Ribarica is a quiet coastal settlement at the foot of the Velebit, on the shore of the Velebit Channel, directly opposite the island of Pag.

This is a place that breathes stillness and the cleanliness of the sea. No crowds, no noise — only stone, pines, water and the wind off the mountain. The water here is among the clearest on the whole Adriatic: from the shore you can see the bottom several metres down.

The sea and the beaches

The beaches are pebble and rock, with a quick drop into deep, strikingly clear water — a place for people who like real swimming, free diving and jumping off the rocks. The currents of the Velebit Channel keep the sea fresher than in enclosed bays, which at the height of summer is an advantage.

Cove follows cove along the coastal road, so there is always one to claim — often completely empty.

Things to do

• Hiking — the Velebit massif begins immediately behind the village, with many trails and viewpoints
• Cycling — the coastal road and mountain tracks for every level
• Swimming and diving — exceptional clarity and a rich underwater world
• Fishing — the whole Podgorje coast has a long fishing tradition
• The night sky — little light and clean air make the nights here something special

Days out nearby

Karlobag is the nearest town with everything you might need — shops, restaurants, cafés and the local harbour. The ferry to the island of Pag also leaves from here; Pag is in view the whole time from this shore, bare and lunar, with Novalja and Zrće on the far side.

The Velebit Nature Park and the Northern Velebit National Park are within easy reach. Between two swims you can walk the trails of the massif and take in views over the Adriatic islands stretching towards the Kvarner. A little further north lies Zavratnica, one of the most photographed inlets on the Adriatic.

Further inland are the Plitvice Lakes, and to the south Zadar and the Paklenica National Park — all within a day trip.

Getting here

Ribarica sits on the Adriatic coastal road (D8), so arriving by car is direct and simple — the drive along the coast is one of the finest parts of the journey in itself. The address is Primorska ul. 16, 53288 Cesarica.

The fenced yard has parking for 4 + 2 cars.

Good to know

Every apartment has a kitchen, a dining and living room, a bedroom and a children's room, a bathroom and a balcony. It comes with air conditioning, a fridge, kitchenware and a TV with satellite and terrestrial channels.