Last Update
May 7, 2025 2:54 AM

Pag

Pag

Quick Info

Pag
Set like a stone jewel in the northern Dalmatian coast of Croatia, Pag Island is one of the Adriatic’s most surprising destinations — part lunar landscape, part beach rave, part heritage stronghold. The moment you cross the bridge from the mainland, Pag greets you with windswept hills, salty scents, sheep-covered slopes, and a whole lot of character. This is an island where UNESCO-honored lace and centuries-old cheese-making live side-by-side with all-night dance festivals and stony silence. With its famed Pag cheese (Paški sir), wild beaches like Ručica, the legendary party scene at Zrće Beach, and the ancient charm of Pag Town, this island offers two speeds: slow and soulful or fast and electric. Whether you’re into culinary traditions, lunar hikes, history, or hedonism, Pag is an island full of contrast — and full of stories.
Capital:
Main cities:
Pag Town, Novalja, Šimuni, Povljana, Kolan
International airport:
Zadar Airport (ZAD), ~1 hr by road + bridge to island
Population:
8,000 permanent residents
Area:
284.5 sq km
Dependency Status:
Part of Croatia, in Zadar County
Language:
Croatian (official), English and German widely spoken
Currency:
Euro (€)
Time zone:
GMT +1 (CET), GMT +2 in summer (CEST)
Country Code:
+385
Driving:
Right-hand side
Electricity:
Type C & F, 230V
Emergency Number:
112
Tipping:
Customary – round up or leave 5–10% for service

Map

Best Time to Visit

Pag

May to early October is the best time to experience Pag. In May and June, temperatures are mild (22–27°C), the sea starts warming up, and hiking and biking are ideal. July and August are high season, with music festivals, packed beaches, and Mediterranean heat (up to 35°C), especially in Novalja and Zrće Beach.

For a more tranquil trip, September is golden — the sea is still warm, the crowds thin out, and cheese and wine festivals pop up. Avoid winter unless you’re into solitude and wind-blasted walks; many beach bars and businesses close from November to March.

Top 10 Attractions in

Pag

  • Pag Old Town – Wander the white-stone alleys, baroque facades, and visit the Salt Museum and lace shops.
  • Zrće Beach – Croatia’s answer to Ibiza—nonstop beach parties, open-air clubs, and big-name DJs.
  • Pag Salt Pans (Solana Pag) – Among Europe’s oldest salt works, with tours and a fascinating museum.
  • Lace Gallery (Museum of Pag Lace) – A UNESCO-recognized art form passed down by island grandmothers.
  • Kolan and the Cheese Route – Visit Paška Sirana or Gligora Dairy to taste the island’s award-winning cheese.
  • Ručica Beach – Hike through dramatic rock valleys to reach this desert-meets-sea paradise.
  • Beritnica Beach and Stogaj Cliff – A scenic spot for climbing, swimming, and unreal photography.
  • Church of St. Mary in Pag Town – A 15th-century landmark with intricate Gothic-Renaissance architecture.
  • Šimuni Camping and Beach – A relaxed area for family stays, boat trips, and clear snorkeling waters.
  • Velo Tusto Čelo Viewpoint – Hike or drive up to see the barren plateau and Adriatic coast from above.

Local Tips -

Pag

  • Book accommodations early if you're visiting during festival season (July–August).
  • Bring water shoes—many beaches are rocky, but stunning.
  • Try Pag cheese at multiple dairies—each family recipe is slightly different.
  • Visit early morning markets in Pag or Novalja for fresh local produce.
  • Respect local customs—the island is proud of its traditions, especially in Pag Town.
  • **Hike the Life on Mars trail for dramatic rockscapes and quiet coves.
  • Drink travarica like a local—but slowly; it's potent!
  • Bike between towns on scenic backroads during the shoulder seasons.
  • Rent a boat and explore hidden beaches accessible only from the sea.
  • Buy real Pag lace from certified artisans, not cheap imitations.

Carnivals and Festivals in

Pag

  • Hideout Festival (June/July) – World-famous electronic music festival on Zrće Beach with global DJs.
  • Sonus Festival (August) – Five days of techno, sun, and sea—an icon of Europe’s summer rave scene.
  • Pag Carnival (February and July) – Featuring costumes, dances, and traditional folk drama.
  • Pag Cultural Summer (July–August) – Open-air concerts, theatre, and art shows across Pag Town.
  • Lace Festival (June) – Celebrating UNESCO-recognized Pag lace with exhibits, workshops, and fashion.
  • Salt Harvest Festival (August) – A tribute to Pag’s ancient salt-making roots, with food, music, and market stalls.
  • Cheese Days (September) – Tastings, cooking demos, and cheese-themed village feasts.
  • Pag Lamb Festival (May) – Savor the island’s famous roast lamb, grilled over open flame.
  • Klapa Nights – Traditional a cappella singing in village squares, especially in Kolan and Pag.
  • Fishermen’s Nights (various dates) – Street feasts of grilled fish, music, and dancing by the sea.

