The beaches in Pag
Ručica - Beretnica - Sunčana beach
Located
on the east side of the island and connected with Metajna by local
road, it’s
on its way of becoming a very popular destination on Pag Island.
Although many haven’t
heard about it, every year Ručica Beach
is on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Its
simplicity and unspoiled nature that leave people breathless are so
alluring. The beach itself is ideal for visitors that need peace and
quiet, far from hustle and bustle of the city. Specific environment
with many trekking and hiking trails, as well as beautiful scenery
made of rocks carved by constant wind,
are the main characteristics of this part of the island. Ručica is
the place for all visitors looking for an adventure and great photos.
After
some 20 minutes’ walk
down this unusual route, over sharp, sizzling hot rocks, you’ll
get a shy welcome from Beretnica. Surrounded by rocks and bathed with
sun, far from any unwanted looks, there lies this crystal clear,
sandy beach, a pearl of the Pag Island. Beautiful landscape sparks
your imagination and takes you away from reality. It brings emotions
and leaves you breathless. The only thing you are expected to do is
to get you camera ready and not lose any time. Don't get distracted
by visitors who get there by boat, because they are probably thinking
the same thing.
Story about this part of the island would not be complete without mention of Sunčana - the only beach with shades. It is under a thick forest which with Pag rocks makes it look almost unreal. Oasis in the heart of the desert. There’s your chance to breath the air filled with pure pine and feel the faintest touch of resin and honey. A trail, which reaches as far as Ručica and which is ideal for cycling and jogging, connects this beach with Metajna, small but hospitable fishing town. After the long walk and hike, this shy and detached sandy beach will be the perfect refuge and a place for rest. Don’t worry, it’s not a mirage. To complete the experience, when you are overcome with hunger and tired, we recommend you to visit a restaurant in the centre of Metajna and enjoy the specialties made by locals, who are always ready for a nice chat. Even the most demanding guests will be satisfied with the rich offer of food.
Čista - Prnjica - Sveti Duh beach
Take a five
minute ride from Novalja down the road between rocky pastures in the
direction of Pag to get to Prnjica - a beach with azure blue sea.
In the flood of parties and everyday festivals, it has become
increasingly popular among visitors looking for peaceful vacation and
rest. Prnjica is a
local name for a type of seashell. Italians are not wrong when
they call it a “Tartuffe of the sea” (Tartufi di Mare), because
it is very tasty and that’s where the beach got its name. Because of its sandy shore and shallow sea, it is particularly
popular among families with children. It faces the mighty Velebit
mountain, a border between gods and humans, and simply is a place you
have to experience. Beach has a paid parking.
If you miss the turn to Prnjica, don’t worry about it, just 500 meters along the road there is another turn that takes you to Čista - a beach that is simply put... clean, as their name in Croatian suggests. It may seem monotonous and simple, but with a little effort it will grow on you. Grab a handful of fine gravel and sand from the shore, and you might wake up some of the many seashells that live there. The beach itself is great for families with children and unlike its neighbour Prnjica, it has many amenities. If you get stunned by the view of sun-bathed Velebit and Pag Bay or you simply get hungry, there is a cafe restaurant with fresh food and drinks. You can also rent a peddal boat and set out to the sea. Beach has a parking which charged by a day.
Next along the Novalja – Pag road, some 1.7 km from Čista Beach, is a beach and camp Sveti Duh which perfectly fits in this part of the island. This is the right choice for everyone looking for an adventure and for those who don’t think of clean bed, hot water and luxury as their top priority. It is interesting both for young people and families. Within the camp there is a restaurant and a bar. One part of the beach is for nudists.
There is one thing lingering in the air, just waiting to be brought up. That is Pag cheese. Traditional product, unique in the world. When you visit these beaches, stop at the nearby town of Kolan and Gligor Dairy where you can try this local specialty. You won’t regret it...
Caska beach
The legend about a small town, where the beach of the same name is located, takes us to IV century, in the age of Romans who named this cove - Cissa. It is located about 3 km from Novalja, on the road to Metajna, Caska has a mystic vibe interwined with the smell of the past. Access to the sea is mostly sandy, with gravelly spots, which is great for families with children. Look up to the cloud-shrouded Velebit mountain that keeps secrets of the Roman legionaries and fill your lungs with the smell of the old times. Besides being a place of many legends, Caska is also an archaeological site. Beach has few restaurants and cafes, as well as a free parking.
If you are diving further away from the shore, don’t be surprised if you find some remains of the sunken Roman city, ceramic dishes or coins.
