Croatia's Hidden Gem: Intermezzo Pag - You HAVE to See This!
Croatia's Hidden Gem: Intermezzo Pag - You HAVE to See This! (Seriously, You REALLY Do)
Okay, listen up, because I just got back from Intermezzo Pag and I need to tell you about it. Forget the polished travel blogs, forget the perfectly posed Instagram shots. This is the real deal. This is authenticity with a capital A. It's a bit rugged, a bit quirky, and totally unforgettable. And if you're looking for a Croatian escape that’s more than just another generic beach vacation, this is it. Seriously, go. Just go.
Let's break it down, because… well, there's a LOT to break down. And honestly, I'm still processing.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof – But Don’t Freak Out!)
Getting to Intermezzo Pag isn't exactly a walk in the park. It's on Pag Island, which is beautiful, lunar-like, and a bit of a hike from the main airports. I, personally, opted for a taxi - which the hotel can organize - after my flight to Zadar. Airport transfer is listed as an option. That really helps because you can't really Uber everywhere on Pag. Speaking of which the car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are a huge bonus. Driving is a great way to explore the island, and there are car power charging station options too, so you can ditch the old gas cars.
Now, about the accessibility… This isn’t a super-accessible resort, truth be told. While they do offer facilities for disabled guests which makes me hopeful, I didn't eyeball any ramps leading the elevator. This is something to consider for those requiring full wheelchair accessibility, so call ahead and be super-clear about your needs. The front desk [24-hour] is helpful, which is a saving grace, so I am sure they would assist your special needs.
Rooms & Comfort: My Sanctuary in the Sea
Okay, let's talk rooms. My room? Absolute heaven. It wasn't perfectly pristine (see: real life), but it was comfortable, clean, and had everything I needed. They offer non-smoking rooms (thank goodness!) and the soundproof rooms were a major plus. I'm a light sleeper, and I heard nothing but the soothing sound of the sea.
Each room has Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Safety/security feature, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service and of course, Wi-Fi [free].
The bed? Oh, the bed. I think I slept for 12 hours straight one night. Luxurious. They have extra long beds.
The extra long bed was a life saver! The bathrobes were a nice touch, but the bathtub was perfect for soaking in the sunshine.
And the balcony? Unbeatable. Sipping my morning coffee and watching the sunrise over the Adriatic… Yeah, I’m still dreaming about that.
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Drink!)
The food. Oh, the food. If you’re a foodie like me, you're in for a treat. Intermezzo Pag takes its dining seriously.
- Restaurants: There are several. Restaurants is a real under-statement.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was AMAZING. The Asian breakfast was a pleasant shock. The Western breakfast was a delightful routine! Fresh bread, local cheeses, fresh fruit… I basically ate my weight in breakfast every morning.
- A la carte restaurant: The a la carte in restaurant offered delicious food.
- Desserts in restaurant: If you like to try the desserts, go for it!
- Buffet in restaurant: The buffet in restaurant was a great choice for lunch!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Desserts in restaurant: Perfect places to get your caffeine fix!
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar was a must-visit.
- Snack bar: The snack bar was also a life safer.
- Room service [24-hour]: Getting some late-night snacks in the room was a plus.
- Bottle of water: You get a free bottle of water.
I went crazy for the seafood. The fresh fish, grilled to perfection, was on another level. And the local wine? Forget about it. Divine.
Ways to Relax & Things to Do: Spa-tacular & Wonderful Views
Listen, I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "roll around on the beach and get sandy" kind of gal. But the spa at Intermezzo Pag… well, it converted me.
- Pool with view: There is a pool with view!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: There is an swimming pool [outdoor], so you can enjoy!
- Spa: There is a Spa.
- Sauna: The sauna was fabulous
- Spa/sauna: You can get your Spa/sauna on!
- Massage: Get your massage in!
I had a massage that melted all my stress away. The pool with view was stunning. Just floating there, looking out at the shimmering Adriatic… Pure bliss. I also enjoyed the Steamroom. The Foot bath was so interesting.
They have a Fitness center, if you are into that.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind is Priceless
In today's world, cleanliness and safety are paramount. Intermezzo Pag takes this seriously. The place felt spotless.
- Cleanliness and safety: This is what makes the Cleanliness and safety.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They're using anti-viral cleaning products.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: The daily disinfection in common areas is ideal.
