If we were to identify one characteristic that makes the island of Pag most recognizable and that brings it immediately to the fore, it would surely be its marvellous scenery and shapes. The way in which the play between the elements left such an impressive trace is simply incredible.

The island of Pag has around 300 km of indented coast, rich with gulfs, promontories, coves and, of course, beautiful beaches.

Strong winds, the strongest of which is certainly “bura”, have created a rarely seen landscape in the parts of the island facing the Velebit Mountain, as if you were looking at the surface of the Moon.

Besides the low-growth aromatic plants, food for the island sheep and basis of the recognizable flavour of the widely known Pag cheese, there is practically no other flora.

This is just a part of the story about the exotic island of Pag, rich with interesting places, small ports and beaches. In each one of its parts, the guests are welcomed with warm hospitality that will make them remember the moments spent here for a long time.

We have already mentioned how the sea salt is the essence of the island of Pag. Besides the Pag salt pans and the already mentioned Pag cheese, some of the traditionally recognizable products to be singled out when we talk about the island of Pag are certainly the Pag lacework, lamb meat, folk costume and the “paška žutica” (white wine from the island of Pag).

Culture and entertainment

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The cultural attractions of the island of Pag that you simply must experience are numerous. In the part dedicated to Novalja we talked about the particularities of the city. Here we will mention some of the cultural sights and events on the island of Pag.

The tourists are particularly interested in the Pag carnival that is being held at the end of July, where, among other things, you can enjoy listening to the traditional songs performed by the “klapa” (a cappella singing) groups in the authentic ambiance.

Besides this, a breeze of culture and history can also be felt in the characteristic ancient narrow streets of Pag, monasteries, churches and old courtyards.

Let us not forget to underscore once again two products that are particularly representative and characteristic of the island of Pag: the Pag folk costume and the hand-woven Pag lace as the authentic island souvenir.

As for the entertainment, we have the Zrće Beach, of course, as one of the most famous party destinations for young people.

Gastronomy

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The island of Pag is rich with authentic, natural delicacies in all parts of its gastronomic offer. Here we will single out some of the products definitely worth tasting during your stay at the island:

- Pag cheese, Pag lamb meat, Pag prosciutto, seafood (fish, shellfish), “žgancet” (typical meat or fish stew), snails, asparagus, sage honey, mutton, wine, brandy, “saur” (savoury fish), salt anchovies, Pag grapes, “baškotini” (aromatic crunchy biscuits made by the nuns), Pag prosecco.

Active vacation

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We already mentioned the cycle routes offered by Novalja and the island of Pag, as well as the rocks, particularly interesting for the fans of free climbing.

Let us also mention the St. Vid Peak, as well as the rocks above the Ručica Beach at the northwest side of the Pag Gulf, where the rock climbers will surely find a “little corner of Pag“ just for them.

As for water and underwater sports, there are excellent conditions for diving, jet-skiing, water skiing and surfing. Here are some interesting facts regarding surfing – the research conducted between 1998 and 2001 has shown that the winds at the island of Pag blow during no less than 350 of the total of 365 days in a year: a detail that will surely make surfers happy.

– Upper Palaeolithic – the most ancient traces of life

– Neolithic – development of organized communities

– Bronze Age – arrival of the Liburnians, the most numerous Illyrian tribe on the island of Pag

– Iron Age – traces of metal jewellery from this period were found

– 1st century B.C. – invasion of the Romans who subjugate the Liburnians, leaving numerous traces, the most famous of which is the Roman aqueduct

– 4th and 5th century – a strong Christian community is active in Novalja; the building of three impressive basilicas

– from the period of the great movement of the peoples – a reliquary has been preserved, kept near the "basilica urbana", just as the church furniture stored in “Stomorica” (archaeological collection)

– 7th century – the Croats arrive to Pag

– 8th and 9th century – creation of the state that is linked to the Pope

– 11th and 12th century – division of the island of Pag between the communes of Rab and Zadar

– 12th to14th century – Croatian-Hungarian rulers and the Venetians are fighting for Dalmatian cities and islands

– end of the 18th century – under Napoleon the Venetian republic ceases to exist, and the island of Pag passes under the Austrian dominion (1797 – 1805). After Austria’s defeat in the war against France, the island of Pag as well as the rest of Dalmatia fall under the French dominion that lasts 10 years.

– 1815 – the Congress of Vienna. Austria regains control over the “Kingdom of Dalmatia” that lasts up until 1918

– 1848 – period of the Croatian national renaissance. The goal is to unite Dalmatia and Croatia, and to introduce the Croatian language in schools and administration

– end of the 19th century – Croatian language becomes official; introduction of ship lanes; construction of the ship landing quay.

– World War II – at the beginning Novalja and the island of Pag are controlled by the Italian army until the capitulation of Italy in September 1943, when the island is taken over by the NOVJ forces (the Yugoslav National Liberation Army). The island remains under their control until the end of the year, when it is occupied by the German and Ustasha army. In 1945 the partisan forces resume the control of the island

– 1990s – Croatia is attacked by Serbia and defensive battles are being fought throughout Croatia. In 1995, the Croatian military action “Oluja” results in Croatia regaining all the occupied territories

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The Pag Triangle

The Velo tusto čelo Hill situated very near Novalja is home to a natural phenomenon called the Pag triangle.

It is a megalithic imprint in stone, in the shape of an isosceles triangle whose dimensions are 32x32x22. Numerous theories are swirling around this mystery, and the Pag triangle has become the reason why science fiction fans visit Pag in great numbers.

The theories about the origins of the Pag Triangle are numerous, and the most interesting is the one that links its origins with the appearance of the UFOs. The alleged sightings of the UFOs have been reported repeatedly from the sixties onwards. On one occasion, the phenomenon was witnessed by no less than 30 citizens of Pag and there is also a police report about the event.

The two most recent UFOs’ sightings were in 1997 and 1999. The former is particularly interesting because it was reported by people who, at the moment, found themselves on different parts of the island. What is more, the first to notice the phenomenon were the island policemen. It is noteworthy that the event was followed with great interest by the press, and several articles appeared on the subject in 1997.

Amphoras

In the Vlaška mala Bay, situated in the Podvelebitski Channel, there was another great discovery that resulted in considerable interest of the public, and especially of the scientific and archaeological experts.

It was the discovery of the ancient amphoras from the 1st century B.C. The amphoras were identified as the Lamboglia type and were used in wine production. Besides the amphoras, the remains of two anchors as well as other objects that belonged to the sunken ship were found.