The adventure called Life on Mars continues on a new section of the trail opened in May 2024, connecting the starting point in Žigljen to the endpoint through the village of Metajna, spanning 10.5 km. The Life on Mars Trail 2 winds through the rugged terrain of Pag, offering breathtaking views of Velebit Mountain and the azure sea, with hidden bays that will take your breath away.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

The turn-off leading to the trailhead is located by the transformer station 2 km up the road from the Žigljen ferry dock. Turn onto the asphalt road, and after 800 meters, the marked trail begins on the right where you can also park your vehicle.

Google location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XjNeJKg4GsU5aA4r5

Once off the asphalt, the trail for the next 6 km (all the way to Vela Luka Bay) runs entirely along the coast at elevations varying between 100 m and 200 m above sea level. It meanders through diverse rocky structures, crosses several valleys, and ascends to several “galleries” offering impressive views of almost the entire length of Velebit. The most stunning part comes just before descending into Vela Luka Bay, where you'll find yourself at the last gallery, feeling like a character in “The Lord of the Rings”. This section of the trail, with its frequent short ascents and descents, is moderately demanding and includes several technically challenging spots where caution is needed. Proper trail or hiking footwear for rugged terrain is a must, as well as having at least 1.5 litres of water on hand and wearing a hat, as the Life on Mars trails offer no shade whatsoever! The trail is largely runnable and ideal for active athletes and recreational users as well as guided groups, which can be arranged through the local DMC travel agency Sunturist Novalja.

Not recommended for beginners or families with children.

After 6 km, once you leave Vela Luka Bay, one of the most beautiful bays of the Velebit Channel where you'll definitely want to take a dip, follows a 3.5 km stretch of trail that is minimally demanding and suitable for all types of visitors: from walkers and families with children to active runners and hikers. After 1.2 km from Vela Luka, at a location called Dolac, where there's an impressive football field right in the rocky landscape, you can exit onto the road, and another kilometre down the trail, there is another entrance/exit that leads onto the road extending to Mala Luka Bay. From there, the trail continues for 2.5 km on very easy terrain until it joins the original Life on Mars route. At this point, you've covered exactly 9.5 km from the start at Žigljen and can choose to turn right, reaching Metajna after 700 m, or continue further along the Life on Mars route, choosing either a longer version of the route adding another 12 km (via Malin beach) or a shorter version cutting through at Slana Bay.

MANDATORY GEAR:

You will need to bring appropriate footwear and clothing, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and SPF cream), a charged phone, and sufficient amounts of food and liquid (at least 1.5 litres).