Aside from partying, the Croatian island of Pag is also known for hiking trails. This text is going to take you to a trail called Life on Mars, near the village of Metajna. The length of the trail is 7 / 12 / 15 km, depending on the route you choose.
The Life on Mars trail begins near the biggest attraction of Metajna – Ručica Beach. This beautiful beach is accessible by car, and there are two parking lots nearby.
Walking to the beach is even a nicer option, as it takes only about 15 minutes from the village to reach it. If you arrive early in the morning, you can enjoy the beach with almost no people at all, as the first tourists tend to arrive after 9 a.m. However, if you plan to spend some time during the high sun, keep in mind there’s no natural shade there.
The rest of the places I’ll describe are accessible only on foot, located by the Life on Mars trail. If you wonder “Why Mars”… well, just look at the terrain! The trail is marked with white and red symbols and it’s not too demanding, providing that you have a hat, a sunscreen and lots of fluids. In addition, make sure you have adequate footwear, and don’t even think about wearing flip-flops, by any chance!
The trail can take you to beaches called Beritnica, which is typical for its three-rock scene, and Slana. Both of them can serve as a nice getaway if you don’t like to share your beach with too many people. Even if you’re not into hiking, you can get there by a taxi boat.
Above Slana Beach you can also spot the ruins of a notorious Ustasha concentration camp which operated from June to August 1941. The victims of the camp were mostly Serbs and Jews, and today only a cross commemorates them.
The Life on Mars trail continues to the other side of the island, overlooking the mainland and Velebit mountain. If you decide to go hiking all the way, you’ll return to Metajna from another side.
Another branch of the trail is called Life on Mars Run. It’s wider than the hiking trail and it can take you to smaller beaches which even offer some shade. If you get hungry on the way, it’s worth to stop by the Težak Restaurant, which is the best one in Metajna, offering traditional cuisine, authentic ambience and a wonderful view.
Sounds like a great trip? I hope so. The rocky side of Pag is truly unique and it’s worth to take a turn to explore the places along the Life on Mars trail.
