Sonus Guide

How do I get to Novalja, where do I get my festival wristband or where is the best spot to go swimming?

On this page we have compiled all the info you need for your perfect SONUS adventure. Please see the dedicated sections for all the necessary information: Before the Event - At the Event - After the Event.

Before the Event

Traveling to Sonus by plane

Flying is the most comfortable and the fastest way to get to Sonus.
But don't forget: If you decide to arrive by plane, you will need an airport transfer to get to Novalja. Our partner Collegium can help you with this here.

Taxis are a comfortable but slightly pricey option. All fees listed below are target prices which may vary slightly according to traffic situation and your exact destination. We recommend asking for a receipt upon payment.

Zadar-Novalja 750 HRK
Split-Novalja 1800 HRK
Zagreb-Novalja 2200 HRK

For more information on flight offers as well as flight & hotel packages, visit our travel section.

Travelling to Sonus by Bus

Make the most out of your budget and chose one of several providers offering bus trips to Sonus from all over Europe. Points of departure include major cities like Vienna, Munich & Milan.
For more information on bus services and travel agencies, visit our travel section.

Car & Ferry

Traveling to Sonus by car

You will find the best route to Sonus by using your onboard navigation system or the route planner included with a map service like Google Maps.

Novalja, Pag Island, Croatia
Post Code: 53291
44°32'17.0"N 14°54'24.6"E

Traveling to Sonus by ferry boat

There are numerous ferry routes operating from Italy to Croatia. Kick back and start your summer rave vacation in style while you cross the Adriatic sea with one of the boats - it's easier and much quicker than driving by car.

Search for your ideal ferry connection on our travel page.

Support

You still have some questions?

Travel Support

In need for further assistance? For any question regarding travel please get in touch with our travel support team.

Contact our travel support team.

Travel Communities

Plan your perfect summer experience with kindred spirits and get the most out of your trip to SONUS by joining one of our Facebook Travel Communities.

Find a travel community on facebook.

Travel partners

We recommend you book an accommodation in Novalja, where you will have the best transport link to Zrce Beach, plenty of restaurants and bars as well as an ideal link for your airport transfer.

Our travel partners Collegium, Papaya Travel and Festicket offer a range of Accommodation packages, including hotels, camping and holiday homes plus transport and other extras.

If you already have a ticket, they also offer any of these options without them.

Check our Accommodations section for inspiration and suggestions.

Hotels & Hostels

As one of today's most popular summer festival and party destinations, Novalja offers a wide range of hotels and hostels. Check out your favourite booking sites and find your perfect SONUS accomodation - whatever your budget.

Airbnb

Unforgettable trips start with Airbnb. Find adventures nearby or in faraway places and access unique homes, experiences, and places around the world.

Booking.com

Big savings on hotels in 96000 destinations worldwide. Browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Regular Tickets

This ticket will grant you five days and five nights of full access to all four of the SONUS clubs, right at the beach.

VIP

You want to be treated to some luxury at SONUS? Look no further! In addition to our regular tickets, we’ll be offering VIP Tickets for all your SONUS creature comforts. With our VIP ticket, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of the VIP area in all four clubs.

Boat Party Tickets

Please note that boat party tickets are not included in your SONUS ticket and have to be purchased separately.

Locations

At SONUS you will have the chance to party at four of the best clubs in the world, all settled in the utopian landscape of Pag and overlooking the clear Adriatic. Experience an unmatched fusion of natural beauty and modern amenities.

Want to sprinkle some more luxury on your Sonus experience? As a VIP Ticket holder you have the chance to book your private table at our Sonus clubs (extra fees apply), where the people are gorgeous and the dancefloor in mayhem. Please see the dedicated section of each club for more information.

Aquarius

Aquarius is well-known exactly for the fact that it doesn’t compromise on standards, constantly seeking new and modern approaches on parties and design. It all becomes crystal clear when you first step on the grounds of the massive and attractive club with its modern design – a massive open-air floor for endless partying pleasures – and realize that Aquarius is exactly the place where memories are made.

If you would like to book a table, there will be hostesses at the VIP entrances who will be able to help you.

