Everyone knows Pag's famous beaches. Zrće, Straško, Novalja — crowded, loud, and often fully booked in July and August. But the island has a second face: quiet, white-pebble coves where the water glows turquoise and you can spend entire hours without seeing another person. The catch: you can only get there by boat. Here are our five favourites.
1. Ručica and Beretnica – the turquoise twins
On Pag's north-east coast, nestled between barren limestone hills, lie two coves only about 200 metres apart. Ručica is the better-known of the two — white pebbles, crystal water, a simple beach bar in summer. Beretnica right next door is even quieter. Our recommendation: anchor between the two, swim across, then grab a refreshment at Ručica.
Travel time from Lun: around 35 minutes with the Baracuda.
2. Caska – swimming over a Roman city
Caska bay sits inside the Novalja bay and carries a history that reaches deep into antiquity. Beneath the surface rest the remains of the Roman city of Cissa, which sank into the sea during an earthquake. Snorkelling here you'll see wall fragments, amphora shards, and pieces of columns. A completely different kind of swim.
The water is calm, anchoring is easy, and the small tavern on the shore serves fresh fish at lunchtime.
Travel time from Lun: around 25 minutes.
3. Sveti Vid – the snorkeller's island
A tiny islet a few hundred metres off the coast, with the clearest water and rich underwater life. Perfect for anyone who wants to snorkel, dive, or simply have a picnic on a boat in the middle of the sea. There's no infrastructure, no beach — just rocks, water, and fish. Bring everything you need.
Tip: come early, before other boats arrive. Between 9 and 11 AM you'll often have the island to yourself.
4. Babe and Jakišnica – wild and untouched
At Pag's northernmost tip, beyond Lun, lie the wildest coves. Babe is a long, shallow pebble bay with emerald-green water. Jakišnica next door is a tiny natural harbour with a handful of fishing boats and a tavern that serves the best fish soup on the island.
This area stays relatively empty even in high summer — most tourists never make it this far north.
5. The coves toward Kolan
Between Novalja and Kolan stretches a line of small bays, most of them without street names. Here you discover the real Croatian coast: solitary anchoring spots, olive trees reaching to the water, occasionally a small restaurant reachable only by sea. If you have the time, spend a whole day cruising from cove to cove.
Practical tips for your beach-hopping day
- Schedule: Two or three coves per day is ideal. More becomes hectic.
- Food and water: Shop beforehand — many beaches have nothing.
- Snorkelling gear: Mask and fins are a must. Caska and Sveti Vid deserve to be seen.
- Sun protection: On the water the sun is merciless.
Would you like a custom recommendation for your group? We know every bay on Pag personally — send us your wishes and we'll plan the perfect route.