On the south-western coast of the island of Pag, roughly halfway between the island's two main towns, Pag and Novalja, lies Šimuni – a small fishing village that wins visitors over with its simplicity, beautiful sea and distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere.
Šimuni is an ideal destination for a family holiday, relaxed walks, swimming and enjoying nature. Here, mornings have a special scent and sound. While most people are still waking up, the fishermen return from their night's fishing, and the fresh catch recalls a time when the sea was the main source of life and everyday work.
It is precisely this bond with the sea that gives Šimuni its special charm. Besides the beautiful beaches nearby, guests are drawn to the small restaurants where they can taste fresh fish, local produce and traditional island specialities.
Right in the bay lies ACI Marina Šimuni, a favourite destination for sailors, while the well-known Camping Šimuni is just a kilometre from the village. Šimuni thus combines a peaceful fishing village with a well-developed range of tourist amenities.
The story of Šimuni – a village built by one family
And now for something that makes Šimuni particularly interesting – and that many visitors do not know.
Unlike many Dalmatian towns that grew up over centuries, Šimuni has a fascinating family story behind its beginnings.
According to local tradition, it all began with Canon Don Luka Fabijanić, who returned to his native Pag after studying in the Vatican and Padua. Wishing to help his impoverished brother, he bought him an estate in the area of present-day Šimuni and Sv. Vid.
Two generations later, three brothers from the Fabijanić family decided to leave Pag and move to the family estate. There they built a house above today's Camping Šimuni.
And so, over the years and generations, Šimuni came to be.
Some eighty years later, the small settlement already had its own community, and family ties remained so strong that many residents are still related to one another today. Fabijanić is still one of the most common surnames in the village.
That is why Šimuni is not just a dot on the map of Pag. It is a story of family, togetherness, belonging and the generations whose work created the place we know today.
From fishing nets to Pag gastronomy
Life in Šimuni has always been tied to the sea. For generations, fishing was one of the main sources of income, and the fishing tradition remains an important part of the village's identity.
In recent years, however, more and more locals have also turned to sheep farming, which is deeply rooted in life on the island of Pag.
The blend of fishing tradition, sheep farming, local produce and the Mediterranean way of life has created something special – a local cuisine based on simplicity, quality and respect for ingredients.
Perhaps that is exactly why it is hard to find a local who does not love good food!
Although Šimuni is a small village, its culinary offering is truly impressive. In such a small area there are no fewer than eight restaurants, as well as Peppy café and Kokopely beach bar.
That says a lot about how important food, good company and the Mediterranean way of life are to this small community.
Šimuni today – between tourism and preserving authenticity
In recent years, Šimuni has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Beautiful nature, clear sea, the marina, the campsite and the restaurants attract guests from all over the world.
Yet, like many small places on the Adriatic, Šimuni today faces the challenges of ever more intensive construction and the spread of holiday apartments.
The growth of tourism brings new opportunities, but at the same time raises an important question: how can we preserve what makes Šimuni special?
We hope we will manage to preserve our authenticity, our family values, our connection with the sea and nature, and a way of life that cannot be built overnight.
Because Šimuni is not special only for its beaches and beautiful sea. It is special because of its people, its stories, its customs and its sense of community.
Come to Šimuni and discover it first-hand!
Stroll through the little village, watch the fishermen return from the sea, enjoy the local cuisine, swim at the nearby beaches or simply find your own corner to relax.
If you love the sea, good food and small Mediterranean places with a big story, Šimuni is well worth getting to know.
And we hope that future generations, too, will have the chance to enjoy Šimuni as we know it – small, family-oriented, welcoming and authentic.
PAG TOURS – we don't just show you places, but also the stories of the people who make them special.
