Pugtown is the island’s cultural hub, with its colorful waterfront and many historic buildings (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto).

When it comes to holidays in the sun, destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece are often the first ports of call for Brits.

But as more people try new places, Croatia is becoming a hotspot for British tourists.

The country was recently highlighted by the BBC’s adoption of Sally Rooney’s book Conversations with Friends, and Skyscanner has recorded a 72% increase in monthly bookings to Croatia since the beginning of the year.

Split and Hvar are the most popular destinations, but there is much more to discover in these Balkan countries. Page is one of them.

Located on the mainland of the Adriatic Sea, Pug has the longest coastline of the Croatian islands.

Despite its small size of 60 km in length, it is a great place for parties, beach vacations and cultural trips.

A woman floating in turquoise and beautiful beach waters on the island of Pag, Croatia.

If you’re looking for natural beauty, Pegs have it in spades (Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)

The island’s two main towns, Pug and Novalja, offer a variety of atmospheres for a variety of travelers, from historic buildings to world-famous nightclubs.

The island of Pag is easily accessible as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge, but there are regular ferry crossings as needed. However, the area’s stunning scenery makes it hard to leave.

If you’re going to give it a try, here are some must-see attractions and events, whether you’re on your knees or kicking back.

Hiding and seeking festivals

Hidden Festival 2022, Pug, Croatia

There is a festival on the beach where you can enjoy a wonderful view at a night party (Image: Hideaway)

Hideout is one of the first festivals to arrive in Croatia over a decade ago, and dance music fans from all over the world gather in pugs every July.

The acts spill over into Zukure Beach’s famous open-air clubs, where you can dive into the spectacular ocean and take in the scenery as you dance to house, techno, disco and bass stars.

This year’s 10th anniversary special featured a sunset party hosted by the Bad Boy Chiller Crew and Mike Skinner, as well as performances by Shy FX, Sonny Fodera and Meg Ward b2b Emily Nash.

You won’t be disappointed with the local nightlife here during the summer, but if you can time your visit to the hideaway, you’re guaranteed a real party.

Learn more about the Hideout Festival.

Wake Park Cable Page

Cable Park Pug Wakeboard

If the beach bar isn’t busy enough for you, head to the ocean for some serious fun (Image: Cable Park Pag / www.mphoto.si)

It’s remiss to visit a pug and not take advantage of the best shorelines, and that doesn’t mean just sunbathing.

Close to Zrce Beach is Wakepark CablePag, where adventurers can take their surfing and wakeboarding to the next level with a 600m-long chairlift.

Enjoy the views and drinks on the terrace before riding the waves and chutes as the cable car whisks you away.

For more information, visit the Wakepark CablePag website.

bosch kinach

Boskinak, Pug, Croatia

The lush terrace is the perfect setting for the Michelin-starred Bourdein-approved cuisine (Image: Boskinac).

Some might say that the restaurants are not considered “to do”, but if you are in Pag, Boškinac is a must.

The Michelin-starred spot is on the outskirts of Novalja and serves local cuisine such as the island’s famous lamb, wild herbs, and island sea fishing.

But this is the setting that makes it stand out. The Michelin Guide describes the terrace dining as “idyllic,” adding that it is “surrounded by lush, romantic and idyllic greenery.”

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain visited in 2012 and said, “This is world class food, this is world class wine, this is world class cheese. If you’ve never been before, you’re an idiot. Highest praise.”

For more information, visit the Boškinac website.

sirana grigora

Croatia, Island of Pag Shelf of cheese

Pug is famous for himself pug cheese By a special dairy goat grazing on fragrant wild sage (Image: Getty Images)

Continuing the culinary theme, Bourdein’s beloved world-class cheese is one of Peggy’s proudest exports.

Experience the local culture on a trip to the award-winning Siranagrigora dairy product in the Koran.

You can tour the dairy products and learn about the production process, but most importantly, taste the finished product.

For more information, visit the Sirana Gligora website.

Municipal Museum of Novalja

View of the beach of the city of Novalja, island of Pag

Novalja may be known as a party town, but it is also dedicated to tourism and educational activities (Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto).

Strolls through Pugtown are perfect for sightseeing, with a 15th-century church and Benedictine monastery keeping history buffs entertained.

However, if you need more systematic activities for tourists, the Novalja City Museum is worth a visit.

The collection contains ethnographic and archaeological finds from the region. The museum is located at the entrance to the ancient Roman aqueduct and can also be visited from here.

For more information, visit the museum’s website.

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