Pag Town

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 18:45, 22 November 2012

Pag Town, Croatia

(Click links for more information)
	44°26.9′N, 15°03.38′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The harbour of Pag Town lies at the S end of a large, six mile long inlet entered from the Velebit Channel on the E side of the island of Pag in Croatia. The inlet provides reasonable shelter in most conditions, although with a fetch of six miles from the NW, winds from that direction can make Pag Town a very uncomfortable place to be. Largely constructed under the Venetians in the 15th century, the town’s prosperity derived from the extensive salt pans that surround the S end of the inlet. Much of the mediaeval centre of the town still survives, although today its income derives more from the production of lace and the famous Pag cheeses. Visiting yachts have the option of berthing on the town quay, either alongside or stern/bows to the section with laid moorings, or anchoring off the town in 4.0 - 5.0 metres.

Pag Town with the Velebit mountains beyond
Click for larger view

Charts

British Admiralty

515

202

Croatian charts

MK 10

Imray

M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

Local Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Approach and Navigation

Approach is via the entrance to the inlet from the Velebit Channel at 44°28.2′N, 15°04.5′E, then after a mile on a NW course rounding the headland of Rt. Sv. Nikola and heading SSE. There can often be a tidal current of up to 3-4 in the channel here. The harbour of Pag Town lies just over two miles SSE of Rt. Sv. Nikola. On the final approach, note that there are shallows to the W of the town quay marked by buoys and then posts.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

None, Mali Losinj is the nearest port of entry.

Berthing options

Pag quay can be choppy in NW winds
Click for larger view

Visiting yachts either berth alongside at the S end of the town quay, just S of the small basin (which is usually filled by local boats) or stern/bows-to the section N of the basin, where there are some laid moorings. Depths at the S end are 3.0 - 3.5 metres and on the N section 2.5 - 3.0 metres. Shelter here is reasonably good in most conditions, although the prevailing NW winds can make it a bit choppy in the afternoons. A strong NW wind would probably make it untenable here. There are no facilities on the town quay, but it is handy for provisions and restaurants.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Rab
• Olib
• Vir

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

See Caska and Zubovici.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel from garage on outskirts of town. No water or electricity.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The portal of St Mary’s Church, Pag Town
Click for larger view

A fine specimen of Pag lace
Click for larger view

Pag cheese and lamb are a renowned local speciality
Click for larger view

The area around Pag Town is quite bare and rocky and, apart from its proximity to the awe-inspiring range of the Velebit mountains, has little to recommend it in the landscape. Most of the tourism interest centres on the settlement of Pag Town itself, which largely dates from the 15th century and contains many old buildings. The town lies at the head of a large inlet facing the Velebit mountains and is surrounded by salt pans (the manufacture of the famous Pag cheese being the other major industry). The 16th century church of St Mary’s has an intriguing sculpture over its door, showing the Virgin surrounded by Pag women in local headdresses. The nearby Ducal Palace has a similarly ornate doorway. Pag Town also boasts a small lace museum, celebrating the other craft (in addition to cheesemaking) for which the island is celebrated.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Supermarket and other provisions shops in the town.
• Butcher
• Fruit and vegetable market
• Fish market
• Pharmacy

Eateries

• Several restaurants in the town.
• The small courtyard restaurant of Dva Ferala (two lanterns), offered in 2004 a great lunch of Pag lamb, salad and local Žutica white wine followed by Pag cheese.

Internet/WiFi

At internet cafes in the town.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins behind the harbour.

Transportation

• Buses to Zadar, Rijeka and Zagreb.
• Local buses to Novalja
• Car ferries (seasonal) from Ziglen to Prizna.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• List of all Croatian marinas
• List of government-owned ACI marinas
• Croatian National Tourist Board
• Find Croatia travel guide
• Wikipedia - Croatia

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

• With the afternoon sea breezes, a chop develops on the quay of Pag Town - more uncomfortable than dangerous (see photo).--Athene of Lymington 12:17, 15 November 2012 (GMT)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)'

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• May 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)

Template:Guide2