History of the City of Novalja

History of the City of Novalja

Numerous archaeological finds and remains testify to the long and significant past of the city of Novalja and the island of Pag. Even in ancient times, the sheltered bays around Novalja played an important role in shipping. When unfavorable winds prevented further sailing, they provided safe anchorages for days or even weeks.

Thanks to its location and the possibility of sailing towards Istria, the present harbor of Novalja developed during Roman times into one of the most important ports on the Adriatic route, which connected the eastern Mediterranean with Northern Italy. A settlement emerged along the coast with the Latin name navalis or navalia, which translates to “harbor” – from this, the present name Novalja is derived. One of the most significant archaeological sites from this time is the Roman water supply system from the 1st century AD, which is still preserved today.

The modern development of Novalja began with tourism on the Adriatic. The first guests arrived as early as the 1930s, but the larger tourist expansion set in over the last 70 years. With the arrival of tourism, the way of life in Novalja and throughout Pag fundamentally changed.

The decisive development into the Novalja we know today – with its lively center and proximity to the party beach Zrce – finally began in the 1990s and continues to make the city one of the most popular travel destinations in Croatia today.