- Hand sanitizer: They had hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: There is a Hygiene certification.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup: A Safe dining setup is necessary and offered.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: They have sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff trained in safety protocol is a huge bonus.
- First aid kit: They have a first aid kit.
- Doctor/nurse on call: They offer a Doctor/nurse on call.
- CCTV in common areas: CCTV in common areas give you peace of mind.
- CCTV outside property: CCTV outside property is ideal for your safety.
- Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms are a must.
Services & Conveniences: All the Little Things That Matter
Intermezzo Pag gets the details right.
- 24-hour front desk: The 24-hour front desk is a winner.
- Concierge: The concierge can arrange taxis, advise you on local activities etc.
- Luggage storage: The luggage storage is great.
- Daily housekeeping: The daily housekeeping is appreciated.
- Laundry service: The laundry service will keep you fresh.
- Dry cleaning: The Dry cleaning option is nice.
- ATM/Cash withdrawal: The ATM/Cash withdrawal will help.
- Currency exchange: The currency exchange is great.
- Invoice provided. The Invoice provided is great for business trips
- Contactless check-in/out. The Contactless check-in/out protects you.
Internet & Technology: Stay Connected (If You Want To!)
Okay, let's get real. We all need internet sometimes. And Intermezzo Pag delivers.
- Internet: They have Internet.
- Internet [LAN] The Internet [LAN] is available.
- Internet services: The Internet services are available.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: There is Wi-Fi in public areas.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a huge bonus for me.
It's not the fastest internet in the world, but it's reliable, and hey, you're on vacation! Unplug and embrace it. The Wi-Fi is strong in the rooms and in the public areas.
**For the Kids
Escape to Paradise: Ipil Suites Awaits in El Nido, Palawan!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your cookie-cutter itinerary. This is… my Intermezzo Pag survival guide, and let's just say it wasn't always pretty.
Intermezzo Pag: A Love/Hate Story (Mostly Love, Eventually)
Day 1: Arrival & That Damn Ferry
6:00 AM: Alarm screams. Me, groaning. The usual. My flight from… well, let's just say far away, landed bleary-eyed in Zadar. The sun was already a judgmental glare. Zadar airport? Efficient. Soul-crushing.
8:00 AM: Rental car pickup. I swear, the guy at the desk looked like he was auditioning for a Bond villain. "You have license?" he grumbled. "You sure you can drive?" (I probably looked like I hadn't slept in days. Accurate.)
9:00 AM: The drive to Pag. Scenic… eventually. The first hour was just me cursing the GPS and dodging trucks the size of small countries.
11:00 AM: The Prizna-Žigljen ferry. This. This is where the chaos began. The line was a clusterfuck of sunburnt tourists, screaming kids, and cars that looked suspiciously like they were held together with duct tape. I'm pretty sure a goat wandered onto the ferry at one point. Didn’t see it, but I wouldn’t be surprised. The wait? An eternity. The ferry itself? Cramped, sweaty, and smelling faintly of diesel and desperation. I felt a primal urge to scream at the top of my lungs. But I didn't. I contained it. Almost.
12:30 PM: Finally on Pag. The landscape… immediately arresting. Like the surface of the moon, but with more dust and wind. Weirdly beautiful. I almost crashed the car gawking.
1:00 PM: Villa check-in. Lovely, but I swear I saw a cockroach scuttle under the fridge. Ignoring it. Pretending it's not there. Denying reality. This is my travel mantra.
2:00 PM: First Croatian pizza. Okay, it's not like the pizza I'm used to, but who cares! I'm in Croatia! I ordered a pizza with something and something, and some other stuff… And it was DELICIOUS. I inhaled it. Regret? Zero.
3:00 PM: Attempted beach lounging. Failed miserably. The wind. Oh, the wind! It whipped sand into every orifice. I retreated, defeated, and vowed to find an indoor activity.
4:00 PM: Found a cafe. Coffee. Strong. Needed. Watched the locals. They looked so… at peace. I envied them. I was a sweaty, disoriented mess.
6:00 PM: Sunset over the bay. Stunning. Breathtaking. All the initial grumbling about the ferry, the wind, and the potential cockroach? Forgotten. For a moment, at least.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a konoba (local restaurant!). Ordered what the waiter recommended. It was, and I quote, "an explosion of flavor." (I think it was lamb.)
9:00 PM: Collapsed in bed. Exhausted. Happy. Tomorrow… more Pag adventures. And probably more questionable decisions.
