1. Zadar Old Town – sea organ, sunsets and Roman ruins
Why go: Zadar is the closest real city to Novalja and a perfect day or half-day trip for culture, shopping and a sunset you can actually hear.
- Drive from Novalja: About 1:20h, ~75 km via Pag Bridge and the coastal road to Zadar
- What to see:
- Sea Organ (Morske orgulje) – marble steps that play music using sea waves
- Greeting to the Sun – giant solar circle that lights up at night beside the Sea Organ
- Roman forum and Church of St Donatus
- Narrow streets filled with cafes and bars
- How to get there: Drive south from Novalja across the island, cross Pag Bridge, then follow signs for Zadar along the coastal roads.
- Useful tips:
- Park outside the Old Town walls or in one of the public garages and walk in
- Best timing is afternoon into evening to experience the light show at Greeting to the Sun and the sunset over the islands
- Fun fact: The Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun are now one of the symbols of modern Croatian architecture. The Sea Organ opened in 2005 and the solar installation in 2008, turning Zadar’s waterfront into one huge sound and light show.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Zadar+Croatia
2. Krka National Park & Skradin
Why go: If you want a big waterfall experience under 2 hours from Novalja, Krka National Park is your best bet. The classic entrance is through the pretty little town of Skradin.
- Drive from Novalja: Around 1:50h by car, approx 150 km
- What to see:
- Skradinski buk, the park’s most iconic series of cascades and tufa barriers
- 1.9 km wooden walking trail around the waterfalls and pools
- River boat ride from Skradin to the falls in the main season
- How to get there: Drive from Novalja across Pag Bridge towards Zadar, then continue on the A1 motorway towards Šibenik / Split and follow signs for Skradin and Krka National Park – Skradin entrance.
- Useful tips:
- Check official Krka NP website for ticket prices, boat schedules and any seasonal rules
- Swimming at Skradinski buk is no longer allowed, so plan this as a scenic, walking and photography day
- Wear good shoes, the boardwalk has quite a few steps
- Fun fact: It’s allowed to take a swim in some areas! Check the rules beforehand, but usually swimming is allowed only in designated areas: Roški Slap, Stinice and Pisak from June 1st until September 30th.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Krka+National+Park+Skradin+Croatia
3. Zavratnica bay
- Why go: Zavratnica is a dramatic narrow inlet on the Adriatic, with steep cliffs framing turquoise water — often compared to a fjord, even though it’s not one.
- Drive from Novalja: ~40–45 min + ferry (drive to Žigljen → ferry to Prizna → drive to Jablanac) — total one-way ~26 km / 40min according to ferry-route guides + the most fun way to explore it is to rent jet skis and drive off directly from Pag island!
- What to see / do: A short hike down from the village of Jablanac leads into the bay — a perfect spot to swim, snorkel or boat (many excursions operate during the season).
- Google Maps suggestion: “Zavratnica, Jablanac” (search coordinate via Google) — it shows the bay entrance, parking/starting trail from Jablanac
- Useful tips:
- Expect a small hike down from the parking/village point — wear good shoes
- Ferry + drive means some logistical planning: check ferry times from Zigljen → Prizna if you go by vehicle
- Best to go early or late to avoid crowds in high season
- Fun fact: There is a sunken ship in its waters, easily visible from the shore and if you decide to swim, you will be swimming and snorkeling over/around it!
So Zavratnica fits well if you’re okay with a short ferry ride + drive — feels still like a doable “day-trip from Novalja.”
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Zavratnica+Croatia
4. Paklenica National Park – Velebit canyons and hiking
Why go: For hikers and nature lovers, Paklenica National Park is the most accessible part of the Velebit mountains from Novalja, famous for its dramatic canyons and world-class climbing.
- Drive from Novalja: About 1:50h-2h via Pag Bridge and Maslenica, roughly 100 km one way
- What to do:
- Walk into Velika Paklenica canyon from the main park entrance.
