Discover Pag: Old Town, Paška čipka and nature

Pag combines a historic town centre with a long-standing lace-making tradition and a nature trail in a distinctive forest reserve. If you are looking for a hotel in Pag, you can plan your trip around whether town history, traditional crafts or nature is your main focus. Find more nature and culture topics in the wider Zadar County destination.

Pag’s historic town centre and architecture

The historic town centre dates back to the 15th century. Its regular street plan was designed by Juraj Dalmatinac. Another building from this period is Knežev Dvor, a restored cultural monument in the centre of Pag. The Magazini soli, protected salt warehouses opposite the historic town centre, tell the story of several construction phases. Three of the buildings were built in the 17th century, while the other six date from the period of the Second Austrian Administration.

The town’s defensive history can also be read in its surviving structures. Kula Skrivanat is the only one of the nine original towers in Pag still standing; it was built in 1468 as part of the town’s defence system. Zborna crkva has three naves and three apses, as well as a Renaissance rose window and a Gothic portal. Together, these buildings illustrate different aspects of the town’s history without reducing them to a single era.

Paška čipka and local crafts

Paška čipka has been made in Pag since at least the mid-15th century and was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009. At the Paška čipka Gallery, visitors can watch the lace being made and view lacework from different periods. Opening arrangements may vary by season; check them before your visit. This is a way to discover the tradition both through its long history and through the handcraft on display.

Nature and outdoor activities on Pag

A nature trail runs through the special forest vegetation reserve of Dubrava-Hanzina in Pag. It features benches, educational and information panels, and a viewpoint or viewing platform. The trail’s stops combine information with a clearly defined route through the reserve. Alongside its history and crafts, Pag therefore offers visitors the chance to add a nature trail to their stay.

More nature and activity options in Zadar County

In Zadar County, Paklenica National Park lies on the slopes of the southern Velebit and covers 95 square kilometres. The climbing area has around 600 established routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Manita peć is the only cave in the national park that is equipped and open for visits. Check visitor conditions before travelling. The combination of a large protected area, climbing routes and a cave open to visitors appeals to a range of nature and outdoor activity interests.

More than 260 different bird species have been recorded at Vransko jezero. A basic ticket for Vransko jezero Nature Park gives visitors access to three information centres and six educational trails; check ticket conditions before your visit. The Crkvine Information Centre is at the entrance to the 600-metre-long wooden “Ptice Vranskog jezera” educational trail. Visitors can choose this specific short trail as well as several other information and walking options in the nature park.

For a different cave experience, Donja and Gornja Cerovačka špilja are each open to tourist visits along about 700 metres. The Cerovačke špilje visitor centre includes a modern reception centre and constructed footpaths leading to the caves and into the sections already accessible for tourist visits. Its interpretive and educational content covers the caves, the karst, and the natural and cultural heritage of Velebit Nature Park. There is a car park at the visitor centre.

Cultural sites and events in the region

The former Austro-Hungarian military fortress of Grpašćak has been repurposed as a tourist centre and houses several exhibitions. Visitors can book a guided tour at the fortress visitor centre; it lasts a little over an hour. In Benkovac stands Kaštel Benković, a fortress named after the Benković family and dating from the second half of the 15th century. It serves as a venue for various events and as a centre of cultural life in Benkovac.

The landscape of Telašćica Nature Park also shapes what the region has to offer: its cliffs reach up to 160 metres above sea level and descend to depths of up to 85 metres below it. Škraping competitions have been held on Pašman since 2006 in four categories: Ultra, over 47 kilometres, for experienced athletes; Challenger, over 25 kilometres; Active, over 12 kilometres; and Light, over 6 kilometres, for adults and children. If you are planning to take part in a competition, check the dates separately for your travel period.

Discover more destinations: Pag Municipality, Novalja Municipality, Povljana Municipality, Molat, Lika-Senj, Brac, Zagreb County, Bjelovar-Bilogora.

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