Pag town
A small Renaissance town of stone streets, salt pans and lace, on the shore of Pag bay.
A town built to a plan
Today's Pag was founded in 1443, when the inhabitants moved from the old town a little to the south. The new town was laid out to a plan: straight streets crossing at right angles, with a central square framed by the Collegiate Church of St Mary, the Rector's Palace and the unfinished Bishop's Palace.
The plan and several of the main buildings are linked to Juraj Dalmatinac (Giorgio da Sebenico), the master builder of Šibenik Cathedral. Walking through the town you will see Renaissance doorways and the coats of arms of old local families above them.
Salt, sheep and lace
For centuries life on Pag depended on salt, sheep, fishing and farming. The shallow end of Pag bay is still used for salt pans, and the salt works are one of the most important in Croatia. Tens of thousands of sheep graze the island's stony pastures and give the milk for Pag cheese.
Pag is also the home of Pag lace. The Benedictine nuns of St Margaret's convent kept the craft alive, and in summer you can still see women making lace in front of their houses. Pag's traditional folk costume is protected as part of Croatia's cultural heritage.
Taste of Pag
Pag cheese
Hard, slightly salty sheep's cheese, the island's best-known product.
Pag lamb
Tender lamb with a distinctive flavour from the salty, herb-rich pastures.
Baškotini
Golden twice-baked rusks made by the Benedictine nuns of St Margaret's convent for more than three centuries.
Prošek
A sweet, dark dessert wine made in small quantities, traditionally served at Christmas, Easter and New Year.
Travarica
Herbal brandy served as an aperitif, and a traditional home remedy.
Fresh fish
Adriatic fish and seafood in the town's konobas and restaurants.
Beaches, boats and nights out
There are hundreds of beaches around Pag bay, and a large town beach suitable for families with children close to the centre. From the harbour, tourist boats take guests along the coast with a fish picnic on board, and you can rent a small boat yourself.
In the evening the seafront fills up with cafés and restaurants, and the town has summer festivals, concerts and the famous Pag carnival. For all-night parties, Zrće beach near Novalja, the island's party capital, is about half an hour's drive away.
