beach, so the dance floor, the sea and the sunrise are all part of one setting, and the club is one of the places that put Croatia on the map for electronic music fans in Europe. For many visitors, it is the first name that comes up when Zrće is mentioned.

The venue is built as a big open-air arena, with stages, a large dance floor, several bars and raised terraces facing the water, as well as reserved table areas for groups who want a private space. The club hosts international DJs and producers throughout the summer season, which runs roughly from early summer to the beginning of autumn, with the busiest weeks in July and August. Programmes combine regular weekly nights with larger special events and festival-style evenings, and the line-ups change from one season to another, so check the current schedule before you plan a trip.

One of the features of Zrće is the daytime party. Papaya, like the neighbouring clubs Aquarius, Noa and Kalypso, runs afternoon sessions on the beach, with music, drinks, loungers and people swimming just in front of the stage, which makes the line between beach and nightclub blurry. The night programme normally continues until the early hours, and many guests stay until sunrise over the sea.

Know what to expect before you go. The atmosphere is loud, crowded and aimed at young adults, and there is typically an entry charge and a minimum age. Drinks are priced as at a nightclub, and reservations for tables carry a minimum spend that varies with the event. Bring identification, carry only the cash and cards you need, and keep belongings secure. Heat, alcohol and swimming are a risky combination, so drink water, pace yourself and avoid swimming after drinking.

Getting there is simple: shuttle buses and taxis run between Novalja and Zrće during the season, often late into the night, and the distance is about two kilometres, so it is easy to leave your car behind. Plan how you will return before the evening begins. In the daytime, the beach itself is open to everyone, and you can see the club from the shore without going in. The club suits music fans and groups of friends who want a big-night experience. For quieter alternatives, Novalja, Ručica beach and the Roman aqueduct are listed in this guide.