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Things To Do On Pag Island

I am told that Pag Island was once home to an extensive forest before Venetian overlords exploited that natural resource. I don’t know if that is true, but, indeed, Pag Island is merely a rocky limestone outcropping in the Adriatic Sea. However, to dismiss this location based on its treeless landscape would be a mistake.

During the summer months of July and August, parts of Pag Island transform into a giant, riotous beach party, so we’ve found you some family-friendly activities. Despite those rowdy parties, Pag is still one of the most family-friendly islands in the Zadar Region. At other times of the year, this is a quiet destination known for its culinary delicacies, such as Paški sir, a type of salted goat cheese and freshly harvested salt. Pag Island is also known for intricate lacework that is still handmade by the inhabitants.

Pag Island is also home to the first Croatian wind farm, which has been in operation for the past ten years, and visitors to this sunny spot will undoubtedly find plenty to see and do. We recommend you rent a car and check out these ideas!

 

 

The Lace Museum

The village of Pag is well known for its incredible lacework and adorned emperors and noblewomen to the common folk. Lace was used initially to make ecclesiastical garments or ornaments for clothing and tablecloths. Lace-making in Croatia began during the Renaissance period when it spread throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. The work is so important to the Croatian culture UNESCO inscribed it on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009.

In the Ducal Palace (Kneževa Palača), this tiny museum was created to illustrate the history of this handicraft and provide examples of the best workmanship. Thus, it makes a good stop for those who have been rained out at the beach or those who are considering purchasing lace as a beautiful souvenir on their visit. After all, it’s best to know what the genuine article looks like because otherwise, what seems like a good bargain could prove a very costly mistake. 

Address: Trg Kralja Krešimira IV | Open: 8 am to 11 pm Jun-Sep |Cost: 10 HRK

Veliko Blato

Bird lovers should undoubtedly head to this beautiful yet deserted spot on Pag. The marshland around here is home to more than 150 different types of birds, some of which are endangered. The land is protected, and plenty of signs tell you what to look for. There are also observation spots too. 

The gadwall and calandra lark are just two of the endangered types of bird that call this part of the island home. However, you can spot many other birds, including herons and spoonbills. 

Zrce Beach

Anyone looking for a beach party simply must check out Zrce Beach on the Island of Pag. This spot is nothing short of world-famous for its epic summer music festivals, sunset party cruises, open-air nightclubs, and 24-hour parties. It’s also where I bungee jumped!

Pag Festival

Although the festival takes place outside the busiest part of the year, that shouldn’t stop you from venturing to Pag and enjoying the festivities with the locals. From the first week of January, the carnival takes place every Saturday until Ash Wednesday, when three days of festivities fill the island with color and joy. 

Pag Town is the central spot where you’ll find parties, dancing, food, and music, along with local costumes to check out for yourself. 

Sirana Gligora

The award-winning products found at this squeaky-clean cheese factory are made as they have been for centuries. This business makes some of the island’s tastiest creations using sheep’s milk from neighboring farms and traditional techniques. It is an ideal destination for rainy or chilly days when visiting the beach isn’t an option.

We enjoyed a tour earlier a few years ago and did not want to leave. The staff was super friendly the tour costs just 8 euro. The guide gives you a detailed overview of the work that goes into creating their specialty cheeses, such as Paški sir and Zigljen, and you can see the team hard at work – and the cheese maturing. Just don’t touch them! You can purchase more in the factory’s cheese shop if you enjoy what you sample.

Local Tip: If you love cheese, you can sample this award-winning cheese and varieties across the country’s annual festival on Pag.

Address: Figurica 20, 23251 Kolan | Open: Mon-Sat from 7:00 am till 3:00 pm |Cost: 60 HRK

Try Pag Lamb, A Local Delicacy 

Whenever you go somewhere new, it’s important to try the local cuisine; it’s the ideal way to experience the local way of life! Pag lamb is a must-try and a true delicacy of the island. 

If you can try it in the first half of the year, the locals will tell you this is when it’s at its juiciest and most delicious. However, it’s great anytime. Basically, it’s a chunk of lamb which is spit-roasted and carved up, served with potatoes on the side. 

Families often spit roast their lamb outside their houses, or you can sometimes see it on the roadside as vendors look to catch hungry motorists on their way home. 

