Novalja

All About Novalja

Novalja is a town with a dual personality, located in the northern part of the Island of Pag. On the one hand, it exudes a relaxed and cultural vibe that attracts families and travelers looking for a scenic holiday by the sea. Drenched in history, the town is home to fascinating discoveries and ancient architecture, from Roman aqueducts to basilicas from the 4th and 5th centuries. Moreover, its position along the Adriatic Sea, just off the Croatian coast, makes it an idyllic beach destination promising quiet coves and pebble stands leading into gorgeous blue waters.

At the same time, Novalja has an alluring wild side that draws in music lovers from across the globe every summer. The town’s world-famous never-ending beach parties and EDM festivals have made it a favorite haunt among spring-breakers. Whether tourists who live, sleep, eat, and dance on the beach or those who love to immerse themselves into the island’s traditionality, Novalja is a multi-faceted destination with plenty on offer.

Routes and Ferries to Novalja

Even though Novalja lies on the Island of Pag, it is easily accessible via air, road, and sea. When traveling from Mainland Croatia, you can reach the island by crossing the Paški most (the Pag Bridge) by taxi, car, or bus. If planning on hiring a cab, ensure it is an authorized vehicle, and then fix a price for your trip before setting off.

Travelers from international destinations typically land at Zadar Airport, on the mainland, 85km from the town. The airport welcomes seasonal flights during the summers from across Europe. Planes from Zagreb and Pula land here throughout the year. From the airport, one must take a bus or taxi to Zadar Bus Station, followed by another €10 bus to Novalja.

For a more direct route, look into booking ferry tickets to Novalja through Ferryscanner. Weekly sailings connect the beachside retreat with Pesaro and Cesenatico in Italy. Additionally, during the warmer months, ferry tickets to Novalja are available from the Croatian towns of Rab, Rijeka, and Lošinj. However, timetables and availability on these routes change every year.

Port of Novalja

The Port of Novalja is a medium-sized yet busy harbor that sees plenty of action during the tourist-heavy months of June to August. Situated next to the city center, it is conveniently near most modern-day amenities, from cafes and restaurants to apartments, hotels, and tourist excursions.

Upon arriving with ferry tickets to Novalja, you’ll find fishing boats, cranes, and a 100-vessel marina around the port that occupies space on the island’s northwest coast. Furthermore, with an expansion of the harbor approved in 2021, the coming years will see the Port of Novalja become more trade and tourism friendly with increased facilities and services.

Best Beaches of Novalja

Beaches in Novalja are mostly a combination of pebbles and sand, offering sunseekers sheltered spots along the coast with excellent water access and plentiful amenities. While some have achieved international fame as party destinations, others are ideal for a quiet lay around under the sun with a special someone or family.

Plaža Planjka Trinćel

Situated inside a deep, protected inlet, Planjka Trinćel is one of the best family-friendly beaches on the Island of Pag. Although the Blue Flag pebble strand usually stays busy, it offers many facilities and activities for all ages. From loungers, umbrellas, and public bathrooms to water slides, swings, beachside restaurants, and pedalo rentals, there’s much to do on this otherwise free beach. Two sun beds and a parasol at Trinćel rent for €10, whereas parking costs €2.75 per day.

Plaža Riva

Riva is the first beach visitors come across as they disembark on the island, using ferry tickets to Novalja. Adjoining the harbor, it’s close to the center and thus a popular waterfront to visit with children. The thin and long pebble strip along the promenade leads into clean and clear water, perfect for swimming. Moreover, one can rent peddle boats and jetskis from here, while bars and kiosks are only a short walk away.

Plaža Jadra

A short drive from the town center, Jadra is a pet-friendly beach in the northern part of Stara Novalja. Having both a shallow and deep seabed, it is suitable for families and snorkeling enthusiasts. A calm and quiet area offering spectacular views, the beach provides facilities like an on-site kiosk, locker rooms, €10 chairs, and umbrella rentals, as well as parking for €3.50 per day. Beachgoers looking to add a hint of thrill can jump off the surrounding cliffs into the crystal-clear water below.

Plaža Zrće

Plaža Zrće is among the most famous beaches in Novalja. A colorful and lively shoreline, Zrće has everything under the sun one might need for a fantastic day along the water. Amenities at the beach include, but are not limited to, bars, changing cubicles, children’s playground, sunbeds, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, bungee jumping, and a variety of water sports. The beach adopts a new temperament during summers as it hosts the best open-air nightclubs and music festivals. Here, you can listen to the best DJs and witness amazing laser shows until the early hours of the day. When visiting Plaža Zrće, remember that many services are cash-only. About 3km from the town center, Zrće is easily accessible by public transport.

