Ιsland of Pag / Village Šimuni | Croatia

Experience a centuries-old art form that continues to shape the island’s cultural identity.

The museum presents intricate handmade lace, traditional techniques, and the history of lace-making in Pag. Visitors gain insight into a craft passed down through generations and recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Learn how salt shaped the economy, culture, and development of Pag for centuries.

Salt production has been central to Pag since medieval times. Visitors can discover traditional methods, the unique landscape of salt pans, and the importance of salt in the island’s history and gastronomy.

Walk through centuries of history while enjoying authentic island architecture and atmosphere.

Designed in the 15th century according to Renaissance urban planning principles, the old town preserves cultural landmarks, religious monuments, and vibrant public spaces.

Ideal for sailors, island-hoppers, and visitors seeking premium nautical experiences.

The marina offers modern facilities, berths, maintenance services, restaurants, and direct access to some of Croatia’s most beautiful sailing routes.

Explore one of Pag Island’s most attractive underwater sites.

The wreck has become an important diving attraction, offering a underwater heritage diving opportunitie.

Perfect for swimming, relaxation, family holidays, and coastal exploration.

The coastline around Šimuni offers diverse beach experiences, ranging from family-friendly areas to secluded coves surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.

Experience the island beyond the beaches through active exploration.

The trail network connects natural and cultural attractions, offering routes suitable for recreational visitors as well as experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Experience local life, maritime culture, and genuine island hospitality.

Fishing remains an important part of local identity. Visitors can discover traditional boats, local seafood cuisine, and customs that continue to shape everyday life in Šimuni.

Explore the heritage that shaped the island’s economy, culture, and identity for over a thousand years.

Located in the historic First Salt Warehouse, the exhibition presents the development of salt production in Pag from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can learn about traditional harvesting techniques, the importance of salt as the “white gold” of the Adriatic, and the role of the Pag Saltworks in shaping local history and prosperity. The visit includes interpretive displays and audiovisual content that bring the story of salt-making and everyday life in Pag to life.

Discover one of Pag’s most important cultural landmarks, where faith, education, and the origins of the world-famous Pag Lace tradition come together.

Founded shortly after the establishment of the present-day Town of Pag, the Benedictine Monastery of St. Margaret has been a centre of spiritual and cultural life for over five centuries. The complex includes the Church of the Annunciation and the Chapel of St. Nicholas, designed by the renowned master builder Juraj Dalmatinac and considered the finest Gothic-Renaissance monument on the island. Since the 16th century, Benedictine nuns have played a vital role in educating local girls and preserving the art of Pag Lace, now recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The monastery also safeguards the valuable Reliquary of the Holy Thorn and remains an active symbol of Pag’s religious and cultural identity.

Visit a unique geographical landmark where science, navigation, and the island’s landscape intersect. A popular stop for cyclists, hikers, and photography enthusiasts.

The 15th Meridian East crosses Pag Island and is marked by a marble monument located along a macadam road in the area of St. Mary Magdalene, approximately five kilometres from the Town of Pag. The meridian represents the central longitude of the Central European Time (CET) zone and serves as an interesting geographical and educational attraction. The site also offers panoramic views of Pag’s distinctive karst landscape and coastline, making it a rewarding stop for visitors exploring the island on foot or by bicycle. The Town of Pag was also among the first places in Europe to have a sundial, highlighting its historical connection to timekeeping and astronomy.

Experience one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, combining nature, history, and outdoor adventure.

Rising 348 metres above sea level, Sveti Vid is the highest point on Pag Island. At the summit stand the remains of the 14th-century Church of St. Vitus, which gave the peak its name. The viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas of Pag, Kolan, Šimuni, Mandre, Košljun, and neighbouring islands including Rab, Lošinj, Silba, Olib, and Maun. Several marked hiking trails lead to the summit from Pag, Kolan, and Šimuni, making it one of the island’s most popular outdoor attractions for hikers, cyclists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The recently improved route from the old village of Šimuni also allows easier access to the area.