Day 2: Pag Town & The Salt
9:00 AM: Woke up. Cockroach sighting confirmed. Time for a new strategy: pretend to befriend the little guy. I shall call him “Gary”. (Don't judge.)
10:00 AM: Pag Town. Charming. The narrow streets, the whitewashed buildings, the… salt.
11:00 AM: The Pag Salt Factory. Okay, so I'm not usually one for industrial tours, but this was surprisingly fascinating. More importantly, the gift shop? Jackpot! Salt flowers, salt soaps, salt… everything! I may have gone a little overboard. My luggage is already groaning.
11:30 AM: My brain is fried. It’s almost noon; it’s very hot. The salt is like… everywhere. I’m thirsty. I need a beer.
12:00 PM: Found an excellent konoba. The owner was a delightful, grumpy old man who kept trying to feed me more grilled fish. I said yes to all of it.
1:00 PM: The Pag Lace Museum. Beautiful. Intricate. Delicate. I spent an hour staring at the lace. Not sure if I’m appreciating art, or just pretending I’m calm.
2:30 PM: Back to the beach. Armed with an umbrella, industrial-strength sunscreen, and an unwavering determination. The wind tried to win again, but I held firm. Victory! (Okay, I lasted for like, two hours).
4:30 PM: I’m tired. More coffee is needed.
5:00 PM: Wandered into a small bakery. The smell of freshly baked bread was heavenly. Bought all the pastries. All of them.
6:00 PM: More sunset views. The light here is unreal. I could get used to this. (But what about Gary?…)
7:00 PM: Dinner. This time, I ventured forth with a grilled octopus, which was, thankfully, delicious.
9:00 PM: Stargazing from the villa balcony. The sky was a swirling canvas of stars. Pure magic.
Day 3: The Beach Day That Wasn't (But Was Anyway)
9:00 AM: Woke up, saw the sunshine. Decided today was a beach day.
9:30 AM: Packed everything… sunscreen, towel, book… I’m ready.
10:00 AM: Reached a beach. It's all stones. Rocky. I guess it’s fine, but… not the perfect beach I was hoping for.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach Time. I’m reading a book. Trying to relax. I get a tiny bit sunburnt, I'm not sure whether to be upset about not planning it properly or embracing my failures.
12:00 PM: I am hungry. I've been eating a protein bar for the past half hour.
1:00 PM: I start to look for places to eat.
1:30 PM: Found a beautiful restaurant with a stunning view of the sea. The chef asked me what I wanted to eat, and then he made me an incredible dish.
3:00 PM: I start wandering again, I still have some free time.
3:30 PM: Attempted kayaking. The waves were… a little rough. I quickly realized I’m not a natural kayaker. Or any kind of skilled sailor. I paddled back towards the beach with a weary sense of defeat.
4:00 PM: Found a local bar. Needed a cold beer. Or two. Or three…
6:00 PM: Walked around Pag Town again. The narrow streets are still charming.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Ate pasta and wine. I do not remember its specifics, but I assure you I was happy.
8:00 PM: Walked again, I took another sunset selfie. I guess I like the sunset.
9:00 PM: Fell asleep instantly. Pag has a way of doing that to you.
Day 4: Departure
7:00 AM: Alarm. Ugh. Packing. Farewell to Gary (I think he was starting to like me).
8:00 AM: Final Croatian pizza. One last hurrah.
9:00 AM: Drive to Zadar. Fewer trucks. GPS still lying.
10:00 AM: Returned rental car. The Bond villain-esque guy gave me the stink eye. I probably deserved it.
11:00 AM: Airport. Waiting. Reflecting.
Now: I’m writing this in an airport. And I’m exhausted. But… I’m also smiling. Pag. It broke me. It challenged me. It gave me a cockroach friend. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Later: Boarding. Goodbye, Pag. I’ll be back. Eventually. Maybe. Hopefully.
(P.S. If you see Gary, tell him I said hi.)
Intermezzo Pag: Croatia's Hidden Gem (Or Is It?) - The Unfiltered Guide!
Okay, Seriously, What *IS* Intermezzo Pag Anyway? I Keep Seeing it...
