Novalja

With approximately 3,600 inhabitants, Novalja is the second largest city on the island of Pag, which lies immediately before the Croatian mainland coast by Karlobag and is connected by a bridge to the peninsula of Zadar in the south. The island of Pag shapes the southern portion of the Kvarner Bay. The urban area of Novalja, with the neighboring towns of Stara Novalja and Lun, stretches itself out along the northern part of the island of Pag. Amongst the younger travelers the town is mainly known for its Zrče Beach where numerous parties are held during the summer months. For this reason, Novalja is mostly visited by young adults who want to let loose for a while. The Zrče Beach lies in a well protected, very long bay to the southeast of the city and is a few kilometers away from the center. However, good transportation connections ensure smooth transfers from Novalja to the Zrče Beach. In addition, Novalja also has quieter beaches.

Since the 1970's, tourism in Novalja has been rapidly developing, which is why the city is dominated by modern residential buildings, hotel complexes and apartments. One always finds the time on its well-developed waterfront promenade- situated between panoramic harbor and restaurants- to enjoy some relaxing hours and regional dishes. Some very tasty dishes include locally grown vegetables, fish risotto and meat dishes like the typical Croatian Cevapcici dish (minced meat rolls) and Raznjici (skewers). True specialties of the island include Pag cheese and the dessert called Hrostule. Just because Novalja has a modern image, however, does not mean that it doesn't have cultural sites and historic buildings. That said, the aqueduct called "Talijanova buza" is an impressive ruin left over from Novalja's time under Roman rule. It dates back to the 1st century and expands over a total length of 1 km. The entrance to the underground running aqueduct can be seen in the town museum. A visit to the early Christian basilica from the 4th century, on which the foundations of the current Church of Our Lady of the Rosary has been built, gives visitors a chance to travel back in time. Especially impressive and worth seeing are the remains of the mosaic floor of the earlier basilica.

Cultural events take place in Novalja throughout the whole year. During the spring months you can participate in celebrating the traditional Carnival festival and Easter and in winter you can enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere at a variety of events. Events mainly take place in the summer when most of the tourists visit the town. Events in particular include the Culture and Music Summer Festival as well as the singing festival of "Festival pisme nakanat". The latter gives visitors an insight into the folksy, traditional two-part "Nakanat" singing for which the island of Pag is well- known.

In the Novalja-field, the green hinterlands of the city, there are miles of bike trails that lead through the beautiful vineyards of the island. Not only tourists are quick to jump on a bike, but there are also many cyclists who use this area for competition preparation. The south of the island of Pag has become very popular with active vacationers. Here you will find many designated climbing spots on steep cliffs that are embedded in the picturesque panorama of the Kvarner Bay. Among other things, it is definitely worth it to climb up the Sveti Vid, the highest mountain on the island of Pag, as well as to climb the cliffs around the Rucica Beach by Metajna in the southeast. The versatile recreational, leisure and cultural activities around Novalja prove that there is more to visit here than just the party beach of Zrce.