Pag Island

Pag Island’s history stretches back to Roman times, with the town of Pag serving as the island’s historic and cultural center. Present-day Pag was founded in 1443 on a new site by the Venetian authorities, after the old town was abandoned, and the plan, with a regular grid, was drawn up by the master builder Juraj Dalmatinac, who also worked on the cathedral in Šibenik. Medieval Pag is known for its grid-like layout, parts of its old city walls and the Church of St. Mary. The Ducal Palace, the Kneževa Palača, was planned as the seat of the Venetian rector but was never finished, and the incomplete building still stands on the main square. The Pag Lace Gallery shows the island’s UNESCO-listed lace-making tradition, in which women make intricate patterns with a needle and a single thread, and the Salt Museum tells the story of Pag’s salt pans, which are still in operation. The lively squares, stone houses and waterfront promenade create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

The island’s natural beauty is strikingly diverse. The barren, rocky landscapes of the interior give way to olive groves in Lun, where some of the world’s oldest olive trees grow. The Olive Gardens of Lun contain thousands of wild and cultivated trees, some said to be over a thousand years old, and a walk among them is a quiet and unusual experience. The coastline is dotted with beaches, from the family-friendly Plaža Ručica and Vrtic Beach to the world-famous Zrće Beach near Novalja, a hotspot for music festivals and nightlife. Zrće’s open-air clubs, international DJs and summer parties have earned it the nickname 'Ibiza of the Adriatic.' Quieter places include Simuni Beach on the west coast and Dinjiska Bay, with clear water and fewer people.

Nature lovers will find wetlands as well as stone. Malo Blato and Velo Blato are among the island’s rare freshwater areas, valuable for birds and for the grazing of animals, and they contrast with the dry hills. The ruins of the small fortress called Fortica add history to a coastal walk. Outdoor activities abound on Pag, with hiking and cycling trails that wind through the island’s lunar landscapes and offer wide views of the sea and neighboring islands. The island’s clear waters are good for swimming, snorkeling and water sports, and boat tours, fishing trips and excursions to hidden coves and nearby islets are easily arranged from Pag and Novalja.

Pag’s culinary scene is a highlight, with restaurants and konobas serving Paški sir, lamb, fresh seafood and local wines. The cheese is made from the milk of sheep that graze on herbs sprayed by sea salt, which gives it a distinct taste, and the lamb is among the most prized in Croatia. The island’s markets and food festivals celebrate its agricultural heritage, while the nightlife in Novalja and Zrće draws partygoers from across Europe. Cultural events, such as the Pag Carnival and lace-making workshops, offer insight into the island’s traditions and community spirit.

Getting to Pag Island is straightforward. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge at the southern end, and regular buses run from Zadar, Rijeka and other regional centers. Ferries also connect Pag to the mainland and neighboring islands. Accommodation options range from hotels and resorts to private apartments and campsites, catering to all budgets and preferences.

The best time to visit Pag Island is from June to August, when the weather is hot, the sea is warm and the island’s beaches, nightlife and festivals are in full swing. May, June and September offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds and excellent conditions for sightseeing, hiking and the relaxed pace of island life. Whether you seek adventure, culture or a sunny escape, Pag Island offers a distinctive and varied Croatian experience, as different from Zrće’s clubs as the old town is from the olive gardens.