Innumerable strands of unmatched uniqueness make the Island of Pag a popular destination in the Adriatic Sea. Located just off Mainland Croatia and connected via a bridge, Pag’s out-of-this-world barren terrain captivates its visitors the moment they step foot on the island. However, while known for its lunar-like topography, Pag’s true character is anything but colorless.

The existence of life on Pag dates back to the Stone Age, with the Liburnians credited for establishing the first settlement in the region. However, it was the Romans in the 1st century BC who took control of Pag from the Liburni and put it on the map. After that, it shuttled between empires, from the Hungarians to the Venetians in 1409 and the Austrians in 1797. The island became a part of Yugoslavia in 1918, finally gaining its independence as part of Croatia in 1991.

Covering an area of 286.6 km², Pag’s 269.2 km long coastline is famous for its beaches, coves, and bays. The blue of the Adriatic surrounds the island in stark contrast, adding a sense of mystical charm to every stay here. The dichotomy among the natural and human-made elements in Pag is such that it allows tourists to revel in its many curiosities.

On the one hand, you can discover the island’s traditional soul in its quaint fishing villages. At the same time, Novalja and Pag Town, the two main towns on the island, showcase Pag’s contemporary temperament through their touristic atmosphere and pulsating nightlife.

Novalja has one of two ports on the island, the other being in Žigljen, close to the mainland. Consequently, ferry tickets to Novalja are in high demand, especially during summer. Travelers can book a ferry to Pag using Ferryscanner for vessels arriving from Pesaro and Cesenatico in Italy. Additionally, seasonal boats from Rab, Rijeka, and Lošinj allow convenient travel to and from different ports within Croatia.

The last decade has seen Novalja, in particular, rise to astronomical stardom among travelers looking for an exciting vacation jam-packed with sun, sand, and sound. The town’s Zrće Beach is now an iconic institution known worldwide for its sizzling parties, music festivals, and legendary open-air nightclubs like Aquarius, Papaya, and Noa.

The artistic and artisanal side of Pag is equally lively. The island is famous for its cheese, Paški sir, made using milk from local sheep who feed on aromatic medicinal herbs covered in sea salt. Embedded into the island’s culinary soul, the cheese has a prominent salty taste that increases in intensity with age. Lacework, started by Benedictine nuns in the 15th century, is another of Pag’s specialties. Mentioned on UNESCO’s Intangible Culture Heritage list, the handmade lace makes for a beautiful souvenir. It also reminds you of the island’s inimitable beauty, friendliness, and engaging personality until long after the end of your vacation.