This rocky Adriatic island produces award-winning Paški sir cheese and delicate lace. Its salt pans have operated since Roman times, while barren landscapes resemble the moon.
The limestone island of Pag stretches along Croatia's Adriatic coast, where white rock formations meet the Mediterranean Sea. You'll find 15th-century stone streets in Pag Town, active beach clubs at Zrće, and sheep grazing on herb-covered hills producing the renowned Paški sir cheese. Local women create intricate lace patterns in their homes while salt workers harvest sea salt using methods unchanged since Roman times.
Getting to Pag Island
You can reach Pag via the 300-meter bridge at the southern end or take a ferry from Prizna to Žigljen in the north. The nearest airport is in Zadar, 60 kilometers away. The island's main road connects all major settlements, making it easy to explore by car or local bus.
The Island's Geography
The northern side of Pag faces the Velebit mountains, where the Bura wind has created bare rock formations. The southwestern coast slopes down into sheltered bays and coves. The strong Bura wind carries salt from the sea onto the rocky ground, affecting both the landscape and local agriculture.
Local Food and Wine
Sheep on Pag graze on wild herbs and grass covered in sea salt, creating the unique taste of Pag lamb and cheese. Paški sir cheese ages for at least six months, developing a sharp, complex flavor. Local vineyards produce Žutica and Gegić wines from grapes grown in the rocky soil. You'll find these local specialties in konobas (family-run restaurants) across the island.
Beaches Around the Island
The 270-kilometer coastline includes many different types of beaches. Zrće beach near Novalja has a pebbly shore and clear water. Beritnica beach sits between high cliffs, accessible only by boat or a steep path. The sandy Prosika beach extends near Pag Town's center. Small coves along the coast make good spots for swimming away from crowds.
Salt Production and Lace Making
Salt workers still harvest sea salt from Pag's salt pans using methods dating to Roman times. In Pag Town, you can watch local women create intricate lace patterns in their homes. The Benedictine monastery displays lace pieces from past centuries.
Towns and Villages
Pag Town's stone streets follow a 15th-century grid pattern, with Renaissance buildings surrounding the main square. Novalja serves as the main tourist area, with many shops, restaurants, and places to stay. In Lun, you'll find ancient olive groves, while Kolan remains the center of cheese production.
Summer Events
From June to September, Zrće beach becomes a party spot with open-air clubs and international DJs. In July, the summer carnival brings folk dancing and music to Pag Town's streets. You can join boat tours around the island, try windsurfing, or walk the hiking trails connecting different villages.
