Novalja is the main town in the northern part of Pag island, a compact place that functions as a service hub for the northern beaches and, during summer, as the logistical base for visitors to Zrće. The town itself has a pleasant waterfront, reasonable restaurants, and a small archaeological collection including finds from the ancient Roman settlement of Cissa, which was partially submerged when sea levels rose. The Roman aqueduct, parts of which survive underground beneath the old town, is a curiosity worth seeking out.
Zrće Beach, 2 kilometres south of Novalja, is Pag island's other face: a 600-metre pebble beach that hosts four large open-air clubs (Papaya, Aquarius, Kalypso, Noa) operating from June to late August, with international DJs and festival events. The scene is entirely oriented around electronic music, beach parties, and late-night/all-morning dancing. It is extremely popular with young Europeans and does not coexist well with quiet beach holidays — visitors expecting a traditional Dalmatian beach experience will be in the wrong place. Outside the festival season (roughly July and August), Zrće is peaceful and almost empty.