Novalja is a small town on the island of Pag, off the coast of mainland Croatia. Novalja has something of a dual personality, known both for its flourishing nightlife and its family-friendly beaches. The island is famous for its lace as well as its gourmet sheep cheese.

History

The island was settled in the Bronze Age by Illyrians, who inhabited and controlled the area until the Roman invasion. After the fall of the Roman Empire, large numbers of Croats migrated to Pag. The island was part of the fiercely contested Dalmatian region, and changed hands several times over the centuries. Finally, the island was incorporated into the newly independent Republic of Croatia. Recently, Novalja has gained international fame as a hip European party destination.

Art & Museums

Parts of the Roman aqueduct which once provided Novalja with clean water are still intact - over 1000 meters were chiseled out of solid rock by hand. The entrance to the aqueduct is inside the Novalja Municipal Museum. Other traces of the Roman Empire can be discovered throughout the island. Visitors to Novalja can also enjoy street theatre and the annual Feast of Saint Anthony, June 13.

Nightlife

In recent years, Novalja has become a favorite summer party town, centered around the famous Zrce Beach parties. From late afternoon long into the night, partiers dance to house music and acclaimed DJs spin their stuff. The beach is known for foam parties and similarly themed revelries, with different clubs pushing the limits to outdo one another. The beach's three main clubs are Papaya, Aquarious and Calypso. The beach has no closing time, and all-night festivities are not uncommon.

How to get there

The island of Pag can be accessed by car, via a bridge between the island and mainland. The bridge connects to the southern tip of the island. Several bus routes from Zagreb and other Croatian cities have stops in Novalja, but most operate only during the high tourist season. Alternatively, a regularly scheduled catamaran runs between Novalja and Rijeka. The trip is around 2.5 hours be boat, and is considered to be a more comfortable mode of travel than many of the buses.