Small coves between Jakišnica and Lun beach
If you want to experience a completely different side of Pag, the green and less harsh one, you need to visit a small town of Lun, which is situated in the northwest of the island. People looking for a challenge and adventure and who decide to make this step will have an unforgettable experience. Just as you leave Novalja, the landscape starts changing, and along the way you will pass next to the ancient Lun olive groves. Somewhere between Jakišnica and Lun, еspecially on the side that faces Rab Island, you’ll find small, unspoiled coves, where you can spend an entire day in the shades, completely alone. You can reach them by sea, but also by macadams after you get off the main road. You can find similar, secluded coves if you follow the old macadam road from Sveti Duh Beach in the direction to Pag, which is actually a very popular cycling route. Cars can only go half of the way, but if you there are no obstacles go by a scooter or bicycl
Babe beach
Just as you leave the city, right where the city promenade joins with the sea, lies Babe Beach, surrounded by greenery and Dalmatian bushes, far from any prying eyes. Thanks to its specific terrain configuration, it is sheltered from winds, which makes it a perfect choice for a whole day visit. Turquoise blue colour of the warm sea, as well as the wide variety of food and fresh drinks, attract many people looking to enjoy and have rest. Access to the beach is gravelly and rocky, while seabed is covered with fine sand. If you go a bit further away from the shore, don’t be surprised if you notice that sea level drops. This is a unique phenomenon specific for this part of the Adriatic Sea.
Gajac - Braničevica beach
Braničevica Beach is situated in Gajac, quiet suburb of Novalja. Facing the open sea and sheltered from bora, far from the noisy Zrće Beach, this beach is the most suitable for families with children and young people looking for a rest. Access to the sea is gravelly, while seabed is in some parts covered with the finest sand. There are several restaurants and bars on the beach that offer foods and drinks, and there is a small sports and recreational centre close by. Those who prefer private spots can follow the seashore further to the south, just down from the ornithological reserve.
Planjka beach
Planjka is one of the few beaches on Pag Island that has been awarded the blue flag. It is situated 1,5 km from Novalja in a bay, which makes it a perfect place for families with children. On one side of the beach you can make foot imprints in fine and hot sand, while on the other side children can play with fine gravel. It has many amenities and is sheltered from strong winds, making it a real feast for the eyes. It is surrounded by greenery, characteristic for this part of the island, by vineyards and pastures. Whether you are sliding down the water slide, riding a jet ski or a peddle boat, you are guaranteed to have fun and enjoy this sandy beach. Hunger is not an issue, thanks to a few restaurants and cafes. Beach has a paid parking.
Jadra beach
At the very end of Stara
Novalja neighbourhood, lies Jadra - the hidden gem of the island -
soaked in waves and worn by the sun, defying the weather. This
undeveloped beach faces the open sea and resists all the attempts to
be tamed. It is mostly gravelly, but partially rocky and
inaccessible, surrounded by sharp cliffs, which makes it an ideal
place for people who want to experience unspoiled nature. Crystal
clear and transparent sea, with scattered reefs and rich sea fauna,
will be a delight to all visitors. This a great spot for scuba
diving and cliff diving. Because of the terrain configuration, it is
not recommended for young children. The beach has a parking, cafe and
snack bar, as well as beach umbrellas and beach chairs rental
services.
Do
not miss the unique sunset.
Lokunje - Vrtić - Straško beach
Lokunje Beach continues to grow, every year offering even more amenities and services, and containing everything you need to relax and rest. It is easily accessible and located in the city centre, near the supermarket and local bus station, which makes it ideal for those who don’t mind the city bustle. The beach faces Velebit mountain and has a view on the city centre, which makes it very inspiring, especially in the evening when it is bathed in lights and glare of many local cafes that turn it into the queen of the night. Access to the sea is partially sandy, but mostly covered by pebbles, which makes it suitable for both seniors and kids. Whether you decide to ride a jet ski or peddle boat or to play beach volley and beach soccer, you won’t regret it. You are guaranteed to have fun. You can refresh yourself by eating a crepe or an ice cream in some of the cafes. You like crepes, don’t you?
For those who are looking for little privacy, just follow the trail by the seaside and visit some of the small coves that are just a few minutes away.
If you follow this 2 km long promenade to the south side you’ll get to the Vrtić Beach. The entire shore consists of private lots with olive groves and grapevine. This side of Novalja has shrubbery and figs, and in the spring time this is a popular spot for asparagus picking. The beach is not fully developed and has no amenities, while access to the sea is pebbly. Don’t worry about free room, since the only company you’ll have will be a few lovers or a random passer-by.
Cheek by cheek with Vrtić, lies Straško that welcomes you with a smile. It is one of the best known camping spots in Croatia with a beautiful blue flag beach. This fully developed complex is really something else, and entrance, as well as access to other facilities are charged.
Zrće beach
If we start from the fact the most of our guests are young people, between 18 and 25 years of age, looking to party and have fun, then it’s easy to conclude why Zrće is the most visited beach on Pag. It is situated in a cove of the same name, on the northeast part of the island, some 2,5 km from Novalja. Because of the quality of the amenities, services and variety of bars and restaurants, it is a proud owner of the blue flag. Thick pine forest overlooks the 700 meters long beach, covered with gravel and white pebbles, which in the peak of the season can accommodate several thousand people. Numerous sports and recreational activities, such as beach volley, scooter ride, water slide, bungee jumping, add to the experience. The beach has a lifeguard service, accessibility features, telephones and showers, as well as a large paid parking .
Known popularly as Croatian Ibiza, it is a place you just have to visit.