Stara Novalja
About this place
Stara Novalja stretches around a long, gentle bay on the north-western side of Pag, about five kilometres from Novalja. Sheltered from both northerly and southerly winds, the settlement has a strongly maritime character, with houses, small moorings, bathing spots and diving centres following the shore. Its best-known beaches sit at opposite ends of the bay. Planjka, also called Trinćel, offers fine sand, warm shallow water and Blue Flag status dating from 2004, while Jadra alternates between small pebbles and rocky sections that drop directly into deeper water. Local activities include diving, cycling, beach volleyball and walking above Pag’s bare limestone scenery. The remains of St Mary’s Church stand near Planjka, while city planning documents also record Holy Cross Church and a structure known as Kaštel on the bay’s northern side. Stara Novalja is quieter than neighbouring Novalja and Zrće, yet road and local bus connections keep their shops, bus terminal and nightlife within reach.
Stara Novalja occupies the shore of a deep bay opening towards the north-west of Pag, with its long village road following the water from Planjka towards Jadra. Protection from bora and southerly winds has encouraged moorings, swimming and diving activities. Despite its name, this is not simply Novalja’s old quarter but a separate settlement with its own tourist office and programme of events. Its character comes from the contrast between shallow, sheltered Planjka, rockier Jadra and Pag’s bare terrain above the houses. Novalja, about five kilometres away, supplies urban services, while Stara Novalja retains the pace of an elongated seaside village.
Stays
No stays listed here yet
Beaches
Planjka, or Trinćel, lies on the south-eastern shore of Stara Novalja Bay. Fine sand, warm shallow water and food and recreation facilities make it the most practical family choice; it has held Blue Flag status since 2004. Jadra is closer to the village’s northern end and offers two distinct experiences: small pebbles provide a gradual entry, while rocky sections lead directly into deep water. Part of Jadra is designated for visitors with pets. Between these two named beaches, smaller neighbourhood bathing spots appear among the waterfront houses and moorings.
Bathing water quality nearby
- Stara Novalja (Trinćel) · 832 mexcellent · season 2025
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA); data from Croatian authorities. · bathing water profile
Things to do
Start the day at Planjka, where fine sand and shallow water are most enjoyable before the midday crowds. Then cycle or drive along the bay towards its northern end and finish at Jadra, choosing the fine-pebble section for a gradual entry or the rocks for direct access to deep water. Stara Novalja’s diving centres provide instruction and an introduction to the bay’s underwater landscape. Towards evening, walk to the remains of St Mary’s Church near Trinćel, and in summer end the day at one of the Fishermen’s Festivals listed in the local tourist board’s 2026 calendar.
Practical information
Practical information
The Stara Novalja Tourist Board publishes the village event calendar, beach information and local contacts. Its 2026 programme includes Fishermen’s Festivals on 24 July and 14 August, followed by a Klapa Sol performance at Uljak on 22 August. A broader choice of shops, healthcare and bus connections is available in Novalja, roughly five kilometres away. Because Stara Novalja extends for a considerable distance along one bay, walking time to Planjka or Jadra depends heavily on the accommodation’s precise location, which is worth checking before booking.
Getting there and around
Road access to northern Pag is available via the Prizna–Žigljen ferry, followed by the road towards Novalja and Stara Novalja; the alternative approach reaches the island across Pag Bridge in the south. Local transport between Novalja and Stara Novalja also operates in winter, with a separate fare table published in the official 2026 timetable. Intercity buses use Novalja station at Špital bb, with routes towards Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar and other cities. For Jadra and the more distant sections of the bay, a car or bicycle is generally more practical than walking the full length of the settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Which Stara Novalja beach is better for small children?
Planjka is the stronger choice because of its fine sand, warm shallow water and recreation facilities.
Are dogs allowed at Jadra Beach?
Yes. One section of Jadra is officially designated as pet friendly.
Since when has Planjka held a Blue Flag?
Planjka, also known as Trinćel, has held Blue Flag status since summer 2004.
Is there a bus between Novalja and Stara Novalja?
Yes. The official 2026 winter timetable includes a Novalja–Stara Novalja service and its fare table.
Related guides
Novalja
Novalja curves around a bay on Pag’s western shore, with the waterfront, Trg Bazilike and streets around Mala crikva forming the centre. Landing places and restaurants line the water, while…
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Photo credits
- Stara Novalja — Maik Roscher · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Novalja — JoeTimBlackMax · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Gajac — Mrdvt92 at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Jakišnica, Zubovići, Novalja, Pag
