Pag Island sits slightly north of Zadar on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. It is Croatia’s fifth largest island and the one with the longest stretch of coast line. It is perfect for family holidays and families with kids of all ages. This post is all abut which Pag Beaches we think are the best for adventurous families (and dogs).
Pag Island, Croatia
Pag which is pronounced ‘Parg’ has a permanent population of approximately 10,000 people and a whole lot of sheep! It has no natural sand beaches and all of the beaches are in fact small, rocky cove areas with shingle and stone.
Pag is about 60km long, which is a lot of coast line, and this blog will focus on the beaches and coves to the north which is part of the Lika-Senj County. The northern part of the island is mostly steep and high with jagged coves and sparkling water. Many beach areas are inaccessible by foot and can only be accessed with a boat. For obvious reasons, this post doesn’t look at those.
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Photo disclaimer
For the purposes of continuity (and my sanity) all photos were taken with a Google Pixel phone. I don’t often not use my camera but taking it down to the beaches just didn’t seem a sensible option!
Security is not generally a problem on Croatian beaches but getting sand into an expensive camera is.
Best Pag Beaches & Coves (for familes on holiday)
Here’s our list of best Pag beaches which we think you’ll enjoy too:
Plaza Lun
The area around Lun was my favourite as it was much more remote than any other part of the island. There is no real beach, per se, but a number of small coves all the way up the far end of the coastline.
We drove as far as we could on a dirt track road and then walked a short distance to a cove we liked the look of. The area is full of blackberries and some were ripe enough to pick and eat. YUM!
Plaza Tovarnele
We re-named this area ‘the swimming pool’ because the water was such a dazzling shade of turquoise and so calm.
Parking is on the road adjacent and it can get a little busy early in the morning but nothing too disastrous. The area seemed popular with local families.
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Haluga
We stopped for lunch at Haluga Pizzeria where they bemusedly made us vegan pizza! Pag is famous for its cheese ‘Sir’ pronounced ‘Sea-er’ and it’s on sale everywhere so they’re a little confused as to why we wouldn’t want to eat it.
The water in the area is dazzling and very inviting. You can hop in anywhere as the boats are very limited on speed.
Crnica
Next to the restaurant Crnica, is a small, walled harbour and beach area. It’s pretty deep but the water is as clear as anything.
There are some boats but they enter slowly with caution. The water is deep enough in several parts for kids to jump off the marina and rocks. Our three entertained themselves for ages here and had a brilliant time.
The restaurant doesn’t offer much vegan food but the salad, chips and coffee are all good!
Jumping rocks
A short walk away from Crnica (follow the path down behind the restaurant and keep walking through the woods) are pine and rock coves perfectly secluded and just as gorgeous.
Watch out for the sea urchins which are everywhere however with rubber shoes, you shouldn’t notice them. The water is calm and perfect for snorkelling.
Plaza Dudici
If you want to head to Plaza Dudici, instead of turning off to the jumping rocks, follow the path around until you meet the beach.
Plaza Puntine
Here there are several small shingle beaches with a tree area where people seem to spend most of their time. When we visited, all the locals were under the trees playing cards and eating lunch! There was a very serene and calm atmosphere here.
Plaza Baracuda
Plaza Baracuda is a busy beach with two bars and pedalos for rent. There is a large car park next to it.
There are quieter coves just a few minutes walk away if you don’t fancy the crowds. We ordered a raspberry and orange smoothie here which came with cream and chocolate… Eek. We sent it back and politely explained that we couldn’t eat it.
Plaza Gajac
Plaza Gajac seems to incorporate an entire parkland as well as an aqua park. The area is vast and whilst it is busy, it doesn’t feel particularly swamped by people.
The aqua park is good fun for kids and the all-day ticket is great value.
Plaza Orada
If you head for Drazica Beach, take the first road on the left and follow it around until it becomes a dirt track road. You’ll need to park in front of the little house. Here is the first of two lovely coves.
To find the second cove, follow the walking track in front of the house or walk along the shore line.
Galinec
Galinec beach comprises of a shallow cove with access to a number of jetties. Parking is in the residential area just a short ascent up the hill.
Rucica Beach
This beach is located in a relatively shallow but wide cove. It tends to be popular with a younger crowd but it is not rowdy and there’s plenty of space for everyone.
There’s a large bar and fast food area to the right of the beach and from here you can walk over the hills (it’s a hot walk) or paddle board to another beach Beretnica.
Pag Island Map
These are the beaches featured in this post. You can download this map to use from Google.
Where Could You Stay On Pag?
Use this interactive map to search for accommodation on Pag Island.
We stayed here in the north of the island as we had access to a car (get a car rental quote here). Driving in Croatia is really easy and access to the island is either via a ferry or a bridge. Read more about that here.
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