Searching for a naturist beach on Pag and finding five conflicting answers? You are not alone. Listings online disagree, some are more than a decade old, and Novalja is better known for Zrće’s superclubs than for clothing-optional sunbathing. Here is an honest, practical picture of what to expect, and how to avoid an awkward surprise.
The short version
- No guaranteed, official naturist beach in town. Novalja’s town beaches are ordinary, family-friendly pebble beaches.
- Straško is the name you will see most often. Older guides describe a naturist section there, but a recent campsite listing says the campsite is textile and has no designated naturist beach. Treat it as unconfirmed and check before you go.
- Look for FKK signs. In Croatia, FKK (Freikörperkultur) signage marks where nudity is intended. No sign, keep your swimwear on.
Straško: what the sources say
Straško sits about 1.5 km from Novalja centre, on a long pebble beach with shade from trees and a Blue Flag. You can walk, cycle or drive there, and it is well set up for families, with a promenade, beach bars and designated dog areas (see our guide to dog-friendly beaches on Pag).
Older naturist directories describe a separate rocky, platform-style section among oak trees, with its own restaurant. One 2018 visitor review reported the nudist area had gone. Today the campsite describes itself as textile. Conflicting information is exactly why we will not promise you a naturist beach here: ask the campsite reception directly if it matters to you. More on the site in our camping guide to Straško and the other Pag campsites.
Other places people ask about
Some listings also mention Sveti Duh, on the coast south of Novalja, in connection with an FKK campsite beach. We could not confirm its current status from an up-to-date, reliable source, so verify locally before planning a trip around it. The same goes for any remote cove: a quiet spot is not the same as a designated naturist beach.
Etiquette and common sense
- Respect the signs. Nudity belongs where it is signposted. Elsewhere, including all of Zrće and the town beaches, swimwear is expected. Topless sunbathing is widely accepted.
- Ask first, photograph never. Do not take photos on or near any naturist stretch.
- Sun protection. Pag’s summer sun is strong and shade can be scarce on rocky coves. Bring a hat, water and plenty of sunscreen.
- Sea shoes. Rocks and sea urchins are common. They help in every cove.
If you want quiet instead
Many visitors who ask about naturist beaches actually want space and peace. Pag has plenty of that outside July and August. Try the calm coves of Stara Novalja and Planjka, or head out of the peak weeks. Our guide to the beaches in Novalja covers the options, and if you like clear water, see the best snorkelling spots around Novalja.
Good to know
Is there an official naturist beach in Novalja? We cannot confirm one. Older sources point to Straško, but a current campsite listing says there is no designated naturist beach. Check on site.
Is nudity allowed at Zrće? No. Zrće is a busy party beach and swimwear is expected.
Can I go topless? Generally yes, and it is widely accepted on Croatian beaches.
Where should I stay? Browse our places to stay and see how to get to Novalja.
Naturist rules and sites change from season to season. Visit Novalja is an independent guide: confirm details with the beach operator or campsite before travelling.