Kalypso

Kalypso is definitely the place where celebration never ends. Over the years it has been the host of electronic music superstars. Festivals, special events, crazy pool parties and outstanding after beach parties are already a part of the partygoers’ collective memory.
The very seafront location of Kalypso beach club, surrounded by hundred-year-old pine trees and the utopian landscape of the island of Pag, is what creates the unique atmosphere and places Kalypso very high on the list of the world’s best clubs.

If you would like to book a table, there will be hostesses at the VIP entrances who will be able to help you.

NOA

Noa Beach Club is one of the most trendy and entertaining clubs in all of the Adriatic region. Settled above the water, offering an epic view of the clash of crystal Adriatic Sea and high Croatian mountains, combined with the top end music and entertaining experience, Noa offers a life changing perspective of summer holidays.

If you would like to book a table, there will be hostesses at the VIP entrances who will be able to help you.

Papaya

Irreplaceable summer after beach parties, spectacular night parties featuring famous DJ appearances, spectacular views from the club overlooking the clear Adriatic and Velebit mountain – those are just a few things that make Papaya the best club in Croatia and the 9th best club in the world according to the prestigious British electronic music magazine DJ MAG.

If you would like to book a table, there will be hostesses at the VIP entrances who will be able to help you.

Boat Parties

Party with your favourite artists on open waters on our party boats, everyday from 5 pm to 9 pm.
These boats depart from Novalja harbor - NOT Zrce beach!

Please note that boat party tickets are not included in your SONUS ticket and have to be purchased separately. Be fast, most of the boat parties will be sold out in advance! A small amount of no show tickets will be sold shortly before departure at the pier, however, there is no guarantee.

Afterhours

You've danced in the moonlight, saw the sunrise over Pag and still haven't got enough? You're in luck: Your favourite SONUS artists will play the finest tunes at our afterhour parties.

At the Event

Running Order

For your convenience, bookmark our online timetable on your mobile device to stay on track with live playing times. Once loaded and bookmarked, you will able to access our timetable even without an internet connection.

Go to Timetable

Opening Times

SONUS festival runs for five days and nights. With over 70 artists to chose from, you're sure to spend an unforgettable week of open-air parties and relaxing beach sessions.

Our festival days vary in their exact runtime: Some parties run for 12 hours straight while other days are split into day and night parties. The exact timing for each festival day will be provided in our timetable and daily running order (see above!) Afterhour parties start anytime after 6am.

Line-Up

International headliners and local heroes, underground super stars and unknown new-comers. These are the people that produce the SONUS soundtrack. We've gathered more than 70 artists to create the perfect sun-downer party, incredible techno raves or laid-back house parties.

See Line-up

Getting Around

Car

We strongly recommend not to use your car for drives between Novalja and Zrce. The island’s traffic system was not built for large festivals so there is just a tiny one-lane street to cope with a huge influx of visitors. Unsurprisingly this resulted in massive traffic jams in the past and you should make sure you avoid this frustrating situation.

If, however, you still want to drive to Novalja downtown by car, you will find plenty of parking sites near the beach promenade. Please note that parking fees might be pricey.

Public Transport

We strongly recommend to purchase a SONUS Island Shuttle ticket with your festival ticket. This allows you to use the shuttle buses on the Island, which makes getting around in Novalja much easier and gives you a perfect travel link between Novalja and the festival site at Zrce Beach.

You can always buy your island shuttle ticket while you're at SONUS. Please see our dedicated section below for timetables, fees and more.

Taxi

We've partnered with a local taxi agency to provide you with stable fees and secure rides. Check for "SONUS Trusted Partner" stickers to make sure you're driving with one of our trusted cabs. Alternatively you'll also have the option to book an Uber!

All fees listed below are target prices which may vary slightly according to traffic situation and your exact destination. We recommend asking for a receipt upon payment. Should any problems arise, please note down the registration number of the vehicle and speak to our staff at the SONUS Info Point / Help Desk.

Scooters

Wanna get to the festival venues quickly? You want to discover all the hidden gems around Novalja? Why not rent a scooter?

Novalja has a few rental agencies with decent prices. Helmets are mandatory and included in the rental fee. We recommend you book online.

NovaljaRENT

Rentacar Novalja

Safety

Don't drink and drive.