- Choose hiking trails of different lengths and difficulty.
- Watch climbers on the high limestone walls – Paklenica is one of Europe’s top climbing areas with over 500 equipped routes and more than 150 km of mountain trails.
- How to get there: Drive south from Novalja across Pag Bridge, then follow the coastal road towards Starigrad-Paklenica. From the village, clear signs lead to the Paklenica NP entrance.
- Useful tips:
- Buy your ticket at the park entrance, where you also get a basic trail map
- Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water and sun protection
- In summer, start early to avoid heat in the canyon
- Fun fact: Paklenica has been a climbing destination since the 1930s and is often called the “Croatian Yosemite” thanks to its tall canyon walls and dense network of routes that attract climbers from all over the world.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Paklenica+National+Park+Croatia
5. Zrmanja River Canyon & Maslenica Viewpoint
Why go: The Zrmanja River Canyon is one of the most photogenic landscapes in northern Dalmatia, with emerald water cutting through sheer karst cliffs. It is also a classic filming location for the German Winnetou movies.
- Drive from Novalja:
- Novalja → Maslenica bridge area: about 1:15h, ~75 km
- From Maslenica to Zrmanja canyon viewpoints near Jasenice: a few more kilometres inland, still comfortably under 2 hours total from Novalja
- What to do:
- Stop at Maslenica bridge for views over the strait
- Continue towards Jasenice / Obrovac to reach viewpoints like Pariževačka glavica, overlooking the deep canyon and river
- Join an organised Zrmanja boat or kayak tour starting from the river side if you want to be on the water
- How to get there: From Novalja drive across Pag Bridge, then follow the coastal road and A1 junctions towards Maslenica. Cross or approach Maslenica bridge, then follow signs for Jasenice / Obrovac / Zrmanja canyon viewpoint.
- Useful tips:
- Roads to the upper viewpoints can be narrow and bumpy, drive slowly
- Bring a camera or drone (if allowed) – the aerial perspective over the canyon is unreal
- Combine this with Paklenica on a long summer day if you start early
- Fun fact: The Zrmanja canyon and surrounding Velebit area were key filming locations for the legendary Winnetou Western movies, which is why some tours still brand the area as “Winnetou land”
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Zrmanja+River+Canyon+Croatia
6. Nin – royal town with sandy Queen’s Beach
Why go: Tiny Nin is one of Croatia’s most charming small towns, known for its medieval history, salt pans and one of the rare long sandy beaches on this coast.
- Drive from Novalja: About 1:10h, around 75 km
- What to see:
- Stone bridge into the old islet town
- Small churches and remains from the time when Nin was a Croatian royal city
- Nin Saltworks (Solana Nin) with traditional sea-salt production
- Queen’s Beach (Kraljičina plaža) and the shallow lagoon, famous for warm water and medicinal mud
- Grgur Ninski statue next to the church (or historic center) - bring a small “wish” in mind — many Croatians view touching/rubbing the statue's toe as a tribute and for good luck
- How to get there: From Novalja drive towards Zadar, then before the city follow signs for Nin / Vir along the coastal road.
- Useful tips:
- Great option if you prefer sandy beaches over Pag’s pebbles
- Combine Nin with Zadar on the same day if you are efficient
- In summer the shallow lagoon warms up early, making it ideal for families
- Fun fact: Nin’s salt has been produced for more than 1,500 years and is still harvested in traditional salt pans using sun, sea and wind. It is often described as some of the “healthiest salt” due to its natural mineral and iodine content.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Nin+Croatia
7. Lun Olive Gardens – ancient olive oasis at the tip of Pag
Why go: The Lun Olive Gardens are one of the most magical corners of Pag Island, a peaceful labyrinth of dry-stone walls and gnarled olive trees right above the sea. It feels like a different planet after party nights in Novalja.
