Not every great experience near Zadar requires a boat. If you’re travelling with a car, two of the most unique destinations in the region are just a short drive away: the island of Pag and the ancient town of Nin. Different in character, equally unforgettable, both make for outstanding self-drive day trips or half-day excursions from Zadar.
Pag is unlike any other island in Croatia. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it’s one of the most accessible and most visually dramatic islands on the Adriatic. The landscape is lunar — vast stretches of bare white limestone, almost no vegetation, and a stark, otherworldly beauty that photographers and first-time visitors never forget.
One of the most beautifully preserved medieval old towns in Dalmatia, with a distinctive geometric street layout unchanged for centuries. Visit the cathedral and look out for Paška čipka — Pag lace, a UNESCO-listed traditional craft unique to this island.
Croatia’s most famous food export — a hard sheep’s milk cheese with a distinctive sharp flavour, shaped by the salt-laden winds and aromatic herbs the sheep graze on. Buy it directly from local producers across the island.
One of Croatia’s most famous open-air club beaches, near Novalja. Worth a look even outside of party season for its striking setting and crystal-clear water.
Families will enjoy the calm, shallow bays near Novalja and the summer aquapark nearby — a great option for children.
Simply driving across the island is an experience in itself. The bare karst landscape, the sea on both sides, and the extraordinary light make Pag one of the most photogenic drives in Croatia.
Nin is one of Croatia’s oldest and most historically significant towns — a tiny island settlement connected to the mainland by two small stone bridges, with a history stretching back over 3,000 years. It was the first capital of the Croatian Kingdom and home to the country’s oldest Croatian church.
Despite its remarkable history, Nin remains a quiet, unspoiled town that most tourists pass by without stopping. That’s a mistake.
Often called the smallest cathedral in the world, this 9th-century pre-Romanesque church is a masterpiece of early Croatian architecture — small, perfectly proportioned, and extraordinary to stand next to.
A large bronze statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin — the Croatian champion of the Croatian language in liturgy. According to tradition, rubbing his big toe brings good luck. Nin’s copy of the original Meštrović statue is every bit as beloved.
Salt has been harvested here since Roman times, using traditional methods still in use today. The saltworks are also known for their therapeutic mud — visitors come from across Europe to apply the mineral-rich dark mud at the nearby beach.
One of the most famous beaches in Croatia — long, shallow, and sandy, with warm, calm water perfect for children. The sand here is exceptionally fine and the sunsets are spectacular.
The entire historic centre sits on a small oval island, easily walkable in an hour. Relaxed, authentic, and completely different from the busier coastal towns nearby.
💡 Pro tip: Nin in the morning, Pag for the rest of the day. Two completely different worlds — under two hours of driving in total.
Yes, these are self-drive destinations. Public buses do run to both, but having a car gives you much more flexibility.
No entrance fee for the town itself. Some museums and the Church of the Holy Cross charge a small admission fee.
Yes — Queen’s Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in the region, with very shallow, warm water.
Yes, Pag is connected to the mainland by a bridge near Posedari — no ferry required. There is also a ferry from Prizna (further north) if you’re coming from that direction.
About 18 km — roughly 20 minutes by car.
Approximately 60–70 km — around 50–60 minutes by car.
Zadar is your base — but the best of northern Dalmatia goes far beyond the city.Grab your keys and explore. 🗝️
