Camping on Pag

The island of Pag is located in the north-west of Croatia on the border with northern Dalmatia and is one of the country's most beautiful holiday destinations. Holidaymakers get their money's worth here, especially when camping on Pag's beautiful beaches. You can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday just a few steps away from your motorhome. Camping with children is also an excellent idea on Pag.

Special features of camping on Pag

What makes Pag so interesting are the wide beaches and hidden bays. The clear waters of the Adriatic entice all campers here to swim and sunbathe. Just a few steps away from the campsites on Pag, the local harbours also invite you to set off on a sailing trip. Nature lovers can discover Croatia's rugged coastal formations by sailing around the island.

The island also boasts a varied culture. In popular tourist centres such as Novalja and Pag Town, it is worth stopping off at one of the many konoba taverns to sample traditional food. The old towns are also characterised by magnificent Venetian architecture. Parties, concerts and leisure events are what make Zrće beach so attractive between May and August.

Journey

If you are travelling from Germany to Austria by motorhome, you must first cross the border into Austria. When crossing the border, a vignette must be purchased to use the motorway in the Alpine country. On the way, it is worth making short stops in Tyrol and at Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. The route then crosses the border into Slovenia, where the Triglav National Mountain Park invites you to go hiking.

On the rest of the journey to one of the campsites on the island of Pag, holidaymakers with a cultural interest can stop off in the capital Ljubljana or in Trieste in Italy. Alternatively, you can travel directly to Kvarner Bay on the European route E61, from where it is just under 150 km to Pag. From Rijeka, the coastal road and motorway always lead south. The ferry to Pag departs shortly after Prizna. Tickets do not need to be booked.

Those travelling from eastern Germany like to take the shortcut via the Czech Republic. It is about 1,330 kilometres from Berlin to Pag via Prague, Graz and Zagreb. In Munich, motorhome travellers are about 770 km from their destination.

Destinations on Pag

Historic old towns such as Pag and Novalja are among the island's highlights, as are the enchanting little beaches along the coast.

Get to know culture in Pag

The town of Pag is the perfect place to familiarise yourself with the culture and architecture of the Croatian coast. The magnificent Gothic and Renaissance buildings made of natural stone catch the eye on a tour. Charming little cafés and restaurants can be found in the narrow alleyways. The well-preserved town wall and the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary from the 15th century are well worth seeing.

Bathing and sailing paradise Novalja

In Novalja you can combine bathing fun, partying and city breaks. For lovers of sightseeing, the Roman aqueduct and the three basilicas from the 4th century are absolute must-sees. Away from these, there are marvellous pebble beaches, especially Zrće, which is a little further away. You can also go sailing from the harbour when the winds are good.

The south of Pag: Miškoviće and surroundings

Far to the south of Pag lies the small fishing village of Miškoviće, where farmers produce traditional Pag cheese and the famous Žutica wine. It is also worth trying the regional roast lamb in the village's restaurants. Holidaymakers can also reach the medieval harbour town of Zadar via the nearby bridge over the Adriatic Sea.

Top 5 sights

• Skrivanat: Of the island's former nine defence towers, only the 15th century Skrivanat remains today.
• Benedictine monastery: The renovated monastery of St Margaret in Pag town is an impressive monument to Croatia's impressive architecture.
• Sveti Vid: On the 349 metre high peak, excursionists can enjoy a magnificent view over the many islands off the Croatian coast.
• Roman aqueduct: The approximately 1 km long Novalja aqueduct dates back to the 1st century.
• Novalja's basilicas: The three early Christian basilicas, which are now one of the most important landmarks, were founded as early as the 4th century.

Activities and excursions

Holidaymakers get their money's worth when camping on Pag. The island offers great conditions for swimming, sailing and hiking.

Sailing trips on the Adriatic

Travellers can set off on a sailing trip around the island from harbours such as Pag Town and Novalja. The Adriatic coast off Croatia is one of the most beautiful places to gain your first experience in this sport or, if you have a licence, to go on your own discovery tour.

Swimming fun on beautiful beaches

Metanja and Zrće are among the most beautiful beaches on Pag. The two towns are known above all for their first-class campsites, clean bays and good infrastructure. Exciting parties are organised in Zrće every summer. The beaches of Strasko and Trincel are somewhat quieter.

Hiking on the island

When hiking, holidaymakers can either follow the coastline, walk through fragrant pine forests or set off into the hilly hinterland. One of the most beautiful hiking trails is the 20-kilometre Vodice trail, which leads past Sveti Vid.

Events

The island of Pag hosts traditional events such as Marian processions and the Summer of Culture as well as exciting concerts and parties on the beach at Zrće near Novalja.

May

• Spring Break Europe: In spring, young people in particular are drawn to Zrće, where the holidays are celebrated with a series of thrilling music concerts.

July - September

• Pag Summer of Culture: From July to September, holidaymakers can enjoy a wide range of events in the centre of Pag. You can look forward to dance performances, concerts, exhibitions and theatre.

July

• Hideout: The festival in Zrće attracts party animals from all over Europe to Pag with exciting club nights and open-air concerts.
• Summer carnival: On the last weekend in July, the people of Pag parade through the streets in costume and create a great atmosphere with loud music.

August

• Assumption of the Virgin Mary: The veneration of the Virgin Mary is particularly important in Catholic Croatia. On the island of Pag, the locals parade through the streets on 15 August with images of the Virgin Mary from the late Romanesque parish church.

Gastronomy

No holiday in Croatia is complete without a visit to a traditional konoba. In the taverns, visitors can sample regional specialities, on Pag especially Adriatic fish fried in extra virgin olive oil. Platters of grilled seafood and octopus pans with rice are also popular. Apart from that, Croatian cuisine is very meat-centred. The grilled meatballs Ćevapčići and Pljeskavica burgers are an absolute must for gourmets. They are usually served with freshly baked bread, onions and ajvar pepper sauce. Recommended restaurants on Pag include Konoba Bile in the main town and Starac i More in Novalja. The latter is known not least for its excellent seafood dishes.

Best time to visit

The island of Pag is characterised by a pleasant Mediterranean climate, which is particularly inviting for a camping holiday between June and September. The first holidaymakers arrive on the island in May with average maximum temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius. In late spring, there are good conditions for sailing, surfing and kitesurfing. The period from the end of June to September is ideal for swimming. The Adriatic Sea then warms up to between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius. In the air, the thermometer often reads more than 30 degrees Celsius. Autumn is also a good time for water sports enthusiasts and hikers, with maximum temperatures of between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius.