Pag

A long and narrow island that extends along the Velebit Channel parallel to the mainland. The northeastern coast is steep and high, while the southwestern coast is low, but both are rugged and have numerous bays, coves and capes. The fine sand in the bays created a series of incredibly beautiful beaches. Most of the island is rocky and bare, and only occasionally covered with Mediterranean shrubbery and pine woods. There are fields and vineyards in the valleys and pastures between them. No large island on the Adriatic is exposed to such fierce gusts of the bora as Pag, yet this has its advantages. The wind that blows across the Velebit Channel brings with it a salty mist, the salty drops fall on the pastures and make the dewy grass extremely nourishing for sheep.

This is the reason why there are such excellent delicacies as the famous Pag cheese, Pag smoked ham and Pag lamb. Tourism is developed in almost all the small settlements that line the coast and the Pag Bay. The traditional art of lace-making is particularly important. The island is accessible by ferry (Prizna-Zigljen) and across a bridge that spans the Ljubacka vrata Narrows. The Velebit bora can severely obstruct the ferry traffic in the winter month. As the southernmost Kvarner island, Pag is often classified as part of Northern Dalmatia, with which it is connected by a bridge. Historically, it has always been connected with Dalmatia. The other influence came from the island of Rab, and this duality is still present in the lives of the islanders.

NOVALJA - A tourist town with a port on the southwestern part of the island. It has retained its Mediterranean appearance. The clustered old part of town was built in a typical coastal style, and the new part has significantly expanded. The Zrce beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic coast. Novalja was built on the site of the ancient settlement of Novalja. Parts of the Roman aqueduct have been preserved. The port is protected from northwesterly and southeasterly winds. There are moorings for 20 boats and a 5-ton lift behind the first, partly completed breakwater. Local boats are moored behind the second one. There are also a few moorings in front of the hotel. A good anchorage for medium-size yachts can be found in the middle of the bay at a depth between 5 and 8 m.

PAG TOWN - The administrative, cultural and tourist centre of the island is situated at the end of a picturesque bay lined with 20 kilometres of sandy beaches. Tourism has become the main economic activity, but the inhabitants still engage in sheep breeding, wine growing, fishing and salt production as well. The Pag saltpans are as old as the town itself. In the past, they employed most of the inhabitants. A special activity in Pag is lace making. The lace-making school was established in 1906.

STARA NOVALJA - A settlement on a bay of the same name. The coast is lined with a 5-km-long sandy beach, which is protected from the bora and the jugo. Ever since the ferry landing was moved, Stara Novalja has been a peaceful settlement, suitable for a family vacation. There are moorings east and west of the former ferry landing. They are well-protected from the bora and the jugo. Good anchorage is available in the Drljanka Bay.

SIMUNI - A small settlement on the southwestern part of the island. In the naturally protected bay lies a marina, and there are beautiful beaches and a camp along the coast. This is one of the largest areas for sports and underwater fishing. ACI Simuni Marina (023) 698-020 - There are 175 berths at a depth of up to 10 m, 30 spaces for dry storages, a repair shop, a launch ramp and a 15-ton lift. Entering the bay when the bora or the jugo blow particularly strong is almost impossible.