Wake up to pine and oak shade, walk to the sea in flip-flops, and still be a short ride from Novalja’s restaurants and the Zrće clubs: camping on Pag works for families, couples and festival-goers alike. Here is how the island’s campsites compare, starting with the big one outside Novalja.
Camping Straško: the big one next to town
Straško is the campsite most visitors mean when they say “camping in Novalja”. According to the Croatian Camping Union listing, it sits about 2 km from the town centre at Zeleni put 7, spread over 57 hectares of oak forest and olive groves, and is open from April to October.
- Pitches: 734, all with electricity, fresh water, sewerage and internet, plus a small area for motorhomes.
- Rentals: mobile homes (some with air conditioning, some with private pools), glamping tents and rental caravans if you do not want to bring a tent.
- Beach and pools: a roughly 2 km Blue Flag beach with pebbles on the shore and fine sand in the sea, plus an outdoor pool and a children’s pool with a slide.
- Dogs: pets are welcome, with a dog park, dog beach and dog washing area.
It has also collected awards in recent years, including Croatia’s Best Campsite and the ADAC Superplatz label, so book early for July and August. Check pitch types, prices and dates on the campsite’s own website (campingstrasko.com), since rates change every season.
Other campsites on Pag
Pag is a long island, so your choice of campsite also decides which part of it you get to know. These are the main options mentioned by camping guides; always confirm details with each campsite directly.
- Camping Šimuni: on the west coast near Šimuni village, with beach access, water sports and a family feel. Pair it with our guide to Kolan, Mandre and Šimuni.
- Terra Park Phalaris: roughly 4 km from Novalja, calmer and more relaxed, with pitches, glamping tents, mobile homes and a pebble beach with a beach bar. Good for sunsets.
- Camping Olea: on the quieter northern side of the island, with natural beach and sea views, popular with cyclists and hikers.
- Camping Košljun: a small, secluded option on the west side, handy for hiking trails.
- Povljana (Aminess Avalona and Kamp Porat): further south, one a resort-style site with pools and restaurants, the other a family-friendly camp among pine trees.
Which campsite for which trip?
Families: Straško for its pools, beach and facilities; Šimuni or Povljana if you want quieter bays. Our family guide to Novalja has more ideas for days out.
Festival and party trips: Straško is the practical choice, close to town and with an easy route to Zrće. Read getting around Novalja without a car for buses and taxis, and our Zrće festivals guide for the season’s events.
Quiet and nature: head north or west, bring a bike, and plan a few evenings in town. Our cycling guide shows what the island looks like off the main road.
Practical tips
- Pag is windy and rocky: bring strong pegs, since the ground can be hard, and secure your tent against bura gusts.
- Summer shade matters. Choose a pitch under trees if you can.
- Wild camping is not allowed in Croatia, so stay on registered campsites.
- Arriving by ferry or over the bridge? See how to get to Novalja and plan around queues.
- Prefer a bed to a tent? Browse where to sleep in Novalja.
Good to know
When does Straško open? April to October, according to the Croatian Camping Union listing.
Can I camp with a dog? At Straško, yes; confirm rules for the specific campsite you choose.
Is it walkable to town? Straško is about 2 km from the centre, so walking or cycling is easy.
Do I need to book? In July and August, yes; shoulder-season weeks are far easier.