Stara Novalja lies on a long bay in the northwest of Pag; the bay is sheltered from southerly and northerly winds. Small sandy beaches stretch along the bay to Trinćel Beach. The European Blue Flag flies there, recognizing water quality and environmental cleanliness. In addition to the coast, cycling routes, landscape and a long fishing tradition shape the character of the place. This offers different ways to plan your trip, extending beyond a beach stay.
Beaches with different features
Planjka–Trinćel in Stara Novalja is a large sandy beach with a beach volleyball court and a small football pitch. There is a water slide for children. Pedal boats and small boats are available for rent; jet skis and boats can also be rented, and there are refreshments and a large parking lot. The beach therefore combines a sandy coastline with sports facilities and activities on the water.
Jadra Beach is near Stara Novalja. It is divided into family, dog-friendly and naturist areas. Facilities there include access ramps with handrails, changing rooms, showers and benches; a lit promenade also leads toward Drljanda Bay. The beach offerings can therefore be distinguished by specific features: Planjka–Trinćel lists sports and rental options, while Jadra has different areas and facilities.
Trails and landscape
Stara Novalja has purpose-built cycling routes, while the Svetojanj route runs through the area. Mediterranean flora and rocky terrain characterize the landscape along the route. A promenade in Stara Novalja is suitable for long walks. The centuries-old ponds of Svetojašnica are also among the few surviving ponds on Pag. Together, these places and routes offer different connections with nature: from the plant life and rocky terrain along the route to a rare surviving pond area.
When choosing an activity, it is helpful to distinguish between these options: cycling routes are identified as purpose-built paths, the Svetojanj route passes through a landscape of Mediterranean flora and rocky terrain, and the promenade is suitable for extended walks. The ponds of Svetojašnica add another specific connection with nature to these landscape themes.
Fishing history and cuisine
Stara Novalja has a long fishing tradition. The second-oldest fishing cooperative was founded here in 1907. If you would like to include the history of the place alongside its coast and landscape, this provides a specific, dated reference to fishing.
Restaurants in Stara Novalja serve Pag cheese and lamb, as well as fish specialties and seafood prepared in a traditional Mediterranean style. These offerings differ in culinary focus: alongside Pag cheese and lamb are dishes made with fish and seafood. If you are also planning your trip around culinary interests, the local cuisine offers more than one specialty.
Finding a hotel in Stara Novalja
When looking for a hotel in Stara Novalja, you can first consider which aspect of the place you would like to shape your stay: the beach and water sports, or the trails, landscape and local history. These different themes provide a basis for choosing a destination to suit your travel interests, without assuming a fixed daily schedule.
Discover more destinations: Lun, Novalja, Kustići, Caska, Potocnica.
See the broader travel guide: Općina Novalja.
