Novalja vacation packages

How to get to Novalja

• Flight information: There are no direct flights to Novalja. However, you can fly to the nearest airport, Zadar, with a flight time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes from major European cities.

• Transfer details: From Zadar Airport, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Pag, which includes a scenic ride across the Pag Bridge with beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.

• Cost estimates: A taxi from the airport to Pag costs approximately $65–$85. Alternatively, you can take a bus for around $11.

Weather and best times to visit Novalja

• April to June: This is the ideal time if you’re looking for milder weather and fewer tourists. Temperatures range from 59°F to 77°F, with plenty of sun and minimal rainfall.

• July to August: This is the peak season when the island comes alive with festivals, and Novalja becomes a hub for beach parties. The weather is hot, with averages between 77°F and 86°F. It can be crowded, and prices for both accommodations and activities are higher.

• September to November: The island offers a quieter atmosphere, and the weather is still pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 64°F and 77°F. You’ll find plenty of sunshine with just an occasional rain shower.

• December to March: This is the off-season, with temperatures ranging from 41°F to 50°F. While not ideal for beach activities, it's perfect for cultural visits.

Practical information

• Languages spoken: Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Novalja and across Pag Island.

• Local customs: Novalja is known for its relaxed vibe, but it’s important to respect local customs, particularly in more traditional areas. Casual wear is suitable for most places, but it's best to dress modestly when visiting churches.

• Health and safety: Novalja is generally safe for vacations, but keep an eye on your belongings on beaches, especially Zrće. Use sunscreen to guard against the strong Mediterranean sun and keep hydrated.

• Currency: Croatia uses the Kuna (HRK). ATMs are available in major towns, and most places accept credit cards. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller businesses.

• Transportation: The southern part of the island is connected to the mainland via the Pag Bridge. Buses are the main form of public transport on the island, with single rides costing around 15 HRK. Renting a car is recommended for exploring remote areas.

• Electricity: Outlets in Croatia operate at 220 volts with round, two-pin plugs. Travelers from the US should purchase a continental adapter ahead of time.

• Time zone: Novalja follows Central European Time (CET) and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Entry requirements: US travelers need a valid passport to enter Croatia. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Novalja

Pag Island's main resort, Novalja, is a lively, modern destination famous for Zrće Beach, a top spot for Adriatic clubbing, but it also offers cultural attractions.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Vidikovac Gradac: Located high above the road between Pag Town and Novalja, this elevated viewpoint provides sweeping views of the entire island.

• Zrće Beach: This expansive, gravelly beach offers views of the pale ochre hills of eastern Pag and the verdant Velebit mountains beyond.

The best districts

• Novalja Center: Beyond the beaches, Novalja's compact town center is bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon.

• Zrće Beach: Known for its string of outdoor megaclubs along the beach, this area is a paradise for clubbers who want to dance until dawn.

Museums

• Pag Lace Gallery: Located in nearby Pag Town, this charming gallery explores the intricate art of lace-making, showcasing exquisite examples of this delicate craft and offering insights into a unique aspect of the island's cultural heritage.

Parks and gardens

• Lun Olive Gardens: Just a short drive from Novalja, the picturesque Lun Peninsula is famous for its ancient olive groves, featuring dramatically stocky, gnarled trees.

Historical monuments

• The Italian Hole: Originally a Roman settlement dating back to the first century AD, these ancient remains include a nearly 1km-long underground water conduit, locally known as the "Italian Hole."

Day trips in the area

• Pag Town: This pleasant vacation town features a seafront promenade, pebbly beaches, a grid of streets, and well-proportioned Renaissance churches.

• Zadar: Less than an hour from Pag, Zadar blends ancient and medieval heritage with a vibrant café culture and a dynamic festival scene.

• Paklenica National Park: A breathtaking mountain landscape filled with a mix of karst wilderness, deciduous forests, and fir-covered slopes.

Family activities in Novalja

While the island's beaches are often the default choice for family activities, there are plenty of cultural and physical experiences to entertain everyone.

• Beaches: Planjka Beach in Stara Novalja is a long, shallow curve of fine shingle and sand, facing north to provide protection from southern winds. It's a popular family beach with beach bars nearby.

• Water sports: A family outing on a stand-up paddleboard is a great choice, as Pag's calm waters are suitable for even the youngest paddlers.

• Interactive museums: Visits to the Pag Lace Gallery and the Salt Museum provide an ideal balance of fun and education.

Free things to do in Novalja

Despite its small size, Novalja offers numerous free activities both in town and across the island.

• Beaches: Vrtić, the main town beach, is a fine stretch of shingle and sand just southwest of the center. To the south lies the larger Straško Beach, which hosts the Straško campsite and extensive facilities, including a naturist area.

• Free events: The Pag Carnival, a special event, runs every Saturday from early January, culminating in three days of non-stop, costumed festivities before Ash Wednesday. You can watch from afar or join in the fun.

• Visit the markets: Explore Novalja's local market to sample fresh products and perhaps pick up affordable souvenirs.

Nature and outdoor activities in Novalja

Pag's accessible coastline and rugged interior offer ample opportunities for leisure pursuits.

• Hiking: The island's stark interior is perfect for long walks, but remember that it's very exposed, so take proper precautions.

• Kitesurfing and windsurfing: Pag's exposure to the elements makes it an excellent spot for water sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing.

• Climbing: Stogaj is the island's best-known climbing site, with nearly 20 marked routes, including easy ascents for beginners and challenging climbs for experienced climbers like the Skorpion or Spyder routes.

• Stand-up paddleboarding: Popular around Pag's coastline, the calm waters are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

• Bird-watching: The reeds and marshlands of Veliko Blato are home to almost 150 bird species, including herons, great crested grebes, spoonbills, and hundreds of flamingos, making it a fantastic bird-watching destination.

The island of Pag is primarily renowned for its distinctive hard cheese-arguably the most famous in all of Croatia-as well as its lamb. However, there's plenty more exquisite cuisine to enjoy on your Novalja vacation.

Some typical dishes

• Pag cheese: A hard, piquant sheep’s cheese with a taste reminiscent of mature cheddar and parmesan; you’ll find it in supermarkets across the country.

• Pag lamb: A succulent, spit-roasted delight that can also be grilled. Most kitchens roast it on a spit, then carve the finest cuts to serve with potatoes and vegetables.

Meat dishes

• Ćevapi: Juicy patties of grilled minced meat served with ajvar (a pepper-based condiment) and flatbread-a classic Balkan staple.

• Peka: Slow-roasted lamb, octopus, or other local delicacies cooked under an ember-covered metal lid known as a peka. This traditional method yields a deliciously succulent meal.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Brudet: A scrumptious fish stew featuring various types of fish, enhanced with tomatoes and wine. It is typically served with polenta.

• Crni rižot: One of Dalmatia's most iconic dishes, this black risotto takes its name from cuttlefish ink-the blacker the risotto, the better the taste.

Sweets and desserts

• Kroštule: Deep-fried pastry twists dusted with powdered sugar, often enjoyed during festive occasions.

• Ice cream: The Dalmatian love for ice cream is evident in the numerous cafés and ice cream parlors lining the promenades of Pag Town and Novalja.

Local drinks

• Rakija: There's nothing like a shot of rakija (grape brandy) to lubricate social interactions. A herb-infused travarica or carob-flavored rogačica offers a truly heartwarming experience.

• Pag wines: Whether it's the golden Žutica or the lighter Gegić, Pag wines gain their dry character from the sandy soil, making them an ideal accompaniment to Pag’s fabulous cheese.