Ringed by pebbly beaches, Pag is a sun-drenched island that stretches along the Croatian coast to the north of Zadar. It centres around the historic town of Pag and the 15th-century Church of St. George and features several small villages along the coast. The island is renowned for its cheese and lace production, as well as its ancient grove of olive trees.
Things to do in Pag Island
Housed in Pag’s beautifully restored Ducal Palace is the Lace Gallery, which celebrates the history of lacemaking on the island and its inscription to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List for its importance in Croatian culture. Admire the intricate designs of the clothing and tablecloths that are on display, together with ecclesiastical garments.
Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Sirana Gligora, an award-winning cheese-making company that offers behind-the-scenes factory tours. Discover what it takes to make their delicious cheeses, from production to curing, then sample a variety of different types in their tasting room. In addition to purchasing cheese at the on-site store, it stocks a range of locally-made wines, olive oils and cured meats.
In the north of Pag lies the Olive Gardens of Lun, a protected grove of gnarled olive trees that are more than 1,000 years old and often provide shelter to herds of local sheep. A short walking trail leads to the northernmost tip of Pag, which boasts sweeping views across the Adriatic Sea towards the island of Rab and the Velebit Mountains of mainland Croatia.
Getting around Pag Island
Pag is around 30 minutes’ drive from Zadar and 45 minutes from Zadar Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses travel throughout the island and link its towns and villages, most of which can easily be explored on foot.