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because Intermezzo Pag is... a vibe. It's a tiny, blink-and-you'll-miss-it restaurant/bar/beach club (kinda) on Pag Island in Croatia. Think: raw, unpolished, and fiercely authentic. It's not your polished, Instagram-filtered destination. More like a well-worn, comfy cardigan that you just *know* you're going to love, even if it's got a little hole in the elbow. It's located on a small, pebble beach, just down from the Pag Bridge. You *have* to drive there. Trust me, it's worth the winding roads.
The Hype! Is It *Really* That Amazing? I'm Sick of Overrated Places.
Look, "amazing" is subjective. Let me put it this way: I went there expecting something, you know, *nice*. I left feeling… different. And more importantly, *happy*. It's the kind of place where the sun seems to hit differently. Where the Adriatic genuinely sparkles. It's not perfect. The service can be a little… relaxed, shall we say. But the food? Oh, the food! Fresh seafood practically pulled out of the water that morning. And the atmosphere... it's just pure, relaxed bliss. Yes, it's amazing. But with a big ol' helping of realness.
Tell Me About the Food! What Should I Order? I'm a Foodie.
Okay, Foodie Friend, listen up. The food is the heart and soul of Intermezzo! This is NOT a place for fussy eaters. They specialize in fresh, local, and simple. Think: *the* freshest seafood you'll ever have. I'm talking the grilled fish... oh my GOD. My first time there, I ordered the grilled sea bass. It was perfectly cooked, flaky, and infused with the taste of the sea. (I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. It was *that* good!) My friend, bless her heart, ordered the fried calamari. It was so tender and flavorful, even *she* admitted it was the best she'd ever had, and she's a calamari snob! They also have incredible local cheeses and fresh, crusty bread. My advice? Ask the waiter for recommendations on the daily catch. And take their advice!
What's the Drink Situation Like? Wine? Cocktails? Beer?
Ah, the drinks! Crucial. They typically have a solid selection of local Croatian wines (yes, please!). They also have the basics: beer, soft drinks, and maybe a few cocktails. Don't expect a cocktail bar extravaganza. Think more along the lines of a perfectly mixed gin and tonic while you’re listening to the waves lapping against the shore. The focus is definitely on enjoying yourself and the view. Also, if you can, try the local *rakija* (fruit brandy). Just… pace yourself. It's strong! Trust me. I may or may not have had a slightly too enthusiastic conversation with a seagull after a few shots. Ahem…moving on.
Is There a Beach? Can I Swim?
Yes! Ish. The “beach” is a small, pebbly cove. It's not some vast expanse of white sand, but that's part of its charm. And yes! You can definitely swim. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing dip. Just be aware the pebbles can be a little rough on the feet. Bring water shoes if you're sensitive (or if you're like me and have a fear of stepping on a sea urchin).
Alright, I'm Sold! How Do I Get There? (And Is it Easy to Find?)
Okay, here's the deal: you need a car. Rent one. Seriously. The drive to Pag Island itself is beautiful, especially crossing the Pag Bridge! From there, you navigate winding roads. It's not *difficult* to find, per se, but it's not exactly signposted with neon flashing lights. Use Google Maps or a similar navigation app, but also trust your gut. Look for the Pag Bridge, and then head south. It's a small beach on the right, just beyond the bridge. Sometimes, you'll think you're lost. You're probably not. Patience is a virtue—and a necessity. And trust me, the search (and the drive!) is part of the adventure. It's a commitment, but one that *will* pay off.
Parking? Is That a Nightmare?
Yes and no! Parking is… limited. During peak season, it can be a bit of a free-for-all. There's a small area right near the restaurant that fills up quickly. Be prepared to park along the road and walk a bit. Be patient, and embrace the chaos. It's all part of the Intermezzo experience. I once nearly got into a fender bender trying to parallel park, but hey, at least I got a good story out of it!
What's the Vibe Like? Is it a Party Scene? Kid-Friendly?
Definitely *not* a party scene. Think relaxed, chill, and authentically Croatian. It's more about good food, good company, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. As for kids? Yes, definitely kid-friendly! There were families there when I went, and the atmosphere is generally very welcoming. It's a place where you can let your hair down (or not, if you prefer) and just *be*.
I'm On a Budget... How Expensive Is It?
Relatively speaking, Intermezzo is not ruin-your-life expensive. It offers good value for the quality and the experience. The prices are generally reasonable, particularly for the freshness and quality of the seafood. However, it's not *dirt* cheap, either. Expect to pay average prices for a meal. You can definitely have a fantastic meal without breaking the bank. Consider it an investment in your happiness.