Cool Facts About

Pag

  • Pag cheese (Paški sir) is one of Europe’s most awarded sheep cheeses.
  • Its rocky landscape looks like the moon—NASA trainees have even visited!
  • The island produces some of Croatia’s purest sea salt, thanks to its natural evaporation system.
  • Pag is home to some of the oldest lace-making traditions in Europe, dating back to the 15th century.
  • The Pag bridge makes it one of the few Croatian islands connected to the mainland by road.
  • Zrće Beach regularly hosts over 100,000 partygoers during summer festivals.
  • Locals raise Paška sheep, a unique breed adapted to the island’s salty, rocky conditions.
  • The Life on Mars hiking trail is named for its alien-like terrain.
  • Pag is often used as a film and commercial location due to its surreal, open landscapes.
  • Pag lace has been gifted to Vatican popes and European royalty as a symbol of Croatian heritage.

FAQ

What is the island known for?
Pag is known for its rocky lunar landscapes, Pag cheese (Paški sir), Zrće Beach nightlife, salt pans, and UNESCO-protected Pag lace. It’s an island of music and tradition.

Is the island a good destination for families?
Absolutely—outside of the party scene, Pag offers family-friendly beaches, gentle waters, cultural sights, and local experiences. Towns like Pag, Povljana, and Šimuni are perfect for a laid-back family escape.

Is the island safe for tourists?
Yes, Pag is very safe. Just keep an eye on your belongings during busy festivals or beach parties in Zrće, and avoid driving at night after nightlife events due to road congestion.

Do you need a visa to visit the island?
Pag is part of Croatia and the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens can enter freely, and most other travelers (US, UK, AUS, CAN) can stay up to 90 days visa-free.

What is the best way to get to the island?
The easiest route is from Zadar, via car or bus. Pag is connected to the mainland by a bridge in the south and by ferry from Prizna to Žigljen in the north. No airport on the island itself.

Should I rent a car on the island?
Yes—distances between towns, beaches, and viewpoints are long, and buses are limited. A car or scooter gives you the freedom to explore Pag’s remote coves and salt roads.

Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Some beaches and modern accommodations are accessible, especially in Pag Town and Novalja, but rocky terrain and historic streets can be a challenge. Plan ahead with your hotel.

What are the island’s most famous landmarks?
The Pag Salt Works, Pag Lace Museum, the Old Town of Pag, Zrće Beach, and the Church of St. Mary. Don’t miss the moonlike hills above Kolan.

What are the best beaches on the island?
Zrće Beach (for parties), Simuni Beach (family-friendly), Ručica Beach (wild and photogenic), Čista Beach (sandy, shallow), and Beritnica Beach (a scenic hike).

What is unique about the island’s wildlife?
Pag has a rare karst ecosystem, with salt-tolerant plants, migratory birds, lizards, and sea life. It's also known for its sheep, essential to producing its famed cheese.

What traditional foods should you try on the island?
Paški sir (Pag cheese), roast lamb, black risotto, octopus under peka, and fig and honey desserts. Pair with local Žutica white wine or loza brandy.

Can you drink tap water on the island?
Yes—tap water is clean and safe all over Pag.

What is the nightlife like on the island?
Zrće Beach is legendary—hosting global DJs and beach raves from June to September. Elsewhere, nightlife is relaxed and wine-focused, with harbor bars and sunset terraces.

How can I stay connected to the internet on the island?
Wi-Fi is widely available, and 4G coverage is good. SIM cards from Hrvatski Telekom, A1, or Telemach are reliable for longer stays.

What are some local souvenirs to bring home from the island?
Take home Pag lace, local cheese, handmade olive oil soap, sea salt, loza rakija, and artisan ceramics with island motifs.

20 Essential Words

  • Dobar dan – Good day
  • Hvala – Thank you
  • Molim – Please / You’re welcome
  • Sir – Cheese
  • Janjetina – Lamb
  • Solana – Saltworks
  • Zrće – Famous beach
  • Plaža – Beach
  • Otoci – Islands
  • Kava – Coffee
  • Vino – Wine
  • Pekara – Bakery
  • Konoba – Traditional tavern
  • More – Sea
  • Ovca – Sheep
  • Lace – Čipka
  • Put – Road
  • Brdo – Hill
  • Zalazak sunca – Sunset
  • Doviđenja – Goodbye
  • Famous figures connected to

    Pag

    • Bartol Kašić – A linguist and priest born on Pag who wrote the first Croatian grammar book in the 1600s.
    • Pavica Miočić – Master lacemaker awarded for preserving Pag’s lace traditions over decades.
    • Mislav Gligora – Founder of Gligora Cheese Factory, a world-famous name in Paški sir production.
    • Željka Škunca – Contemporary artist born in Pag, known for abstract works inspired by the island’s light and stone.
    • Toma Bebić – Croatian singer and poet who spent time writing on Pag.
    • Krešo Golik – Acclaimed Croatian director who filmed scenes on Pag.
    • Nikola Dobroslavić – Politician and advocate for preserving Dalmatian coastal culture, including Pag.
    • Luka Modrić – Though not from Pag, the footballer has vacationed and supported heritage events on the island.
    • Tatjana Jurić – Croatian TV presenter who often features Pag in travel and culture segments.
    • Numerous international DJs – including Solomun and Carl Cox, who’ve made Zrće Beach a global music destination.

    Films and TV Shows Shot on the Island

    Videos