Experience the living heritage of Pag through vibrant celebrations, traditional performances, and community spirit that have been preserved for generations.

The Pag Carnival is among the island’s most important cultural events, with roots stretching back centuries and references appearing as early as the 15th century. The Winter Carnival begins after Epiphany and continues until Ash Wednesday, featuring traditional masked dances (tanci), parades, the folk play Paška Robinja, and the ceremonial burning of "Marko", the symbolic culprit for all misfortunes. The Summer Carnival, held annually during the last weekend of July since 1959, is considered the oldest summer carnival in Croatia and one of the most distinctive cultural events on the Adriatic. Visitors can enjoy colourful processions, traditional costumes, music, the famous Paško kolo dance, and authentic local customs that continue to unite residents and visitors alike.

Discover an unexpected oasis of biodiversity on the island’s lunar landscape. Ideal for birdwatching, photography, nature observation, and eco-tourism.

Velo Blato is one of the most valuable wetland habitats on Pag Island and a protected ornithological reserve since 1988. The reserve provides habitat for more than 160 species of marsh and migratory birds, including 66 nesting species. During migration seasons, it serves as an important resting and feeding area for birds travelling across the Adriatic flyway. An observation tower allows visitors to observe and photograph wildlife without disturbing the ecosystem. The reserve offers a striking contrast to Pag’s rocky terrain, showcasing a rich mosaic of freshwater habitats, reed beds, and marsh vegetation. It is one of the island’s most significant natural attractions and a key destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

Enjoy a unique natural spa experience combining medicinal mud, sea air, sunshine, and relaxation in an authentic island setting.

Located in the Lokunja area of the Town of Pag, this natural mud deposit has long been valued for its beneficial effects on skin health, circulation, relaxation, and overall well-being. Rich in mineral sediments and marine peloids, the mud is traditionally applied to the body, left to dry under the sun, and then rinsed off in the sea. The site is particularly associated with wellness tourism and is considered one of the island’s most distinctive natural attractions. Visitors can enjoy a free and accessible outdoor wellness experience while learning about the long-standing tradition of natural therapies on Pag. The mud is especially known for its use in supporting relief from rheumatic and dermatological conditions and forms part of the island’s broader identity as a destination of health, nature, and wellbeing.

Experience one of Croatia’s most distinctive examples of living intangible heritage, combining theatre, folklore, music, and community tradition.

Paška Robinja is a traditional folk play that has become an inseparable part of Pag’s cultural identity. Performed during the Carnival season, Pag Summer Festival, and Ethno Evenings, the drama tells the story of a noblewoman captured after the Battle of Krbava and later rescued by her fiancé. Although the play did not originate in Pag, local communities embraced it centuries ago and transformed it into a unique element of their folklore. Historically, performers dressed in traditional Pag costumes and Ottoman attire would present the play in town squares and before prominent households. Today, the tradition is preserved by members of KUD "Družina", ensuring the survival of one of the most remarkable examples of living folk theatre in Croatia. The performance remains closely linked to Pag’s Carnival traditions and is considered an important expression of local identity and collective memory.

Discover a unique expression of local identity where fashion, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage have been preserved for centuries.

The traditional folk costume of Pag is among the most recognizable cultural symbols of the island. Particularly famous is the women's attire, distinguished by intricate Pag lace, embroidered blouses, and the characteristic head covering known as pokrivaca. A unique technique called Paški teg—the delicate stitching and lacework created on a thread foundation—has been preserved through generations of local women. The costume is complemented by distinctive jewelry, including handcrafted earrings (ročini) and necklaces made of beads and decorative pins. Elements of the costume, including the lace-making techniques and traditional ornamentation, are protected as Croatian cultural heritage and are associated with the UNESCO-recognised tradition of Pag Lace. Today, the costume remains an important symbol of local identity and can be experienced during festivals, carnival celebrations, folklore performances, and cultural events throughout the year.

Taste one of Croatia’s most celebrated culinary products.

Produced from sheep grazing on aromatic island vegetation, Pag cheese reflects the island’s unique environment and centuries-old pastoral traditions.