If you are looking for a place to have a great party, beaches, and nightlife, Novalja is the top Croatian destination for that purpose. Some will say that Novalja can be ranked among the top European destinations in terms of nightlife and beaches.

Novalja coast
Novalja coast

Novalja location

Novalja is located in the north of the island of Pag. It can be easily reached by car, since Pag is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Bus lines from all major Croatian cities drive to Novalja, including Zadar, Split, and Zagreb.
The nearest airport is Zemunik, located near Zadar.

the landscape of the island Pag is beautiful
the landscape of the island Pag is beautiful

There are dozens of beaches in and around Novalja, and they are all first-rate. We would single out two beaches.
The first one is Zrće, located around 3 kilometres away from the centre of the town. Zrće is the top beach party place in this part of Europe. Every year there are dozens of festivals of electronic music held on the beach. You can find updated events on official website of Zrce.

Atmosphere on beach Zrce is good in 2020
Atmosphere on beach Zrce is good in 2020

The second one is located in the north of the town, at the entrance to the place called Stara Novalja.

Stara Novalja beach is lively in 2020
Stara Novalja beach is lively in 2020

If you like sightseeing you will enjoy Novalja in that aspect as well. Archaeological excavations prove that life existed in Novalja before the new era. The most interesting historical sight is aqueduct from Roman times, which can be seen in the town's museum.

Remains of early Catholic basilica date from the period from 5th-6th century. The locality can be seen for free.

Throughout history, the island of Pag has been ruled by several kingdoms. It was part of early Croatian state, until 1102. when power in Croatia is taken over by Hungarians. The Hungarians ruled over Dalmatia until the beginning of 15th century when it was conquered by the Venetian Republic. Venice ruled over Pag and Dalmatia for almost 400 years. During this period, numerous Renaissance monuments were built on Pag. Novalja was not a significant city centre at that time, but it has become so only in recent times. That is why there are no significant monuments from the Middle and New Ages in the town.

View of Pag island from Zrce
View of Pag island from Zrce

Church of St. Catherine was built in 1906. during Austrian rule on the island of Pag. Today it's a parish church in the town. You can check mass schedule at church's Facebook site

As of June 20, 2020, Novalja is filled with people. I would say occupancy is about 50% compared to the June 2019. The atmosphere in the town is good and visitors are having a great time. All the restaurants and bars have opened their door. Most of the tourists are Germans and Croats.
In July we are expecting British and French visitors as well since the border with those countries is still opening.

Visitors like Novalja in 2020
Visitors like Novalja in 2020

If you are thinking about whether you will come or not to Novalja this year, I definitely recommend you to do so. You will have a great time in a slightly more intimate atmosphere of the town.

If you decide to stay in Novalja, we recommend doing day trips to other destinations of Pag island. The most prominent one is Pag Town, which has been the central place of the island, with the highest number of cultural and historical monuments. I would point out the church of St. Mary's Assumption, located in the centre of the place.

Another destination for those who like cultural sightseeing is Zadar, a small coastal town located less than an hour and a half of ride from Novalja. There you can see churches from Romanesque period like Church of St. Donat or Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Additionally, Zadar features a unique monument in the world called Sea Organ - it's a mechanism which produces sound by sea waves hitting the shore.

Finally, for those who like exploring nature we recommend trip to Plitvice Lakes, the most beautiful nature park in Croatia. There is no need to talk about it too much - if you like exploring nature, book your trip, and Plitvice will be talking to you instead.

Visit Plitvice Lakes from Novalja
Visit Plitvice Lakes from Novalja

Pag is known for the production of high quality cheese - the top speciality of the island. When you arrive in Novalja, ask your host where you can buy it. Cheese factory in Pag Town is one of the locations where you can buy it.

Another food speciality is lamb meet - the highest quality lambs in Croatia are raised on Pag. Again I recommend asking your host where to taste grilled lamb meat.

Recently, Pag has become a destination for cycling tourism, easier MTB or road cycling. There are thousands of kilometres of bike trails that run through the beautiful rugged landscape of the island. If you are into biking, that alone should be good enough reason to visit the island.

the idyll of Pag
the idyll of Pag

Zvonimir Peran     2023-07-18

I enjoy Croatia, beautiful country with interesting places, history, culture, and people. I want you to enjoy it as well.
Contact me on email info@croatia-tourism.com, or using the form below.

Contact us

We will help you experience the best of Novalja.

Latest on Croatia Tourism


Prices in Croatia in 2023

Many visitors who want to come to Croatia, either for a vacation, or permanent relocation, are curious about the prices in the country. I will give an overview of the prices of food, tourist services, and other stuff which may be of interest to tourists and expats. Croatia recently joined the eurozone, which is its only official currency since...

Split in November 2023

November is one of the months with the lowest tourist activity in Croatia. Many excursions, especially those including island hopping tours, are paused till April. The weather is too fresh for swimming, even for the most courageous swimmers. Nevertheless, some people look for this kind of travel experience. Especially couples may appreciate a mor...

Primosten nightlife

If you decide to spend your holidays in Primosten, you may wish to have a night out. The good news is that Primosten is an ideal spot for that kind of vacation. Alongside being a top-class beach destination, Primosten has a lot of things to offer to party animals and everyone looking for a good party time....

Visit also


Pag

Being located in North Dalmatia, Pag is one of the most interesting Croatian islands featuring many unique facilities. Being known for its surface which looks like a moon, and the best lamb meat and cheese, Pag is one of the top Croatian tourist destinations.

How to arrive in Croatia

The most common types of transportation to Croatia are car, bus, plane and train. If you are arriving from some of the nearby countries, like Slovenia, Germany or Austria, then the most used means of transport is a car. According to the opinions of visitors and locals, roads in Croatia are good. Especially featured are highways A1 and A6, connecti...

Povljana Croatia, tourist guide

If you are looking for a small coastal settlement located on island with nice intimate beaches and apartments, Povljana may be a good option for your vacation.

Related content


How does Novalja evening look like in June 2020

Novalja has been known as a top beach & party destination in Croatia.
I decided to take an evening walk in the centre of the town on June 18, 2020, to check the atmosphere after Croatia opened its borders and started welcoming tourists from the European Union.

How does beach Zrce look like in June 2020

Zrce has been a top beach destination for partying in Croatia. Everyone who's been there knows its atmosphere.
This year due to pandemic, things are a bit different. I decided to visit Zrce on June 19, 2020, to check how does it look like after pandemic, and if there are any visitors.

Agrolaguna wine receives a gold medal in Bergamo wine competition

As Glas Istre writes, Agrolaguna, famous wine manufacturer from Poreč, won there gold medals in wine competition held in Bergamo. Wines which are awarded the gold medal are Castello Festigia 2017, Riserva 2016, and Cabernet Sauvigenon Festiga 2017. During the 3 day completion, there were 152 various types of wine from 12 countries all over the...