Pag Saltworks

The Pag Saltworks is the largest sea salt production facility in Croatia. If you rent accommodation on Pag, you will find out that it is also a must-see tourist attraction when visiting this stunning Adriatic island. Located near the town of Pag on the northern side of the island, the salt fields are set in shallow coastal waters. The fields are divided into a series of pools, each one shallower and saltier than the last. In the final pools, the salt concentration is so high that it crystallizes on the seabed, resembling scattered diamonds. The process of evaporation and salt crystallization starts in early spring and ends in autumn with the so-called salt harvest. The finest sea salt, known as Fleur de Sel, forms a delicate layer on the water surface and is carefully hand-harvested using wooden paddles. Although the saltworks were modernized in the early 20th century, the core harvesting method has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Salt production in this area dates back to the 10th century, thanks to the ideal conditions of Pag - its geographic location, mild climate, high salinity, and abundance of shallow waters. Interestingly, the Pag Saltworks is also linked to the first paper money in Croatia. Salt was once so valuable that it served as currency. The town of Pag even paid its officials in salt. Later, certificates were issued to represent salt payments, leading to the creation of the first paper money in Croatia - the Paški asignat, introduced in 1778. Visiting the Pag Saltworks will not break the bank—entry is affordable, but the experience is truly priceless.