‘On Mentorides Paths’ is a macadam loop trail that passes through Gramajnik Hillfort, a valuable archaeological site. The trail’s name has its roots in the Iron Age, when the island of Pag, inhabited by ancient Liburnians, was part of an archipelago called the Mentorides by ancient Greek writers.

Passing through 7 kilometres of moonscape, created by the forceful bora winds from Velebit and the salt spray that accompanies them, this trail is the best way for hikers to explore the coves dotting the Velebit Channel. Two branch trails take you, as the locals say, to the ‘upper sea’, to the coves called Santiš and Jazbina. Santiš is safeguarded from bora winds and airborne salt by the Santiš hill, thus creating a green oasis in the Pag karst, ideal for a rest and swimming.

Only bare stone at first glance and from a distance, the salt and low moisture make it a refuge for specific plant varieties that feed the local Pramenka breed of sheep. This unique diet gives a special flavour to their milk, used to make Pag cheese, an exquisite local delicacy.

The Jazbina branch runs up a steep incline to a stone cove, where there is a spring right next to the shore.

This trail lets you savour the unbelievable contrasts between the stark stone of Pag and Velebit and the deep blue sea and sky, as well as the untouched natural environment, clean wind-blown air and an almost unreal tranquillity.