Plaža Caska

East of Novalja, Plaža Caska is a small pebble beach with a serene and rustic character. Boasting a sandy seabed, it is excellent for families. However, one must take caution as the sea here gets deep quickly. In contrast to the nearby Plaža Zrće, there is not much activity here. Still, you can find free parking, restaurants, and pedalo rentals. Furthermore, the beach offers no shade, and it is advisable to carry your own umbrella and deck chairs when planning to spend a few hours here.

Places to Visit in Novalja

Plaža Zrće undoubtedly takes much of the limelight when it comes to must-visit places on the Island of Pag. However, with a possible UFO landing site, Roman aqueduct, and a 2000-year-old olive tree, places to visit in Novalja, and around it, are equally distinct, dazzling, and definitely memorable.

Paški Trokut

The Pag Triangle is an anomaly that has led people to believe it may be a UFO landing sight. Discovered by a surveyor in 1999, as the name suggests, the irregularity consists of a perfect isosceles triangle. What’s even more surprising is that the rocks inside the triangle are smaller, completely contrasting to the ones just outside it. Moreover, tests of the sediments reveal the formation is a result of intense heat encountered some 12000 years ago. About 25000 people visit the Pag Triangle every year. To reach the spot, you must drive a few kilometers to either the village of Caska or Vidalići. From there, it is a roughly 45-minute walk on rocky terrain to Paški Trokut.

Olive Gardens of Lun

The Olive Gardens of Lun spread over a vast area 25 minutes north of Novalja by car. The gardens allow visitors to admire the island’s flora through rows of olive groves and fig trees, among others. Some of the many olive trees here date back 1600-2000 years. The gardens have a rocky terrain but also act as a lovely vantage point overlooking the Adriatic. There is a small beach on one end of the park, and you can purchase olive oil from a kiosk at the entrance. Afternoons can be hot, and one should bring a bottle of water and a cap. Otherwise, visit closer to sundown to witness a stunning sunset. Entry into the gardens costs €2.75.

Roman Aquaduct

Known locally as Talijanova buža, Italian hole, the Roman aqueduct is one of Pag’s most prominent archaeological findings. Among the essential places to visit in Novalja, entry into the 1.2km long thin ancient canal is through the Novalja Municipal Museum. While at the museum, also see their ethnographical and maritime collections featuring cooking utensils, clothes, dolls, and mannequins wearing the national costume.

Lunapark Novalja

Lunapark Novalja is a small entertainment theme park that offers a few hours of fun for the young and the young at heart. Having a somewhat old-world charm about it, the park has bumper cars, rollercoasters, swings, and a carousel. One needs to pay in cash for all the rides at Lunapark Novalja, which is also the only entertainment park of its kind in this area.

Sirana Gligora

Similar to its fame among party destinations in Europe, the Island of Pag is equally well-known in the world of gastronomy for its cheese, Paški Sir. Locals use the milk of sheep raised on the island to make this cheese. The sheep are smaller in size, having a diet that consists of wild aromatic herbs and plants. The salty cheese, often aged for months, has a distinct flavor adding to its exclusivity. Sirana Gligora is a local dairy in Kolan, about a 15-minute drive from Novalja. Here, visitors can take a guided tour for €7 to understand the production process of Paški Sir. There’s also the possibility to taste different cheeses at the dairy’s Cheese&Caffe bar.

Transportation Around Novalja

With its pedestrian streets, the city of Novalja is easily navigable on foot. You can nevertheless rent bicycles, mopeds, or quad bikes to explore nearby beaches and tourist attractions. An open minibus is in service for beaches, specifically covering the Novalja city center – Gajac – Plaža Zrće route.

When planning to travel more freely around Pag, a car is equally ideal, or one can opt for the island bus facility. Taxis too are available. However, there is a surcharge in the evening and always agree on the tariff before getting in.

Arriving with ferry tickets to Novalja is one of the best ways to land on the island. Similarly, hiring a boat is an outstanding option to explore its hidden corners. A small motorboat rents for approximately €80 per day without requiring a license. Once out in the sea, you can visit the various beaches of Novalja or even go island hopping nearby.