Apartments and holiday homes on Pag
A long, stony island of sheep pastures, salt pans and cheese, with the party beach of Zrće at one end and sleepy fishing villages with shallow bays at the other.
Search stays on PagPag looks unlike any other Croatian island: bare, pale rock on the side facing the mainland, and greener fields and bays on the west. It is known for Paški sir, a hard sheep's cheese, for its lamb and for Pag lace, a tradition that is still made by hand in Pag town. The island straddles the border between Kvarner and northern Dalmatia, and we list it with Kvarner. Distances are long, so it pays to choose your base carefully.
Novalja, in the north, is the busiest resort and the base for Zrće, whose open-air clubs draw young crowds in summer. Stay in Novalja or Stara Novalja if nightlife is the point, or pick a spot a little away from the centre if you want sleep. Pag town, in the middle, is quieter, with a planned old centre, the lace museum and the salt works on the edge of town. It makes a central base for exploring the whole island.
Mandre, on the west coast below the farming village of Kolan, and Povljana, in the south, are calm places with small harbours and easy-going beaches. They suit families and couples who want to swim, eat fish and do little else, and they are well away from the Novalja crowds. Many of our Pag stays are close to the water, and a large share come with a sea view. Some are just across the road from the beach.
Beaches
Zrće, near Novalja
A long beach of white pebbles in a bay about 2 km from Novalja, backed by open-air clubs such as Papaya, Aquarius, Kalypso and Noa. The club season runs from roughly late May to early September. By day it is a good swimming beach; by night it belongs to the party crowd.
Povljana
Povljana is known for its sandy beaches with a gentle slope into the sea, which makes them a favourite with families with small children. The water warms up quickly in the shallows, and the village itself is quiet, with a few cafés and restaurants within walking distance.
Caska
In the same bay as Zrće, but a different world: a calmer beach better suited to families, near the site of a Roman settlement. You can walk between the two, though the rocks along the way are sharp, so water shoes help.
Getting there and around
Pag has two ways in. The south of the island is joined to the mainland by the Pag Bridge, with no toll, which is the natural route from Zadar and its airport. In the north, a short car ferry from Prizna to Žigljen takes about 15 minutes and runs very frequently in summer, which is the quickest way to Novalja from Rijeka or Zagreb. Rijeka airport on Krk is the other option. A car is almost essential, as the island is long and buses are limited.
Stays in Pag island right now
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Tips before you book
- Novalja's nightlife is loud in July and August; check a stay's distance from Zrće and the town centre if you want quiet.
- The east coast is exposed to the bura wind, which can blow hard and occasionally stops the Prizna ferry.
- Buy cheese straight from dairies around Kolan, the heart of Pag's sheep farming.
- Shade is scarce on Pag's bare landscape, so pack an umbrella for the beach.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pag only a party island?
No. The clubs are concentrated at Zrće near Novalja, and they operate mainly in summer. Pag town, Mandre, Povljana and most of the smaller villages are quiet, with families making up much of the summer crowd. Even Novalja is calm outside the peak weeks.
How do you get to Pag?
From the south, drive over the toll-free Pag Bridge, which is the route from Zadar and its airport. From the north, take the Prizna to Žigljen car ferry, a crossing of about 15 minutes with frequent departures in summer. The ferry is the quicker option if you are coming from Rijeka or Zagreb.
Does Pag have sandy beaches?
Yes, in places. Povljana is known for its sandy, shallow beaches, and there are sandier bays in other parts of the island too. Zrće and many other beaches are fine pebble. Around Pag town and the east coast expect pebble and rock.
Where should I stay on Pag with children?
Povljana and Mandre are good choices, with calm bays, gentle entries into the sea and a slower pace. Pag town is also family-friendly and central for day trips. If you stay in Novalja, pick a place away from the centre and Zrće to avoid late-night noise in peak season.