10 GREAT THINGS TO DO ON PAG ISLAND, CROATIA

If you’re looking for a unique destination in Croatia and wondering about the best things to do on Pag, this guide will tell you everything you need to know!

Pag is one of Croatia’s most unique destinations because it truly looks nothing like the other Croatian islands. Even though I’m Croatian, this was actually my first time visiting Pag, and I honestly felt like a tourist the entire time because I couldn’t believe the landscapes I was seeing.

It’s an incredible island that’s absolutely worth visiting, and these are some of the things you really shouldn’t miss while you’re there.

WALK THE THE LIFE ON MARS TRAIL

The Life on Mars Trail near Metajna is one of the most unique experiences on Pag, and it’s probably the number one thing people recommend doing on the island. It’s the perfect activity for anyone who loves hiking, because the trail takes you through a dramatic, almost lunar landscape filled with white rock, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves.

Along the route, you’ll also get incredible sea views and plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim in crystal-clear water, so it really is a dream trail for hikers. Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, it’s still very doable as long as you come prepared with proper hiking shoes and equipment. There are several circular trail options, starting from around 4 kilometres, while the longest route is about 16 kilometres long.

One important thing to know is that it gets extremely hot in summer because the rocky terrain heats up quickly, so it’s best to start early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

EXPLORE THE BEACHES

Pag has so many incredible beaches, and honestly, you could spend days just moving from one beach to another. You’ll find every type of beach here, from sandy stretches with shallow water perfect for families, to wild rocky ones that are completely untouched and almost like you’re on another planet.

Some of the most popular beaches are Simuni Beach, Rucica Beach, Sveti Duh Beach, Cista Beach, and Zrce Beach, but there are also plenty of quieter beaches hidden away from the crowds. Rucica Beach and Cista Beach absolutely blew me away, so definitely make time to visit those.

VISIT PAG TOWN

Pag Town is the heart of Pag, and it’s known for its historic stone streets, traditional lace-making, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. While it’s not as exciting as some other old towns in Croatia, it’s still very charming and definitely worth visiting. There’s a lovely waterfront promenade, several good local restaurants, and even a beautiful beach right by the old town where you can stop for a swim while exploring. You probably won’t need too much time to see Pag Town, but it’s definitely worth making a stop there.

GO PARTY AT ZRCE

If you like to party, you’ve probably already heard of Zrce Beach. It’s one of Europe’s most famous party destinations, especially during the summer months when international DJs and music festivals take over the beach.

Some of the most popular clubs there are Papaya Club and Aquarius Club, and they host parties throughout both the day and night, with pool parties, open-air stages, and nonstop music. At the same time, Zrce is also a really beautiful beach for swimming, and it’s located only a few minutes from Novalja, which is the main tourist town on Pag.

VISIT NOVALJA

Novalja is the main tourist town on Pag, like I already mentioned. It’s not big or especially pretty, but it does offer a good mix of restaurants, bars, beaches, and easy access to nearby attractions.

Novalja is best known as the main base for visiting Zrce Beach, so it’s especially popular with people coming for nightlife and festivals. At the same time, it also has a more relaxed side, with seaside promenades and some family-friendly beaches. If you’re not a fan of tourist crowds, this probably won’t be your favourite town, but it’s still worth stopping by for a dinner or a drink while exploring the island.

STOP AT INCREDIBLE VIEWPOINTS

Pag is full of stunning viewpoints that show you the island’s unique rocky landscape and the beautiful blue Adriatic Sea. Many of these spots are located along coastal roads or hiking routes, so you can simply drive or walk around the island and you’ll constantly find places to stop, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

The viewpoint I absolutely recommend is Dubocica Viewpoint, where you can see Pag Town, the sea, and the surrounding dramatic landscape.I’d also recommend this scenic viewpoint you’ll pass on the way toward Metajna, which is another incredible stop for views and photos.

VISIT PAG SALT PANS

The salt pans near Pag Town are actually the largest and oldest producers of sea salt in Croatia! Here you can visit the Pag Salt Museum, or even join an early morning workshop that takes you through the salt pans themselves. It’s a really interesting and educational stop, so if you’re interested in local traditions and how salt has shaped the island’s history, it’s definitely worth including in your itinerary.

TAKE A PHOTO OF PAG BRIDGE

The Pag Bridge is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks because it creates a really dramatic entrance from the mainland into Pag and its unique, almost lunar landscape.

There are quite a few viewpoints around the area that offer excellent photo opportunities, but I’d especially recommend heading up to Fortica Fortress, where you can explore the fortress itself and also enjoy incredible views of the bridge and the surrounding scenery.

GO KAYAKING

Kayaking around Pag’s coastline is a fantastic way to explore hidden coves, sea caves, and dramatic cliffs that are otherwise very hard to reach. The waters are generally calm, so it’s a great experience for both beginners and more experienced paddlers, as long as you’re reasonably fit and ready to spend a few hours on the water.

This route takes you past some of the most beautiful beaches and coves near the Life on Mars Trail, which in my opinion is one of the most stunning parts of the island. It’s an incredible way to experience the beauty of Pag from a completely different perspective. Check it out below:

EAT TRADITIONAL FOOD

Eating traditional food is one of the best ways to experience local culture, and Pag has quite a few specialties you really need to try. The island is especially famous for Paški sir (Pag cheese), which has a rich, salty flavour thanks to the island’s herbs and the sea breeze that influences the sheep’s milk.

You can also try slow-cooked lamb “under the bell” (ispod peke), fresh seafood, and other simple Dalmatian-style dishes served in local konobas, where everything is based on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Two great places to check out are Konoba Mandrac and Konoba Bile.

WHERE TO STAY ON PAG ISLAND

Pag is not as popular as some other Croatian islands, so you won’t find a lot of large hotel resorts here. However, there are still some great accommodation options, ranging from hotels and private apartments to campsites. Here are some of my recommendations:

• Hotel Plaza
• Family Hotel Zanè
• Rooms Villa Padre
• Boutique Villa Revelin
• Mobile Home Happy Family Simuni
• Mobile homes Marita

CONCLUSION: GREAT THINGS TO DO ON PAG ISLAND

Pag is one of the most unique islands in Croatia and is absolutely worth visiting. It offers so much variety that it really suits almost every type of traveller. I’d especially recommend it for hikers and nature lovers, party lovers, and families looking for great beaches.

You can do everything from hiking the dramatic Life on Mars Trail, relaxing on quiet hidden beaches, and exploring rocky coves, to enjoying the nightlife at Zrce Beach. Overall, Pag is an island that really won’t disappoint, and I can’t wait to go back!