This small coastal town on Pag island has sandy beaches, 1st-century Roman aqueducts, and Zrće Beach - a popular summer party spot with open-air clubs.
Novalja, a coastal town on Croatia's Pag Island, draws visitors to its beaches and summer music scene. At Zrće Beach, three major nightclubs host international DJs from June through September. You can walk through a 1,042-meter Roman aqueduct carved into rock, swim in the warm Adriatic waters at Planjka Trinćel Beach, or taste Pag cheese at local restaurants while watching fishing boats return with their daily catch.
Getting to Novalja
You can reach Novalja by car from Zagreb via the A1 highway, following signs to Split and taking the exit for the Pag Bridge. The drive from Zadar Airport takes about 75 minutes. Regular bus services connect Novalja to major Croatian cities, while a fast catamaran runs between Novalja and Rijeka in 2.5 hours during summer months.
Beaches Around Town
Planjka Trinćel Beach has a sandy shore, playground equipment, and rental facilities for sun loungers, making it popular with families. Zrće Beach, 2 kilometers from town, serves as a swimming spot during the day and transforms into an open-air party venue at night. At Ručica Beach in Metajna, limestone cliffs surround the beach, and the water temperature reaches 25°C in summer.
Local Food Scene
Many restaurants serve Pag cheese (Paški Sir), a hard sheep's milk cheese with a salty, sharp taste from the aromatic herbs growing on the island. At traditional konobas (taverns), you'll find slow-roasted Pag lamb, often served with local vegetables and herbs. Waterfront restaurants prepare fish and seafood caught by local boats - try the grilled sea bass or octopus salad.
Summer Festivals and Nightlife
From June to September, Zrće Beach's three main clubs - Papaya, Aquarius, and Calypso - host electronic music festivals and parties until sunrise. The clubs stay open 24 hours during peak season, with shuttle buses running between the beach and town center every 30 minutes.
Ancient History and Culture
The Roman aqueduct, dating to the 1st century AD, extends 1,042 meters through solid rock. You can walk through 150 meters of this tunnel and learn about its construction at the city museum. In the Olive Gardens of Lun, you'll find olive trees over 2,000 years old - some of the oldest in the Mediterranean.
Practical Information
Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023. You can drink tap water throughout Novalja. Electricity runs on 220V with standard European sockets. Summer temperatures average 25°C (77°F), with sea temperatures matching this from June through September.
