Novalja: Roman Heritage and Mediterranean Landscape

Novalja combines Roman heritage and early Christian traces with trails through Novalja Field and a town beach on the bay. When planning your stay, the differences matter: the aqueduct is an underground tunnel with a limited section open to visitors, the hiking trail is a described loop, and the beach and arrival options provide further practical guidance. This lets you consider culture, outdoor activities and arriving in town as separate parts of your trip.

Talijanova buža: the Roman aqueduct

Talijanova buža is an underground tunnel about 1,050 metres long, carved into solid rock. Visitors can go up to 70 metres inside using protective equipment provided by the town museum. The information distinguishes the scale of the structure from the section visitors can actually explore: the total length describes the aqueduct, while the section open to visitors is up to 70 metres long.

Early Christian traces in Novalja

The Stomorica Archaeological Collection is located near the parish church of St Catherine and contains finds from Novalja’s early Christian basilicas. Mala crikva church preserves the remains of a mosaic from a 4th-century early Christian basilica. The two sites represent different evidence from this period: Stomorica preserves finds from several basilicas, while the mosaic is the focus at Mala crikva. Those interested in early Christian history can consider the collection and the surviving mosaic remains as two different ways to explore it.

Loop trail through Novalja Field

The Novalja Field hiking trail starts at the Church of St Anthony, passes through Novalja Field and returns to the church. The loop is 4.9 kilometres long and is rated easy for both surface and fitness. Novalja Field is considered a green oasis with diverse vegetation, Mediterranean scenery and abundant wildlife. The 4.9-kilometre distance and the easy ratings for surface and fitness answer different planning questions: one gives the length, while the others assess the trail surface and physical demands. The loop connects these points of reference along a route through the field.

Town beach on the bay

The town beach is on the southern edge of Novalja Bay. The shore is pebbly, the water is shallow and warm, and a large green belt characterises the surrounding area. This sets the beach area apart from the landscape of Novalja Field: the bay is defined by its shore and green belt, while the hiking trail takes in diverse vegetation and Mediterranean scenery.

Music festival and Fešta od maja

Antonja is a children’s music festival held since 1998 before the Feast of St Anthony on 13 June. Fešta od maja is a gastronomic and ecological event held around the May Day holidays. Visitors can enjoy local specialities prepared by Novalja restaurateurs. The events have different focuses: Antonja is a music festival for children, while Fešta combines gastronomy and ecological themes.

Travel by catamaran or ferry

A passenger catamaran connects Novalja with Rab and Rijeka; the sailing time is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The Prizna–Žigljen ferry provides a connection to the Croatian mainland; the crossing takes 15 minutes. These times apply to different routes and means of transport. Check the timetables before travelling; for the catamaran, also check the operating season. This will help you choose the right connection for your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Kustići, Potocnica, Caska, Stara Novalja, Lun

For the broader travel overview: Općina Novalja.