Villa Farnese

The island of Pag is dramatic, austere and rocky with stunning seascapes and landscapes. It is reached from the Croatian mainland via a bridge. As well as quaint and charming villages and hamlets, it boasts two main towns, Pag Town and Novalja. Villa Farnese is located in Pag Town which abounds in cultural, historical and artistic sights. It is famous for its winter and summer carnivals where you will see the traditional folk dance, the Pasko kolo, performed. It is brimming with historic buildings including the 15th century Church of the Assumption which enjoys a wonderfully ornate stone rose window. The Church of St Margaret is next to the Benedictine Monastery, still home today to the Benedictine nuns who have played an important role in education and charity work on the island. The Rector’s Palace is now used for cultural events including the Pag Cultural Summer though was once the residence of the Venice appointed Duke. The Pag Lace Museum and the Salt Museum are fascinating where you will learn much about the history of the island. The island has become very popular, mainly due to its open air nightclubs and summer festivals, though it has many other charms.

Pag Island has long-standing traditions of cheese and wine making with the Pag cheese being one of Croatia’s most celebrated culinary exports. Visitors enjoy the island’s cuisine which features traditional Dalmatian specialities such as octopus, black squid risotto, grilled fish and Pag lamb. It can all be enjoyed along with the delightful local Pag wine, Zutica.

The award-winning Sirana Gligora (Gligora Dairy) in Kolan offers tours where you can discover their cheese production processes and sample the delicious cheese.

The natural, rocky landscapes of Pag Island are scattered with old monuments from the past. It also boasts two lakes, Velo Blato and Malo Blato. One of the most famous beaches is Zrce Beach which comes alive at night. Sv Duh and Prosika beaches are perfect for families. The ideal way to explore the beaches of Pag is to hire a boat and set out in search of your very own piece of coast. The pebble beach of Malie at the Gate of Pag can only be reached by boat. You will discover spectacular beaches without a shred of greenery such as Rucica, Drazica, Prnjica and Cista. Some will be almost deserted, adding to the beauty.

On the mainland, Zadar is gorgeous. Zadar’s renowned sunsets are spectacular and to celebrate them, a ‘Monument to the Sun’ was built on the edge of the waterfront. It is an all day 22 metre disc which soaks up the solar rays ready to dazzle visitors with coloured light patterns as night falls. The Sea Organ is an art installation formed by cleverly cutting steps into the promenade. The underwater pipes make musical sounds as if each wave is sighing! The town is excellent for shopping and also enjoys amazing, historical buildings. You should also visit the beautiful Vrana Lake while you are there.

Two of the most famous national parks of Croatia are within easy reach of Villa Ada. The breathtaking Kornati Archipelago National Park boasts reefs, headlands, islands and bays which you can explore by boat with plenty of opportunity to swim and snorkel. The famous Krka National Park boasts the stunning Skradinksi Buk and Roski Slap waterfalls. Extending along the 73km Krka River, the park runs from the Adriatic near Sibenik inland to the mountains of the Croatian interior. It is a dreamy place of gorges and waterfalls, with the river gushing through. Visitors take a boat ride to explore the park, passing the waterfalls and the magnificent Visovac monastery, located on an island in a magical setting.

Read more about Pag

The island of Pag is located in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. Pag has a unique landscape, rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife at Zrće Beach, that all combine to make it a well-rounded choice for travellers.

Pag has a rich history, which is evident in its architecture and cultural heritage. One of the most significant historical sites on the island is the town of Pag itself, where you can see the archeological site of the medieval Old Town. Once the home of 6000 people, today you can still visit the parish church and the ruins of a Franciscan Monastery. The Rector’s Palace, located in Pag’s main square, was once the home to the Venetian Duke who governed the island, and is now used for cultural events throughout the year.

Novalja, the largest town on the island, has a historical centre, museums and galleries, and plenty of modern amenities. The narrow streets, charming squares, and vibrant markets offer a glimpse into traditional Croatian life. The Church of St. Catherine, a beautiful Baroque church, is a noteworthy site to visit, along with the Novalja City Museum, which provides insights into the island's history and culture.

One of Pag's most famous attractions is Zrće Beach, which has earned itself a reputation as a party destination, drawing young tourists from around the world. The beach is lined with bars and clubs that come to life after dark, offering music and a vibrant nightlife. Zrće Beach's party scene is a stark contrast to the island's tranquility during the day, making Pag a versatile destination suitable for both relaxation and excitement.

The island also has several more beautiful beaches along its coastline. Šimuni is a large, family friendly beach, known for its crystal-clear waters, and is a great spot for swimming or hiring jet skis and paddle boats. A stroll along the picturesque promenade here offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding islands. If you’re a water sports fan, you can find facilities for paddle-boarding, kayaking, and even windsurfing at various locations around the island. Many beachfront areas offer equipment rentals and instructors for those looking to try something new.

Pag offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports for those after some on-land adventure! The island's rugged terrain makes it an ideal destination for adventurous souls looking to explore the wilderness. One of the most stunning sights on the island is the unique moon-like landscape located in the southern part of the island. This unique area is characterised by its barren, rocky terrain and is often used as a backdrop for various movies and photo shoots. A visit to this extraordinary lunar landscape is a journey into an otherworldly environment.

The island is renowned for its production of high-quality Pag cheese, a distinctive sheep's milk cheese with a slightly salty taste, owing to the diet of the sheep that graze on the island's aromatic herbs. It’s a local delicacy and can be enjoyed in various forms, from fresh and creamy to aged and crumbly. Pag is also well known for its lamb dishes. The traditional method of cooking lamb under a bell (called "peka") infuses the meat with a rich, smoky flavour that's a must-try. Pair this with a glass of local wine, and you'll have a true taste of the island!

The island is easily accessible as it’s linked to the mainland by bridge, and both Zadar and Split airports are a short drive away. Whether you prefer trekking along the lunar landscape, cycling through olive groves, trying your hand at water sports, or family picnics on picturesque beaches, Pag has it all.