Gorica

Nestled in the heart of Pag Island, Gorica is a peaceful coastal settlement that represents everything travelers seek when visiting northern Dalmatia – authenticity, warmth, untouched beauty, and a slower pace of life. Though smaller and quieter than the bustling Pag Town or Novalja, Gorica hides a unique charm that appeals to travelers looking for a genuine Mediterranean experience.

With traditional stone houses, olive groves, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Velebit mountain, Gorica combines rural calmness with easy access to beaches, dining, and accommodation options across the island. Whether you are visiting for a summer vacation, a family retreat, or a romantic escape, this hidden part of Pag offers a rare combination of privacy and island energy.

Gorica

Contact & Reservation for Pag apartments, Villas:

Blaž +386 31 609 241 | elfabiiani@gmail.com

Jožica +386 41 745 859 | jozica.fabjan@gmail.com

Martin +386 41 745 733 | martinkambic@gmail.com

Boutique Villa Nirvana | Boutique Villa Nirvana 2 | Villa The Secret Diamond

More information about Pag: Tourist Board of the Town of Pag

Croatia full of life

1. Location & Geography of Gorica

Gorica is located in the southern-central part of Pag Island, just a few kilometers inland from the coast and near the road connecting Povljana, Dinjiška, and Pag Town. Its central position makes it a strategic base for exploring the entire island — you can reach any part of Pag within 20–30 minutes by car.

The area is surrounded by:

Olive groves and vineyards, typical of the Dalmatian karst landscape,
Dry-stone walls (UNESCO-recognized heritage) that mark ancient boundaries,
Crystal-clear bays easily accessible by short drives or cycling routes,
And panoramic viewpoints where the mountain Velebit and the Adriatic horizon meet.

Visitors often describe Gorica as “the quiet soul of Pag Island” — a place where you can wake up to birdsong, taste homemade olive oil, and be close enough to beaches yet far from the summer crowds.

2. Historical Background and Local Heritage

Though small, Gorica carries the ancient spirit of the island. Pag’s settlements date back to prehistoric Illyrian tribes, and later became part of Roman Dalmatia. Archaeological findings near Gorica show evidence of old stone roads, Roman pottery, and early Christian chapels, indicating that this region has been inhabited for thousands of years.

During the Middle Ages, Gorica’s surrounding land was cultivated by families from nearby Pag Town and Dinjiška, who used it for agriculture and olive production. Today, remnants of those times can still be seen — in the traditional wells, old mills, and centuries-old olive trees that dot the landscape.

3. What Makes Gorica Unique

Unlike the coastal towns of Zrće or Mandre that attract younger crowds, Gorica stands out for its peaceful rhythm and authentic island life. Here, you’ll find:

No large hotels or crowded beaches,
Locals selling olive oil, cheese, and wine from their homes,
A friendly community atmosphere,
And breathtaking night skies, almost free from light pollution.

It’s a destination for travelers who value privacy, tradition, and natural beauty over nightlife and noise.

That’s why many families and couples choose apartments near Gorica — you can stay close to the sea but enjoy total peace in the countryside.

Gorica – Pag

4. Beaches Near Gorica

Even though Gorica itself lies slightly inland, you are never far from the sea. The closest beaches are between Dinjiška and Povljana, both just a short drive away. Here are some favorites:

Plaža Dinjiška (Dinjiška Beach): A shallow bay with warm water, ideal for families with children.
Povljana Beaches (Perilo, Dubrovnik, Mali Dubrovnik): Sandy and pebbly beaches with cafés, rentals, and clear turquoise water.
Sv. Marko Beach: A hidden, crystal-clear spot near the location of Villa The Secret Diamond, one of Pag’s most exclusive private villas with panoramic views.
Proboj Bay: A picturesque cove with fishing boats and traditional stone piers, home to Boutique Villa Nirvana and Boutique Villa Nirvana 2 — both elegant seaside retreats surrounded by tranquility.

Cyclists and adventurers can also explore the coastal trails leading from Gorica toward the sea, discovering smaller hidden bays perfect for solitude and swimming.

5. Accommodation: Apartments and Villas Near Gorica

While Gorica itself consists mainly of family houses and traditional stone homes, the surrounding areas — Dinjiška, Proboj, Povljana, and Sv. Marko — offer a variety of apartments, villas, and holiday homes suitable for all types of travelers.

Apartments Near Gorica

Most apartments feature:

Air-conditioned rooms,
Wi-Fi and private parking,
Sea-view terraces,
And easy access to beaches (within 3–10 minutes by car).

Some apartments are set within olive groves, offering unique countryside views and a true local atmosphere.

Luxury Villas in the Vicinity

For those seeking comfort and exclusivity, these villas near Gorica stand out:

Boutique Villa Nirvana (Proboj, Pag): A modern villa combining luxury and unique arhitecture, with breathtaking sunset views.
Boutique Villa Nirvana 2 (Proboj, Pag): A newly built villa with minimalist architecture, ideal for families or small groups looking for privacy near the sea.
Villa The Secret Diamond (Sv. Marko, Pag): One of Pag Island’s most exclusive properties, offering a private pool, panoramic sea view, and designer interiors.