- Drive from Novalja: ~20–25 minutes, about 19 km north of town
- What to see: Walking paths through wild and cultivated olive groves, sea views, small stone chapels and viewpoints. The atmosphere is super calm, especially in late afternoon
- How to get there: Drive north out of Novalja following signs for Lun / Tovarnele. The road is simple and well marked all the way.
- Useful tips:
- Wear flat shoes, paths are rocky
- Bring water, there is little shade in midday sun
- Check locally if electric buggies or guided tours are running in high season
- Fun fact: The oldest olive tree in Lun is estimated to be over 2,000 years old, which makes it one of the three oldest olive trees in the world alongside famous trees in Greece and Israel.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Lun+Olive+Gardens+Pag+Croatia
8. Pag Town – lace, salt and stone streets
Why go: Pag Town is the historical and cultural heart of the island, with a compact Old Town, stone streets, salt pans and views over the moonlike landscape
- Drive from Novalja: ~25 minutes, around 25 km south with a car or bus + the most fun way to explore it is to rent jet skis from Zrce beach and drive off directly from there!
- What to see:
- Old Town with its square and church
- Small waterfront promenade
- Pag salt pans in the background
- Shops selling Paški sir (Pag cheese) and Pag lace
- How to get there: Follow the main island road south from Novalja towards Pag. Easy, single main road, well signposted.
- Useful tips:
- Combine Pag Town with a stop in Kolan / Gligora cheese dairy (see next item)
- Late afternoon is great for photos and an early dinner on the seafront
- Look for shops selling genuine Pag lace, which is listed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
- Fun fact: Pag is famous for two “white golds” – salt and cheese. Winds, sun and the shallow salt pans made salt production the town’s wealth for centuries, while Paški sir is now one of Croatia’s most awarded cheeses worldwide.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Pag+Town+Croatia
9. Kolan & Gligora Dairy – the home of Paški sir
Why go: If you love cheese, this is non-negotiable. Kolan village sits between Novalja and Pag and is home to Sirana Gligora, the island’s most famous cheese producer.
- Drive from Novalja: ~10 minutes, about 10 km
- What to do:
- Visit Gligora Dairy for a tour and tasting
- Try different versions of Paški sir plus other cow, goat and mixed-milk cheeses
- Pick up vacuum-packed cheese to take home
- How to get there:
Drive south from Novalja towards Pag. In about 10 minutes you reach Kolan – Gligora is well signposted from the main road - Useful tips:
- Check opening hours and tour times in advance, especially outside peak season
- Combine with a swim on nearby beaches between Kolan and Pag or with an afternoon in Pag Town
- Fun fact: Gligora’s cheeses have won multiple gold, Super Gold and trophy awards at the World Cheese Awards and other top competitions, including titles like “Best Central and Eastern European cheese” and medals at the 2024 World Cheese Awards
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kolan+Pag+Croatia
Bonus: Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Why go: Plitvice Lakes National Park — sprawling tufa-lake system and waterfalls, one of Croatia’s most iconic and UNESCO-recognized natural gems
- Distance from Novalja: Around ~212–216 km depending on route
- Travel time: By private car or transfer roughly 2.5–3 hours each way (some transfer services quote ~2h34 for 188 km but real world tends toward the 3h mark)
- Implication: That makes a day-trip to Plitvice from Novalja quite tight — you’d spend 5–6 hours just driving to the national park and back. Many organized “day trips” start very early (before dawn) and return late.
- What you get: If you commit, you get one of Croatia’s most magical nature experiences — dozens of cascading waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, turquoise lakes and a unique karst-water system - very much worth the visit!
- Verdict: It’s more a “day-long adventure + less time for beach/rest” than “easy daily vibe.” If your focus is sightseeing and you don’t mind travel fatigue — go for it. If you prefer chill beach-to-sunset tempo, Plitvice is better saved for when you don’t need to return to Novalja same day.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Plitvice+Lakes+National+Park+Croatia