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Stara Novalja

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Stara Novalja

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Use the coastal path along the piers instead of the main road for a peaceful walk.
Head to Jadra beach at the end of the bay for excellent snorkeling and cliff diving.
Visit Planjka beach early in the morning to enjoy its sandy shores before the crowds arrive.
Look for "Paški sir" (Pag cheese) signs at local houses to buy directly from producers.
Walk to the sunset bar at the edge of the village for the best evening views.

🍽 Food

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Paška janjetina

Famous Pag lamb, slow-roasted with herbs, available in traditional restaurants in the bay.

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Paški sir

Hard sheep milk cheese with a unique salty taste from the island's sage; buy it directly from family farms on the road to Lun.

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Fresh Scampi

Kvarner gulf scampi, often prepared 'na buzaru' (with wine and garlic) in waterfront taverns.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Local Honey and Oil

Roadside stands on the way to the Lun olive gardens sell honey from island sage and high-quality olive oil.

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Novalja Green Market

A short drive away, the morning market in Novalja is the best place for fresh seasonal fruit and fish.

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Olive Gardens of Lun

Ancient olive trees (some over 1000 years old) offer a mystical and silent atmosphere for a walk.

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Jadra Beach

The rocky end of the bay is far from the main bustle and excellent for quiet sunbathing.

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Coastal Walkway

The path running behind the houses along the sea is much calmer than the main village street.

Stara Novalja is situated in the northwestern part of the island of Pag, in a deep bay that provides shelter from strong winds (Bura). The settlement is significantly quieter than neighboring Novalja and the famous Zrće party beach. The most popular beach is 'Planjka' (Trinćel), which holds the Blue Flag award and is particularly favored by families with children for its fine sand. Underwater, Stara Novalja hides a significant treasure: nearby, the remains of a sunken Roman merchant ship with hundreds of amphorae were found, which can now be viewed in an underwater museum. This makes the location one of the top destinations for divers in the Adriatic. Along the kilometer-long waterfront promenade, there are numerous private piers and small restaurants serving the famous Pag cheese (Paški sir) and lamb. The barren, moon-like landscape of Pag island forms a fascinating contrast to the deep blue sea of the bay. Stara Novalja is well-suited for those seeking tourist amenities but wanting to enjoy silence at night.