These villas are within 10–15 minutes from Gorica, making them perfect for travelers who want to enjoy peace while staying close to the island’s main attractions.

Povljana apartmani u blizini Proboj i Sveti Marko

Boutique Villa Nirvana 1 & 2 – Villa The Secret Diamond

6. Local Gastronomy and Wine

Pag Island is world-famous for its culinary heritage, and Gorica’s surroundings are no exception. The must-try local specialties include:

Paški sir (Pag cheese): Produced by sheep grazing on aromatic island herbs. The most renowned producer is Sirana Gligora in nearby Kolan.
Paška janjetina (Pag lamb): Tender lamb roasted under “peka” with potatoes and herbs.
Olive oil: Many local families in Gorica produce cold-pressed olive oil with a distinctive peppery flavor.
Pag wine varieties: Try Žutica or Gegić, local whites that pair perfectly with seafood.

You can also enjoy dining at taverns (“konobe”) in Dinjiška, Povljana, and Pag Town, where local fishermen serve the day’s catch grilled on open fire.

7. Things to Do in and Around Gorica

Even though Gorica is small, it’s an excellent base for day trips and outdoor adventures.

Cycling and Hiking

The island has well-marked cycling routes connecting Gorica to Pag Town, Dinjiška, and Povljana. The paths pass through olive groves, salt fields, and karst landscapes — ideal for photography lovers.

Exploring the Pag Salt Pans

Just 10 km north of Gorica, visit Solana Pag, one of the oldest active saltworks in Europe. You can learn how salt has been harvested for over a millennium.

Visit Lun’s Ancient Olive Trees

An hour’s drive from Gorica lies Lun, home to more than 80,000 olive trees, some over 1,500 years old — a true open-air museum of nature.

Festivals and Local Events

Pag’s cultural calendar is rich with events:

Pag Summer Carnival,
Pag Outdoor Festival,
Cheese Festival in Kolan,
International Lace Festival,
And local fishermen’s nights (“Ribarske večeri”) across villages.

Each event showcases the music, flavors, and traditions that define island life.

8. Getting to Gorica

Pag Island is easily accessible via the Pag Bridge (Paški most) from the mainland or by ferry line Prizna–Žigljen.

From Zadar: about 1 hour by car (70 km).
From Zagreb: around 3 hours (via A1 highway to Posedarje exit).
From Rijeka: roughly 3 hours by coastal road.

Once on the island, local buses connect main towns (Pag, Novalja, Povljana), but the best way to explore is by car, scooter, or bicycle.

9. Climate and Best Time to Visit

Gorica enjoys a Mediterranean climate, meaning:

Warm summers (27–33°C),
Mild winters (10–15°C),
And over 2500 hours of sunshine annually.

The best travel months are May–September, with June and September offering the perfect balance between warm seas and fewer tourists.

Shoulder months (May, October) are great for cycling, photography, and wine-tasting trips — when the island slows down and locals have more time to share stories and culture.

10. Day Trips from Gorica

Staying in Gorica gives you access to multiple island attractions:

Zrće Beach (Novalja): Croatia’s most famous party beach.
Pag Town: With its lace museum, stone streets, and waterfront promenade.
Kolansko Blato Nature Reserve: Birdwatching paradise between Kolan and Mandre.
Stara Novalja & Caska Bay: For snorkeling, ancient ruins, and tranquil bays.
Šimuni Fishing Port: Authentic marina with seafood restaurants.

You can easily plan one-day circuits combining beaches, villages, and dining stops.

11. Why Stay Near Gorica?

Because it combines authenticity and accessibility.
You are close to beaches, yet surrounded by silence and countryside. You can reach the sea in 10 minutes, but enjoy evenings under the stars.

Gorica appeals especially to:

Families seeking safety and calm,
Couples looking for romance,
Digital nomads wanting inspiration and nature,
And travelers exploring hidden parts of Croatia.

If you want a base that feels “real Pag,” Gorica is one of the best-kept secrets.

12. Final Tips for Travelers

Always bring cash; smaller villages have limited ATMs.
Rent a car for flexibility — public transport is limited.
Try local produce from family farms directly (olive oil, cheese, wine).
Respect the environment — Pag’s ecosystem is fragile and unique.
Stay connected by visiting visitpag.com for updated event calendars and recommendations.

13. Conclusion: Gorica – The Authentic Heart of Pag Island

While most visitors rush to Pag Town or Zrće, Gorica quietly remains one of the most authentic and beautiful corners of the island. Here, life moves gently, guided by the sound of cicadas and the smell of sea breeze. Whether you’re enjoying wine under a pergola, cycling past olive trees, or staying in a charming villa with sea view — Gorica will capture your heart.

If you’re looking for an island escape that combines peace, nature, and easy access to everything Pag offers — Gorica is your perfect starting point.