Pag Island Travel Guide
Being the fifth island in Croatia by size, Pag is nestled in northern part of Adriatic Sea. Holidays on Pag Island include peaceful contemplation and wild nightlife, historical explorations, cultural insights and sport thrills.
In traffic sense island of Pag is easily accessible. It can be reached directly from all large towns of Croatia due to the bridge (Paski most), which connects it with the mainland. You can also take a ferry from Rab or Rjeka to get to the island.
The history of Pag Island dates back to the Early Stone Age period. During the Bronze Age it was inhabited by Liburnians, who were succeeded by the Romans in 1 BC. Their rule had lasted until the arrival of Croats in the 7th c. Later the island of Pag was divided between Rab and Zadar communities. Venetians, Austrians, French, Italians had ruled there until 1991, when the island became a part of independent Croatia. Pag town was founded in 1443 and built according to the project of Juraj Dalmatinac, a famous Croatian architect.
Tourist attractions. In Pag town you are recommended to visit the Benedictine monastery of St. Margarita (14th c.), the Pag Lace Museum, the Romanesque Church of St. Martin, ancient walls of Kolanjsko Polje, the Church of St. Mary (16th c.), Kula Skrivanat (the only remaining tower that surrounded the town), unfinished Bishop’s Palace erected by Giorgio da Sebenico, and the Duke’s Palace. Divers can visit the famous amphora site in the bay of Vlaska mala. Those who suffer from rheumatism or skin diseases should go to Povljana, famous for its medicinal mud.
Beaches. Numerous beaches on the island Pag are relatively uncrowded. If you travel to Pag with your soulmate, you must see the sunset on one of the best romantic beaches of Croatia, Rucica (Metajna). Naturists can enjoy their holidays on a sandy pebble beach of Sveti Duh (Saint Spirit), situated 9km away from Novalja. History buffs will be happy to visit Caska, a sandy beach 2,5 km away from Novalja. According to the legend there used to be an ancient Roman city that was destroyed in an earthquake, and its remains can be seen at the sea bottom. Those who are looking for a beach party ought to visit the famous Zrce beach.
Restaurants. The culinary offer of the island will leave you more than delighted! The hallmarks of the island are the Pag cheese and Pag lamb, which can be tasted in numerous restaurants and taverns. Various fish delicacies are offered at every corner, but if you are fed up with seafood you are recommended to visit the bistro Margerita to try the traditional Croatian dish Odojak.
Festivals and cultural events. Those whose holidays fall on the end of July can’t miss Pag Carnival organized in Pag town’s main square, which includes Slavic dancing and the folk play Paska Roninja. Gastronomy oriented travelers should visit Pag Sheep and Cheese Exhibition, organized in July. The olive festival Lunjska Maslinada is held every spring in Lunj. Those who miss the Festival of Nakanat Songs celebrated at St. Catharine Day (25 Nov.), have a chance to enjoy the rerun of this event in August. Young people should visit Novalja during their island Pag travel. This town never sleeps and abounds in clubs, visited by the best DJs of Europe.
Active vacations. Many divers from all over Europe spend their holidays on island of Pag to explore the wrecks of sunken boats and to marvel at the beauty of the sea life. Renato, Pag Lagona Divers, FOKA, and Blue Bay are the major diving centers on the island. Bikers and trekkers have the opportunity to explore 115 km of mountain paths during their Pag travel. Those who would like to try sailing can go to ACY marina Simuni. Kayaking, rafting, paintball, tennis, water-skiing, football and volleyball are also offered to active travelers.