Partying Safely at Zrce Festival Beach — Tips for a Worry-Free Holiday
When you think of Zrce Beach, images of wild parties, open-air festivals and sunsets by the sea immediately come to mind. And rightly so — Zrce Festival Beach on the island of Pag is one of Europe's top party destinations. But as with any holiday, a few simple precautions go a long way towards making your trip not just fun, but also safe. Here are our tried-and-tested tips.
Security and Surveillance on Site
The security infrastructure at Zrce Festival Beach has improved significantly in recent years. All major clubs — including Papaya, Aquarius and the new LIFT Beach Club — employ professional security teams that are on duty around the clock. Entrance checks are standard, and inside the clubs, security staff ensure the atmosphere stays positive without any incidents.
In addition, Croatian police patrol regularly around Zrce Beach and Novalja, especially during the festival season from May to September. CCTV cameras are installed at the entrances and in the public areas of the beach. The goal is clear: a safe environment for all guests — whether day trippers or festival-goers.
Keep an Eye on Your Drinks
One of the most important rules when partying — not just at Zrce Festival Beach, but anywhere: never leave your drink unattended. Always order drinks yourself at the bar and do not accept open drinks from strangers. The clubs on Zrce Beach take this topic seriously, and bar staff are trained to spot suspicious behaviour. Still, the first line of defence is always yourself.
Hydration: Do Not Underestimate the Heat
Summer in Croatia means temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and above — and not just during the day. When you have been dancing for hours, your body loses a huge amount of fluid. Our urgent advice: drink water regularly, even if you do not feel like it. Most clubs at Zrce Festival Beach sell water bottles, and there is no shame in taking a dance break now and then. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for medical interventions at festivals — and one of the most easily preventable.
The Buddy System: Never Go Out Alone
Simple yet effective: never go out alone. Agree on a meeting point with your group in case you get separated, and check in regularly to make sure everyone is still there. This is especially important during the late-night hours. Share your location via smartphone and make sure at least one person in the group is sober enough to act clearly in an emergency.
Transfers: Do Not Walk the Road at Night
There are approximately 2.5 kilometres between Novalja and Zrce Beach — a distance that makes for a pleasant walk during the day. At night, it is a different story: the road is poorly lit, has no pavement and is used by cars. Under no circumstances should you walk this stretch at night.
Instead, use the organised shuttle services that run regularly between Novalja and Zrce Beach during the season. Taxis are also available — but always agree on the price beforehand. Ask the driver for a fixed fare before getting in or insist on the meter. This way you avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival.
Secure Your Valuables
Leave expensive watches, jewellery and large amounts of cash in your apartment. Most accommodation around Zrce Beach has safes — use them. At the beach and in the clubs, your phone, a credit card and a bit of cash are all you need. Many clubs at Zrce Festival Beach now accept contactless payment, so you do not even need much cash. If you do lose something: most clubs have a lost-and-found office, and the security staff will help you out.
Emergency Numbers and Medical Care
In Croatia, the EU-wide emergency number 112 applies — it works with foreign SIM cards and even without credit. There is also a health centre (Dom zdravlja) in Novalja that has extended opening hours during the summer months. At larger festivals, a medical team is also stationed directly at Zrce Beach.
Our tip: save the emergency numbers on your phone before you travel and take a photo of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). That way you have everything to hand if needed.
The ZRCE.de Team Is on Site
Throughout the entire season, our ZRCE.de team is on the ground in Novalja and available as your point of contact — whether you have questions about accommodation, transfers or emergencies. You can reach us at any time via our contact form or directly on site. We know Zrce Beach inside and out and are happy to help make your holiday run smoothly.
Conclusion: Party Smart
Zrce Beach is a safe place to party — provided you use your common sense. Watching your drinks, staying hydrated, travelling as a group and taking the shuttle at night: these are not killjoys, but the foundation for making your trip to Zrce Festival Beach exactly what it should be — unforgettable. In the very best sense.