Pag; cheese, salt and more

History of the island

It is island in the northern part of Croatian coast and the fifth-largest island of the coast, with the longest coastline. While only 19 NM is distance from city Zadar to Pag, make perfect destination for sailing.  When you commit to the idea of sailing Croatia, do not skip Pag. It is different to most of the other Croatian islands. For those in search of rugged and otherworldly scenery, do not miss out on this one-of-a-kind island.

Most of the island is rocky. Beside Pag, biggest and mostly popular town is Novalja , as well many smaller villages Lun, Stara Novalja, Gajac, Kolan, Metajna, Dinjiška, Povljana…Mostly accessible places with the yachts are Lun and Povljana, ideal area for sailing.

You shouldn’t miss these things on island Pag;

  • Taste Pag cheese (Paški sir) is a Croatian variety of hard, distinctively flavoured sheep milk cheese originating from the Adriatic island of Pag. The cheese is hard and flaky, often matured for several years and served with prosciutto and olive oil. It is generally regarded as the most famous of all artisan cheeses made in the country and can be found in many markets outside Croatia.
  • Visit Pag carnival (last week of July); The Pag carnival has a long tradition. The Summer Carnivalis held on the last weekend in July, so make sure to visit the Pag carnival, the oldest festivity of this kind on the Adriatic. Prepare yourself for local arts and crafts, yummy food, concerts and shows.
  • See Pag saltworks; Salt is often referred to as Pag’s “white gold”, as the salt production plays a significant part in the island’s economy. The product was first extracted through natural evaporation, but later the islanders adopted modern techniques. Today, the Pag saltworks is the largest facility of this kind in Croatia.
  • See Pag famous lace museum (Paška čipka) is a type of lacework from Pag, it requires a needle, thread and backing which is a round or square hard stuffed pillow. Lace-makers of Pag did their teg (work) without any drawings. Each woman used works from her mother and grandmothers as examples, each adding a personal touch, something unique and special. Each lace piece is a symbol of the anonymous, modest, and self-sacrificing life of its maker.
  • Explore Pag triangle(Paški trokut) is a pareidolia and land formation in the shape of an irregular quadrilateral located near village Kustići, adjacent to Novalja on island Pag. Croatian ufologists have linked the existence of the formation to a series of UFO sightings in late 20th century over the island of Pag.
  • Discover beautiful beaches; Beritnica Pag, Ručica Pag Beach, Čista Kolan Beach, Beaches of Šimuni Pag Camp. Caska Pag, Srčanka Pag, Urša and Fortuna, Planjka, Zrće beach, Kukurina Beach,  Potočnica
  • Enjoy the nightlife; Embrace the island’s nightlife and see what its bars, clubs and restaurants have to offer. Walking through the ancient streets of the town of Pag, trying baškotin(the traditional Pag bread) and sipping ice coffee
  • Climb to top of St. Vid; The trail leads from Šimun to the peak of Sveti Vid (348 m), the highest peak of the island of Pag. At the top is a concrete surveying column and the remains of the old chapel of St. Vida, after which the peak got its name. As much as 86% of the surface of Pag is without plant cover. The island’s vast rocky outcrops are interspersed with a network of picturesque dry walls. The trail is not technically demanding, but there are unpleasant climbs in the summer because there is no shade or drinking water along the way. Ascents should be avoided in extreme heat and strong northerly wind – gale.
  • Sacral objects; the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Catherine
  • Visit Kolansko Blato; provides shelter to over 100 varieties of birdlife. You’ll have the chance of spotting endangered species such as gadwall and the Calandra lark, while grey herons, spoonbills and great crested grebes can be seen in abundance.

You can moor in ACI Marina Šimuni, or in any of the numerous bays and coves on the island. Mostly famous bays are;  Vlašić bay, Stara Novalja,Smokvica, Proboj, and Košljun and Jadra beach bay. These are all quiet and very relaxing bays, with lovely sandy and pebble beaches. Going further along the coast, you will pass by two small islands of Veli and Mali Sikavac. First bigger town and bay you will reach from Smokvica is Povljana, which is thought to be populated already since Roman era and early Christian era. The town is proud of its historical and cultural monument of inestimable value – old pre-Romanesque church of St. Nicholas. Near Povljana, you can find ornithological reserve for wetland birds Malo and Veliko blato, that helped in preserving some endangered species and it represents a rare well preserved wetland reserve in Europe. West from Povljana, there is a lake Segal, known for its healing mud, helping with different kinds of pains and diseases. On your way from Povljana to Šimuni, you can make a stop is small bays of towns Proboj and Košljun. The one bay that you will want to anchor is, especially on a nice summer day with no wind is Jadra beach bay. To anchor and keep yourself safe during the wind, you can enter the indented bay of Stara Novalja.

Šimuni, fisherman’s town and very popular camping and holiday destination, surrounded by beautiful pine woods, is a perfect stop during your sailing time. Whether you want to enjoy some nice local food and beverages, or you need to fill up the fuel tank and stay the night in the marina, you can do it in ACI marina Šimuni.

Cuisine (try local food)

If you prefer to try local food you should visit bistro Tovarnele, where you can try over 60 different specialties, including homemade cheese, fish, seafood and lamb specialties, homemade olive oil, etc. Also do not miss Konoba Boškinac, excellent restaurant. Other places with domestic specialties are Trapula Wine & Cheese Bar , Taveran Bodulo, Trattoria Padre & Taverna Barcarola

Beaches

The most famous beach in the Adriatic is Zrće, and calmer but beautiful Ručica and Zaglava, Čista beaches. If you find yourself more around the area of city of Pag, then you should visit Bošana beach, or go sailing towards town Metajna and surrounding area and make a stop in the bay of Ručica beach. Crystal clear water in opposition to the white stone surrounded by aromatic Mediterranean flora will make an impact on you. If you decide to make a stop in Metajna, you can go on hiking to Ručica beach or even to Beriknica or Beritnica beach, known for big stone rocks set in the sea and climbing rock

What is the island of Pag famous for and 6 historical sites?
1. Historical core In itself, the core of the town of Pag is already a true example of a Renaissance town that was built sometime in the 15th century.

  1. City walls Until the mid-19th century, the town of Pag was surrounded by large walls that had their own defensive towers.
  2. Benedictine Monastery The Benedictine monastery of the town of Pag is dedicated to St. Margarita the Virgin and Martyr, and was built for the Benedictine nuns of Pag.
  3. Rector’s Palace On the main town square in Pag, lies the Rector’s Palace. This building is of great importance throughout the history of the city since it has always been the center of city and island administration.
  4. St. George’s Church St. George is the patron saint of the town and the island of Pag, and the church that bears his name began to be built back in 1465.
  5. Fortica In the 17th century, fortress Fortica was built on the island of Pag, where the crew of soldiers was. Next to the fort there were two plateaus for cannons and on the walls there were loopholes to support artillery.

Discover Pag by yacht

Why not take the plunge and come sail away with us? We look forward to having you aboard!