Although they are only a few minutes' drive apart, Mandre and Kolan offer two completely different experiences of Pag. That is exactly why it is worth getting to know both!
Mandre – breathtaking views of the sea and the islands
Mandre lies on the southern side of the island of Pag, along a beautiful coastline overlooking the islands of Silba and Olib and the islets of Maun and Škrda.
This part of the island is especially appealing for its many coves, natural beaches and crystal-clear sea. A coastal promenade runs the length of the village, lined with beaches where you can enjoy the long summer days.
Mandre is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quieter family holiday, swimming and relaxation in a natural Mediterranean setting. Holm oaks, dry-stone walls, the scent of the sea and the distinctive Pag landscape create an atmosphere in which everyday hustle and bustle is easily forgotten.
The hospitable locals add special value, always ready to share a local story or two and to help visitors get to know this beautiful area.
One of the most memorable summer experiences is heading out to sea with local fishermen for traditional trawl-net fishing. It is a chance to see life at sea up close, experience the fishermen's way of life and feel the satisfaction of contributing to the catch yourself.
After a day at sea, you can enjoy the gastronomic specialities of the local restaurants, while refreshment on hot summer days is easy to find in the many cafés right by the beach.
How did Mandre come about?
Although today it looks like a modern holiday resort, Mandre has an interesting history.
Its development began in the 1930s when, because of malaria in the marshland around Kolan, the authorities considered moving the population closer to the coast. A new settlement was planned in the bay of Mandre, but the relocation was never carried out in full.
Mandre has seen most of its tourism and building development over the last few decades. From a small coastal settlement it has gradually grown into a well-known holiday destination with many newer villas, holiday homes and apartments.
Today Mandre offers a varied choice of accommodation, from family apartments to luxury villas, making it attractive to guests who want to enjoy a holiday right by the sea.
Kolan – a village with a history reaching far into the past
Just a few minutes' drive from Mandre lies Kolan, a village with a completely different story.
Kolan is one of the oldest settlements on the island of Pag. Its history goes back to prehistoric times, when the Liburnians lived in this area. This is attested by the remains of ancient hillforts on the nearby heights, most notably Gornji Gradac and the area of Sveti Vid.
Kolan's location is no coincidence. It lies beside the fertile Kolan Field, an area that for centuries made farming and livestock breeding possible.
An abundance of fresh water from powerful natural springs was especially important. One of them, known as Bunar, played an important role as early as Roman times. According to historical interpretations, it was from a spring in the Kolan Field that a Roman aqueduct led to the settlement of Cissa, near today's Caska.
Unlike many other parts of the island, Kolan – thanks to its fertile field, water and pastures – had the conditions for life to flourish long before modern tourism arrived.
The people of Kolan – hard-working and strong in character
Kolan has always been known for its hard-working, diligent and resilient people.
Life on the island was never easy. Generations of Kolan's inhabitants tilled the land, raised sheep, tended livestock and created the conditions for life in a harsh island landscape.
Historical records also tell of the difficult position of the people who worked on the estates of the lords of the time. Some of them even ended up as oarsmen on galleys.
Local stories and legends tell of the strong people of this area, and tales of island endurance and strength have become part of Kolan's identity.
It was people like these who, through their work and perseverance, shaped the landscape we know today.
Kolanjsko blato – a natural oasis of life
One of the greatest natural highlights of the area is undoubtedly Kolanjsko blato, a protected ornithological reserve and one of the most important wetland habitats on the Croatian coast.
Surprisingly for the rocky, dry island of Pag, this area is a true oasis of life.
The marshland, reed beds and surrounding wet meadows provide a habitat for numerous bird species. More than 160 bird species have been recorded here, which makes Kolanjsko blato particularly interesting for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
If you enjoy walks and exploring nature, this is a place well worth a visit. The Kolan Field, the dry-stone walls and the wetland show a completely different side of Pag from the one most visitors know from its beaches.
Kolan – the gastronomic heart of the island of Pag
When it comes to Kolan, there is no way around its gastronomy.
Thanks to a long tradition of sheep farming, cheese-making and traditional cooking, Kolan is today one of the island's most important gastronomic centres.
Pag cheese, Pag lamb and homemade specialities are not just something offered to tourists here. They are part of everyday life and a heritage handed down through generations.
Pag cheese holds a special place, its distinctive flavour the result of the island's unique conditions. Pag sheep graze on aromatic herbs growing on the rocky ground and pastures, which retain the sea salt carried in by the bora wind.
It is precisely this unique combination of nature, tradition and the know-how of local producers that gives the cheese its unmistakable flavour.
That is why a visit to Kolan would not be complete without tasting the local cheese, lamb and other traditional island dishes.
If you want to get to know Pag through its flavours, Kolan is a must-stop.
Two places, one island and countless reasons to visit
Mandre and Kolan complement each other perfectly.
Mandre offers the sea, beaches, accommodation and the relaxed atmosphere of a modern holiday resort. Kolan offers history, tradition, natural heritage and gastronomy you can experience only on our island.
That is why we recommend that during your stay in Mandre you also set aside time to visit Kolan. Stroll through the old village, discover its history, visit Kolanjsko blato and taste the products of local producers.
Because the island of Pag is not just the sea and beaches. It is also the fields, the stone, the sheep, the cheese, the bora and the people who over the centuries have learned to live in harmony with nature.
PAG TOURS – discover the two faces of Pag and the stories that make our island special.