Kolanjsko polje
The 7.4-km long trail of the “Kolanjsko Polje” is ideal for recreationists, as well as for hiking and spending quality time with family. The trail starts in Kolanjsko Polje, and first leads to the well “Motišnjak” along a dirt road.
As soon as we pass the well, we will reach an intersection and continue straight. If we turn right at the intersection, we reach the church of St. Jerome in 200 m. The church dates back to the end of the 15th or the beginning of the 16th century, and sits atop a small hill in the centre of Kolanjsko Polje. The ruins of old plaster walls, the abundance of Roman pottery and several broken Roman columns suggest that a Roman estate (villa rustica) or rural settlement once existed there. After the tour, we will go back to the trail and continue towards Kolanjsko Blato – Rogoza. Walking down a dirt road, we will be able to enjoy some lush vegetation – usually a rare sight on Pag – and will definitely come across a few sheep as well.
The Kolanjsko Blato Ornithological Reserve is a wetland habitat, and home to a variety of vegetation and numerous bird species. The reserve is an ideal place for a short break, as it boasts an enchanting view of the blue sea on one side, as well as a green plain and a view of Velebit on the other.
After visiting Kolanjsko Blato, we will continue on our full circle towards the beginning of the trail. However, this time the trail will lead us along numerous dry-stone walls to the bridge in “Suteska”, where a narrow-gauge railway leading all the way to Šimuni and used to transport coal was built.
After a short distance, we will reach the end of the road, passing by a water well that was a part of the Kolan – Caska water supply system, which also marks the end of the trail.
Paths of Kolan's Past
The trail “Paths of Kolan’s Past” leads you into the very heart of Kolan, where every step reveals a new story — about water, fields, and stone, and about the people who lived, created, and endured here.
The trail begins below the Well and continues toward the Church of St. Jerome, dating from the 15th/16th century, modest yet steadfast in guarding local faith and tradition.
Continuing on, you arrive at the remains of a Roman villa rustica, beneath which lies the Kolan Marsh — a protected ornithological reserve and one of the last remaining Adriatic wetlands. This area, important for the local community and its herding tradition, is rich in dense reed beds, diverse flora and fauna, and as many as 166 recorded bird species, making it a unique oasis of life.
From the Kolan Marsh, the trail continues in a circular route and leads through dry-stone walls to a site where traces of coal mining (1756–1966) are revealed — an activity that makes Pag unique among Adriatic islands. The stone bridge at Suteska stands as a quiet reminder of the time when Kolan’s coal powered the economy of this region.
Finally, the path reaches the Well, once the central place for gathering, exchanging news, and carrying out daily work.
Pag Outdoor: Paths of Kolan's Past
Sv. Vid (St. Vitus) - direction from Kolan
The trail to St. Vitus starts at the sharp curve of the main island road (D106) before Kolan (if you are coming from the town of Pag). The trail is marked, clear, and not all too challenging.
At the very beginning of the trail, you will pass through a green valley nestled between dry stone walls, karst pastures, and fences, where you will likely come across sheep grazing or just watching you curiously. On the ascending part of the trail, you will mostly find undergrowth and the occasional holm oak and cade juniper, and as you approach the very top, you will find fewer and fewer high shrubs and trees. Given that there is no shade on the trail, we recommend wearing protective clothing and shoes in the summer (to protect you from the sun) and bringing a lot of water. In winter, you should dress warmly as there is no lee on the trail.
Although the trail is walkable all year round, it is at its most beautiful in the spring, when sage and other aromatic herbs that grow in abundance on the Pag rocks blossom. Except for the wonderful colours and smells, you will also enjoy the view of Velebit, Pag bay, the Pag gates, the surrounding islands, the town of Pag, and the distant salt pans.
At the very top of the trail, you will find a puddle and a cross built of dry-stone walls. The location next to the church of St. Vitus at the top of the trail is ideal for taking some stunning photos – memories of a hike to the highest peak of the island of Pag.
Pag outdoor: Sv. Vid (St. Vitus) - direction from Kolan
