Guide of Novalja

Novalja is a town in the north of the island of Pag in Croatia. In recent years it has become a destination for young people searching for sunshine and parties on the beach, Novalja's Zrće beach has put the town on the map by hosting festivals and bug club events.

A brief history of Novalja

The earliest settlers on Pag were an Illyrian tribe that came to the region in the Bronze Age; however, it was the Romans, who called the town Cissa and eventually established the city of Novalja. During this period records cease because an earthquake perhaps destroyed the town. In the 7th century, the Croats arrived and settled here under the control of the Croatian Kingdom. There were enormous battles for control of the region in the 11th and 12th centuries, and the territory was divided between the communities of Rab and Zadar consequently. Novalja was assigned to Rab by the Croatian King, Petar Krešimir IV and between the 12th and 14th centuries, Novalja, along with other Dalmatian towns and islands, was fiercely fought over between the Republic of Venice and the Croatian-Hungarians. Eventually, from the beginning of the 15th century, the city was held by Venice until Venice lost its independence. Then Austria and France fought over the Dalmatian area, and in the end, the Austrians were victorious. In the 20th century, the island passed from Austria to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia after World War I. Croatia became an independent state between 1941–1945, but was returned to Yugoslavia after the Second World War when Yugoslavia broke up, it became part of the new country of Croatia.

Things to do in Novalja

As for religious buildings, there is St. Catherine's church, a beautiful pastel-coloured Catholic Church located in the centre along with Majke Božjeod Ružarija. The Novalja City Museum is also worth a visit; it houses artefacts that retell the history of the town, and you can also see the original entrance to the Roman aqueduct. For some fun, there is a fairground called Luna Park; it features fairground rides like dodgems a swing carousel, trampolines and little rides for kids. For a bit of day trip, why not take the ferry to the nearby island of Maun, it is located southwest of Pag and has an area of only 8.50 km squared! It is virtually uninhabited and surrounded by crystal clear waters and beautiful coves.

Beaches around Novalja

Zrće beach is a destination for partygoers, with several all-hours clubs and beach bars operating during summer months. It regularly features house, EDM, hardstyle, R'n'B, hip-hop and trance DJs at the peak of the Croatian summer season from May till the end of August. If you are looking for a more family-oriented beach, then try Planjka Trincel, the beach is immaculate and equipped with umbrellas and a small aqua park for little children, there is also a restaurant called Shark for refreshments. Another lovely, family-friendly beach is called Plaža Planjka; it is a pebble and shingle beach with all the amenities you could need, including umbrellas to rent, a restaurant with excellent food, toilets and you can also rent paddle boats and jet skies here.