Zrce is no longer just a party paradise
From top-notch gastronomy at Nomad to Latin rhythms at Symbol and Timmy Trumpet's spectacle at Papaya, Zrce has become an all-day destination for everyone.
From top-notch gastronomy at Nomad to Latin rhythms at Symbol and Timmy Trumpet's spectacle at Papaya, Zrce has become an all-day destination for everyone.
Summer is in full swing, and the eyes of many tourists are turned towards Pag, specifically Novalja and the world-famous Zrce beach. Although this location has been synonymous with unforgettable nights out for decades, in recent years there has been an intensive effort to transform it into a destination that offers much more than dancing until dawn. Our editorial team spent an evening exploring the new offerings, from gastronomy to three completely different clubs.
Before stepping into the world of music and light effects, the evening began with a stroll through the picturesque center of Novalja. Just a 5 to 10-minute drive from Zrce, this town offers a completely different vibe. Restaurants, cafes, the waterfront promenade, and a Mediterranean atmosphere attract those seeking a tranquil retreat, far from the nighttime noise. It is precisely this proximity of two worlds that makes Novalja ideal for families and anyone who wants the best of both experiences.
Before the first beats kicked in, we decided to explore the culinary offerings of the Nomad beach club, which is increasingly standing out for its kitchen. This is not about quick bites but dishes that rival serious restaurants. We sampled a 21-day dry-aged ribeye steak, served with aromatic truffle butter and crispy sweet potato. The meat was exceptionally tender and juicy.
For those with lighter appetites, there was the Caesar by Nomad, a creative twist on the classic salad in Neapolitan bread filled with grilled chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and grana padano. The menu didn't forget vegetarians either, we tried a creamy risotto with asparagus, young peas, mint, and lemon, as well as a cabbage steak, grilled greens on a lentil ragout with toasted hazelnuts. The whole experience was rounded off with top-notch cocktails, among which the signature Beach Mule stood out, a blend of vodka, ginger beer, lime, and mint.
We were guided through the club offerings by Tea Cafuta, marketing director of Zrce beach and the clubs Papaya, Aquarius, Nomad, and Symbol, who has 17 years of experience in this business. She explained to us firsthand how the story of Zrce has changed.
We started the evening at Nomad, a club that Tea says is ideal for mixed groups. "If I have friends who like completely different music, I would bring them to Nomad. They play music that always guarantees a good time, and everyone can find something they like," Cafuta stated for Zadarski list. Entry is free most nights, and the program starts well before dark.
The next stop was Symbol, the newest club on the beach. Already in its first season, it has attracted attention with themed nights and attractive production. We arrived on a Latin night where red tones, hearts, and balloons dominated, and dancers, along with the resident DJ, brought the hot rhythms of reggaeton. The crowd was distinctly international, which has long been the norm for Zrce.
The highlight of the evening took place at the legendary Papaya, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. That night, the main star was Australian DJ and musician Timmy Trumpet, known for his energetic performances and the hit "Freaks." The line to get in didn't shrink for about two hours, but once we got in, it was clear why Papaya has held its status as a symbol of the European festival scene for years. Thousands of people, impressive production, light effects, and pyrotechnics turned the open-air space into a massive dance floor under the stars.
After an evening spent in three completely different clubs, it became clear what Tea Cafuta had told us at the beginning: today, at Zrce, everyone can find something for themselves. Some will enjoy cocktails at sunset, some will dance to reggaeton, and some will wait for the world's biggest DJ names until the early morning hours. It is precisely this diversity that is the biggest change this beach has undergone.
* This content was created in collaboration with partner Papaya Group.