Olive Gardens Of Lun

Thanks to the local government securing funds from the European Union to protect the 80,000 beautifully gnarled olives against development, the grove is a protected site. In the 24 hectares that make up the garden, the most important specimens are the 15,000 wild olive trees that can be found interspersed among the other trees, whose average age is 1,200 years old.

These trees are the last of their kind in the region to be still left in their natural state. On arrival, head to the tourist center to find out more info, as all of the information I could find online was in Croatian. There is a highly informative guided tour of the site, which can be done either on foot (2 hours) or by golf cart (45 minutes) for a fee. Or, you can wander the trails on your own for free. 

Talijanova Buža

Pag has a huge amount of Roman history, and you can visit this Roman aqueduct in Novalja. The aqueduct is around 1km long, where the town used to get its water, dating back to 1 AD. You can tour the dark and winding passageways via the local tourist office. 

Translated, ‘Talijanova buža’ means ‘Italian hole,’ and it’s a somewhat different way to spend an hour, but a strangely interesting one and will give you a glimpse of life back in Roman times. 

Pag Bermuda Triangle 

Yes, you read that right. Pag has its very own reputed Bermuda Triangle. This spot is just off the 106 roads on a quiet hillside, and in 1999, this area attracted UFO enthusiasts and experts from around the world. A formation of patterns made of stone was discovered; nobody is quite sure how they arrived there and why they are in their distinct way. The stones are also quite different from the others in the area.  

There is a signpost from the road, but you’ll need to trek to the exact spot, so be sure to wear suitable footwear. 

Simuni Beach

Like most beaches in Croatia, this beach is home to sparkling crystal waters and rocky shores. It also has trees that provide shade that guests can either rest under or string up their hammocks. Though it is not hard to reach, the somewhat isolated location of Simuni Beach allows it to be less crowded than other spots, even during the high season. Activities here include the typical beach pastimes of swimming and sunbathing, but jet-ski and paddleboat rentals are also available. Parking at this spot is free, and the adjacent campsite has complimentary Wi-Fi.

Robinzon Tours

Several stops are made during the leisurely boat cruise so participants can snorkel, visit otherwise inaccessible beaches, and see the local cave formations. Along the way, travelers can feel free to sunbathe on the boat’s open upper deck. Those coming on this journey are also provided with a midday meal that includes grilled mackerel or chicken, bread, and vegetables, as well as plenty of wine, juice, and rakija. Your family will think it’s well worth the little money to enjoy this family day out. 

Friends tell me that the owner and his family are all amiable and go out of their way to make the experience pleasant. The seven-hour tour lasts from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

Where To Stay On Pag Island

Luxury Hotels On Pag Island

Boutique Boskinac Hotel

 

Not your ordinary hotel, the Boskinac Hotel is a hotel, restaurant, and winery – yes, a winery! Located in one of the most picturesque settings you will find on the beautiful Island of Pag, Boskinac offers opulence, relaxation, and sophistication.

The hotel offers eight rooms and three suites, so you’ll never find yourself in the middle of a busy and bustling reception area. Each room is classically decorated, with handmade furniture, using ethically sourced materials.

The hotel is surrounded by a scented forest, an adjacent vineyard, and an olive grove. Regarding gastronomy, the Boskinac restaurant is impressive, with some cutting-edge Croatian cuisine accompanied by outstanding wines.

 

Family Hotels On Pag Island

Family Hotel Pagus

This 4-star property is an all-inclusive option on a pebbly beach not far from the historic town center of Pag.

The inclusive offer includes three buffet-style meals each day and coffee and tea. A spa and wellness center, as well as indoor, outdoor, and children’s pools, will keep the whole family relaxed.

 

Hotel Meridijan

Another great 4-star option just a few minutes from the center of Old Town is this adults-only hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The hotel caters to couples and families and offers a variety of room options.

The beach is just steps away, and an outdoor pool is available for guest use. The hotel also organizes trips around Croatia for those looking to explore further.

 

Camping On Pag Island

Camp Porat

If tents and mobile homes are more your styles, Camp Porat is the perfect place to stay with the family! Situated in a pine forest in the small village of Povljana in the southern part of the island of Pag, this camp features a children’s playground along with several beaches and restaurants nearby.

 

 

What would be your top picks for something to do on Pag Island?