Location

Croatia

Mesmerizing Croatia, also known as the land of a thousand islands, with its majestic coastline, colourful history and rich cultural heritage offers far more than one could possibly take in within a short stay. Beautiful coastal cities of Zadar, Šibenik and Split are not that far from Pag and are well worth a visit. You may also wish to explore other unspoiled Mediterranean islands, Game of Thrones location tours, or one of world famous National Parks.

To visit Croatia is to experience the Mediterranean at its best. The incredible cuisine is based on local ingredients with a slightly modern twist. Fresh fish, olive oil, various sorts of wine, great regional cooking and specialty dishes are just some of the reasons why you should pick Croatia as your next travel destination.

Pag Island

Pag is a Croatian island situated in the northern Adriatic Sea. Most famous for its spectacular summer parties, it is also known for its moonlike landscape, lace production and Pag cheese. With its desolate pumice stony slopes, steep cliffs, hidden coves, beautiful pebble and sand beaches, olive groves and crystal clear sea, during summer, Pag becomes a seductive, energy fuelled place where one can feel alive as the island resonates with the sounds of clubs, boat and pool parties.

Weather

Long and bright summer days are warm and sunny with almost no rain. September in Croatia means daily temperatures with an average around 25 ° C while nights are warm and starry. Water temperatures are just perfect with a pleasant average of 24° C.

With 13 hours of sunshine, summers in Croatia are ideal for a holiday filled with making memories, partying like crazy or just winding down and relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun.

Culture

Pag cultural summer has been held on the island every year since 1963. A great variety of cultural programs promote the island. The Novalja Summer Culture Festival lasts whole summer and it is filled with different cultural, artistic, entertainment and sporting events. The streets are bustling with life and art exhibitions, they resonate with folk group (klapa) and ensemble performances and classical music concerts.

One can also enjoy promotions and book exhibitions, theatre performances, outdoor cinema, folk music concerts, shows, sporting competitions, etc.

The Croatian official currency is the Kuna. 

You will find that you can pay in some places – private accommodation, taxis – in Euros. Do note that this is entirely on an unofficial basis; the Euro is not yet the official currency and no business/individual is required to accept them as payment.

ATMs are available on the whole island, especially in Novalja. This really is one of the easiest ways of obtaining money in Croatia – but not always the cheapest! The cheapest way to exchange your money is going straight to any bank in the city!

You can pay by card in the venues. In larger shops (supermarkets, drugstores/pharmacies, souvenir shops) cards are readily accepted. Paying by card in a hotel is also very straightforward. More established restaurants in Novalja city should also accept cards. The smaller towns on the island are less likely to accept cards, therefore always a good idea to have some cash to hand.

Tolls can be paid by card, as can entrance tickets to the national parks. Transport (bus, train, ferry tickets) can be paid for by card; in many cases, these tickets can be bought online before travel.

Croatia might be a small and young country but it boasts incredible athletic history. It is a homeland of generations of some of the most talented athletes in the world. This is why Croatia places great importance on sports and recreational facilities. They are booming in Novalja, especially during summer months.

No matter what you enjoy most, everyone can find something for themselves. There is a football stadium, along with a multi-purpose sports hall as well as tennis courts and fitness gyms for sports enthusiasts. If you are adrenalin driven kind of person, then you can paintball, go on a quad safari, go hiking, walking, trekking or cycling to explore the natural beauties of the island. If you prefer water sports, feel the wind in your hair and salt on your skin while water skiing; go speed boat tube pulling and yachting or discover the underwater world of the Adriatic.

Novalja has an abundance of local shops. But if you and your crew need a larger shop, such as a supermarket, we recommend Tommy Maximarket, Hiper Novalis or Konzum not far from intercity bus station as well as Plodine located in vicinity of local bus roundabout in Novalja. 

Zrce Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Europe. This 1km-long cove is the best party holiday destination. Home to four amazing superclubs, boasting crystal clear water and view of the mainland mountains this place is great for day or all-night-long parties.

Gajac Beach is a slightly less crowded gravel beach located in the tourist town of Gajac, near Zrće Beach. Enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, dip your feet in the coastal strip partly filled with sand and have some local delicacies in one of many restaurants and bars along the beach.

Simuni beach is situated in the central part of the island not far from the town of Pag. Mostly covered with fine gravel, partly with sand, this 4km long beach is the largest in the Adriatic. There are many bars and restaurants along the beach. Relax under the pine trees and have a drink in the shade before jumping back into translucent waters of Simuni beach.

There is a great number of much less crowded beaches where you can enjoy some privacy such as Cista, Branicevica, Planjka, Lokunje and Babe.

Being one of the biggest Croatian islands, Pag is easily accessible from the mainland. Connected by a bridge on the southern side and a short Prizna-Žigljen ferry ride on the northern side, the island is perfectly reachable in a matter of minutes. Accommodation areas like Novalja  and Stara Novalja are conveniently and quickly connected to the party area at Zrće Beach by a frequent local bus taking a route from Novalja to Zrće every few minutes, day and night. You can check the bus times and timetable here shortly before the program begins.

Croatia is well known for its great variety of domestic restaurants, fresh ingredients and wonderful tastes. Pag is an ideal place to experience it all. There are numerous restaurants well worth a visit in close vicinity of our accommodation area, but we do have a few favourites.

When visiting a Mediterranean country, eating in a tavern is an absolute must. Don’t miss taverns Arka, Stari mlin or Antika. We also highly recommend visiting restaurants Starac i More and Boskinac. Pag is also well known for its (piquant) sheep’s cheese (Paški sir), and lamb, famous for its distinctive taste, best in Croatia. We also recommend trying a variety of fish and seafood, grilled meat, needle macaroni, curd strudel and traditional domestic pastry – hrostule and fritters.