Sailing on to the island of Pag in Croatia

Sailing to the island of Pag

In our latest blog post, embark on a journey to discover the unique allure of Pag Island. With its rich nature and diverse landscapes, this island is a treasure trove for any sailing enthusiast, promising a one-of-a-kind and enthralling experience.

Where is Pag Island In Croatia?

Pag Island is located in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, off the Croatian coast. It lies between the mainland and the islands of Rab and Vir. It is the only island in Croatia that is split between two different counties. The island is part of Zadar County and Lika-Senj County, and it's connected to the Croatian mainland by the Pag Bridge to the south. Pag Island is connected to the mainland by one of the oldest bridges. However, strong northern winds can affect the safety of crossing the bridge to the island.

Proper preparation and understanding allow visitors to navigate these conditions safely, ensuring a memorable and secure experience.

The unique and arid landscape of Pag Island, shaped by the prevailing Bura wind that carries abundant sea salt, is the perfect environment for three of Croatia's most famous delicacies. The combination of this salty environment, herbal vegetation, and traditional practices results in outstanding products celebrated not just in Croatia but internationally.

3 Croatia's best delicacies come from Pag Island.

Pag Island is famous for producing three of Croatia's best delicacies: pag cheese, pag lamb, and pag salt. Due to its unique climate, geography, and traditional practices passed down through generations. Here's why each product stands out:

1) Pag Cheese (Paški Sir)

Pag cheese, or "Paški sir", is one of Croatia's finest cheeses. It is a hard, aged sheep cheese made from the milk of a local breed of sheep, "Paška ovca", which are indigenous to the island. Due to these unique conditions, it has a special aroma: The sheep graze on salty herbs, grass, and wild plants that grow on the island, which is exposed to the "Bura" wind, a strong, cold wind that carries sea salt inland.

This combination gives the milk a rich, distinct flavour, resulting in a cheese with an intense, savoury taste. The production follows centuries-old techniques, with careful ageing ranging from a few months to over a year, giving the cheese a crumbly texture and an aromatic flavour.

2) Pag Lamb

Pag lamb is highly prized for its tender, flavorful meat—the distinct taste results from the sheep's diet and the island's harsh, salty environment. The lambs feed on the same salty herbs and aromatic plants as the sheep that produce Pag cheese.

This diet, combined with the island's limited vegetation and salt-laden winds, gives the meat a mild yet savoury flavour. Pag lamb is typically slaughtered at a young age (usually a few months old), which keeps the meat tender and succulent.

3) Pag Salt

Pag salt is considered one of Croatia's highest-quality salts, and the island's centuries-old salt production is central to its culture and economy. The salterns of Pag use traditional methods to evaporate seawater in shallow pools, where the sun and wind help crystallize the salt.

This process has been refined over centuries. The salt from Pag is particularly rich in minerals due to the purity of the Adriatic Sea and the island's natural evaporation process. It's known for being pure, clean, and rich in flavour, making it a culinary favourite.

Pag is also a Popular Party Island or so-called "Croatian Ibiza."

"Croatian Ibiza" refers to the beach Zrće on the Island of Pag. This name comes from Zrće being one of the best places to party in Europe, like Ibiza in Spain. 

This is the reason why Zrće Beach is often referred to as the "Croatian Ibiza":
 
1. Beach clubs that are among the best in the world
Some of the best beach clubs in Europe are on Zrće Beach. They are called Papaya, Aquarius, Noa, and Kalypso. People worldwide attend these clubs for all-night parties, foreign DJs, and electronic music festivals.
 
2. Party Scene All the Time
Like Ibiza, Zrće is a party island all summer, with festivals, live shows, and other events happening all day and night. Music groups like Hideout Festival, Sonus, and Fresh Island Festival always hold their events on the beaches.
 
3. Beautiful Beach Setting
It is on the northern side of Pag Island, and Zrće Beach has beautiful scenery with its pebbly beach, clear water, and picture-perfect coastal setting. People come to sunbathe, do water sports and rest during the day before the nightlife starts.
 
4. Young people from around the world
Like Ibiza, Zrće Beach has a young, international crowd, primarily party-goers, music lovers, and tourists looking for a fun summer experience. 
In short, Zrće Beach is known for its wild parties, top-notch DJs, and festival-like vibe, which is how it got the name "Croatian Ibiza."

Best Beaches On Pag Island

Pag Island has many gorgeous beaches, from party places to quiet coves. Best Pag Island beaches:

1. Zrće Beach, Located near Novalja, already mentioned above
Why it's famous: Famous as the "Croatian Ibiza," Zrće Beach is a famous Croatian party spot. A bustling beach featuring music festivals, beach clubs, and all-night partying.
Beach features: A pebble beach with great waves for jet skiing, wakeboarding, and nightlife at Papaya and Aquarius.

2. Caska Beach Location: Near Zrće Beach
Why it's famous: Caska Beach, however calmer than Zrće, still combines natural beauty and historical significance. The beach is near an ancient Roman town with underwater ruins. This sandy and pebbly beach has shallow water, making it ideal for families with children. It's laid-back but near pubs and restaurants.

3. Simuni Beach Location: Near Šimuni settlement.
Why it's famous: The family-friendly beach has tranquil, crystal-clear seas and a pleasant atmosphere. It's publicly accessible but part of a campsite. Beach amenities include pebbles and sand, loungers, water sports equipment, and restaurants. Simuni is also a famous surfing spot.

There are over 100 beaches on Pag Island, and we can select many of them, like Ručica Beach and Beritnica Beach near Metajna village:

From busy party places to tranquil, natural sanctuaries, Pag Island's beaches provide something for every traveller.

How many Marinas does Pag Island have?

Pag Island has two main marinas that cater to boaters and sailors:

1. Šimuni Marina (ACI Šimuni)

Location: Near the village of Šimuni, on the island's western side.
Facilities: Šimuni Marina is the island's more significant and well-known marina. It offers around 200 berths and has modern facilities, including water and electricity, a restaurant, a shop, and boat repair services.
Why it's popular: It's well-protected from the winds, making it a safe harbour for yachts and boats. It's also part of the Šimuni campsite, making it a convenient spot for campers and sailors alike.

2. Novalja Marina

Location: In Novalja, on the northern part of the island.
Facilities: While smaller than Šimuni Marina, Novalja offers several berths for boats and yachts, with basic facilities such as water and electricity.
Why it's popular: It's located near the lively town of Novalja, a popular tourist hub, making it an excellent spot for sailors who want to explore the town's restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

These marinas provide essential services for sailors visiting Pag, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay on the island.

So, why is Island Pag a good sailing destination?

Island Pag in Croatia is a fantastic sailing destination for several reasons. In addition to all mentioned in this blog post, Pag boasts rich natural beauty. It features rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and scenic bays perfect for anchoring. The coastline is dotted with hidden coves and beaches, many only accessible by boat. Moreover, Pag and the surrounding area have several well-equipped marinas and mooring spots, making it convenient for sailors, including ACI Marina Šimuni on Pag's western coast. Pag's natural beauty, culture, and excellent sailing conditions make it a top destination for sailing enthusiasts.