Novalja – The party paradise on the Croatian Adriatic

Novalja, the second largest town on the island of Pag (Croatia), is the center for party vacationers and combines ideal accommodation with direct access to the legendary Zrce Beach.

Novalja

A small town on the Croatian island of Pag, it has become one of Europe's most famous party hotspots in recent years. Young people between 18 and 25, in particular, flock there every summer to enjoy the sun, the beach, and an unparalleled nightlife. What Ibiza is to Spain, Novalja is to Croatia – only more affordable, more authentic, and often even more intense.

The most famous attraction is Zrće Beach , just a few minutes from Novalja. This long pebble beach is the epicenter of the nightlife. It's lined with open-air clubs like Papaya , Noa , Kalypso , and Aquarius , which regularly host top international DJs like David Guetta, Steve Aoki, and Robin Schulz. The parties often start in the afternoon with so-called "after beach parties" – boisterous celebrations with cool drinks, pools, and electronic music right by the sea. As soon as the sun goes down, Zrće transforms into a huge open-air disco where people dance until dawn.

A major advantage for party vacationers is the value for money. Compared to other European party destinations like Ibiza or Mykonos, Novalja is significantly cheaper – both in terms of accommodation and drinks, food, and club entry prices. Many travelers book organized school trips or group tours that include accommodation, shuttles, and party tickets. This makes the vacation not only unforgettable but also affordable.

Novalja is also easily accessible from a logistical perspective. Many companies offer bus tours from Germany or Austria . Alternatively, you can arrive via Zadar or Split airports and from there take a shuttle, ferry, or rental car to the island of Pag. This easy accessibility is especially important for young people who may be traveling alone for the first time.

What makes Novalja even more special is its combination of holiday feeling and nightlife . During the day, you can relax on the beach, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, or enjoy water sports like jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing. In downtown Novalja, there are numerous cafés, restaurants, and small boutiques—perfect for a relaxing morning before the next night of partying.

Security is another plus: Although Novalja is a party town, a heavy police presence around Zrce Beach ensures a controlled and safe atmosphere. The town thrives on tourism and is therefore well-prepared for young travelers.

In summary, Novalja is the perfect place for anyone who wants to combine sun, sea, and partying – all at affordable prices. Once you've been there, you'll quickly understand why many return year after year. Novalja isn't just a vacation destination, it's an unforgettable experience.

DJs at Zrce Beach:

Every year, famous DJs come to Zrce Beach:

Among others: Robin Schulz, Tiësto, Felix Jaehn, Swedish House Mafia, Armin van Buuren and many more!

Party Locations Novalja:

The first location in the town of Novalja is Club Cocomo . This club is particularly popular for partying in town before heading to Zrce Beach later. With two floors, Cocomo offers space for lounges upstairs and a large dance floor downstairs. There are other larger clubs on Zrce Beach which, thanks to their location just outside of Novalja, are open day and night. For example, Club Papaya . The beach club is also fascinating due to its location right on the sea. This means you can combine a beach holiday, relaxation, dating and partying. For those who haven't had enough, there are also various water sports on offer (e.g. wakeboarding ) or you can jump down the bungee jumping tower. Bungee jumping is also possible at night - a very special experience. The after beach parties are a kind of tradition on the island of Pag. Every afternoon you can go straight from the beach to the clubs.
House and electronic music dominate the program at Zrce Beach and on the island of Pag. For an international audience looking to dance, this is the ideal sound.

Always busy: Club Cocomo in Novalja. © Tripadvisor

Good to know:

Telephone and emergencies

Country code +385

police

+385 1 92

Police Station

Novalja

053 675 860

on Google Maps

Fire department

+385 1 93

ambulance

+385 1 94

Breakdown assistance

+385 1 987


Currency and exchange rates

Croatia will adopt the euro on January 1, 2023. Some restaurants will still charge prices in kuna (old currency).

Holidays in summer

June 22: Day of the Anti-Fascist Struggle
June 25: National holiday
August 5: Day of Victory and Homeland Gratitude
15 August: Assumption of Mary

Traffic and cars

Always turn on your car's lights, even during the day.

Speeds:
In town: max. 50km/h
Country road: max. 90 km/h
Expressway: max. 110 km/h
Highway: max. 130 km/h

The first goosebump moment: As you approach the bridge to the island of Pag and the shimmering turquoise sea becomes visible below, the Novalja adventure begins.

[ Wikipedia - Novalja ]

All activities at Zrce Beach