Regular traffic controls will be undertaken by the police. Expect a zero tolerance policy - please do not take a risk.

Police Station Novalja:
Ul. Braće Radić 9, 53291
Phone: +385 53 675 860

In case of lost valuables make sure to report it to the local police. A local police station is placed at the parking lot at Zrce beach. This might also be required from your insurance company. Please remember to block your cards. For any further enquiries during SONUS Festival, please come and visit us at our info points at Zrce beach.

Please be careful with your belongings at all times. Don’t put mobile phones in back pockets.

We recommend you make use of the lockers provided at Zrce beach! Please see the dedicated section below for conditions and booking fees.

Tourist Info: +385 (0) 53 661 404
Police/Ambulance/Fire Department: +385 (0) 112
Hospital: Špital 1, 53291 Novalja +385 (0) 53 741 190
Pharmacy: Plodine Plaza, S.S.Kranjčevića 4, 53000, Novalja +385 (0) 53 665 265

Novalja

One of today's most popular summer festival and party destinations – Novalja – is situated on the island of Pag, a very attractive rock-beach island of Croatia. The town has been attracting more and more young tourists every year over the past decade, mainly because of its increasing growth of clubbing and festival offers.

Novalja stands out due to the beauty and uniqueness of its beaches, its unspoilt landscapes, its entertainment and nightlife, the quality of its cultural and historical sites and the multitude of facilities for sports and recreation.

The promenade in Novalja, or Riva, has small stands with souvenirs and similar stuff, as well as many fast food stands and few cafes. The city itself has few shops providing everything for a decent vacation, and they are all located downtown. Fish market provides daily fresh fish, but in order to buy it, you have to get up early as it's usually sold out after 9AM.

Three large supermarkets (Kerum, Hiper Novalis and Kastelo) are located in the entrance to the city. Newsstands are located everywhere, with drug stores and postal offices.

 

Check-in & Wristband

You have to exchange your ticket into a wristband before entering the festival. In order to collect your festival wristband, please visit the SONUS Festival check-in tent at Zrce Beach, close to Aquarius.
VIP ticket holders will have access to a separate fast lane.

Please note: In case you booked a festival package including a ticket via Collegium you will receive your wristband at their respective check-in counter.

Do not lose your wristband - we cannot replace any wristbands.
No wristband - No Party!

Day Tickets

Day tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Day tickets will only be available at the box office if they do not sell out beforehand! Prices will depend on the lineup of that day.

Box Office

If you want to grab a last minute ticket on-site, our box offces will be open for your service. Please note that, like any limited commodity, tickets are sold as long as they are available.
In order to purchase a ticket on-site, please check the map above where our box office is located.

Island Shuttle

Don’t be a fool - be better off with a shuttle ticket. The island’s bus lines are the most comfortable, secure and safe way to travel between Novalja and Zrce Beach.

Less traffic, more party! The island is pretty small and Zrce Beach in particular offers little space for you to park your car.
Save your money, time & patience! Parking space is very limited, quite pricey and usually charged per hour.
Don't drink and drive! Regular traffic controls will be undertaken by the police - do not take a risk!

Your Island Shuttle Ticket offers you to commute freely for 7 days.

Currency & Cash

Croatian currency is Kuna (HRK) - when listed as a price, Kuna is abbreviated to Kn. There are many currency exchange agencies all over Novalja.

Current exchange rates:
1 GBP = 8,4 HRK
1 EUR = 7,4 HRK
1 USD = 6,4 HRK

There are numerous ATMs located in Novalja, at the beach and also in each club at Zrce Beach. All major credit cards should be accepted in all three SONUS venues, however we advise you to make sure before ordering. If you decide to pay in cash at the clubs, make sure to only pay upon getting a receipt.
We recommend to store an emergency amount of funds in your accommodation in case you lose your money during the festival.

Forbidden Objects

To ensure a safe environment for you and others, SONUS Festival collaborates with public safety, police and medical authorities on all questions concerning the safety of our sites.

Accordingly, please take note that bags will be searched before they are admitted to our sites. Authorities at the venues also reserve the right, under certain circumstances, to conduct a physical search.

The following items are NOT allowed inside the venues:

  • Large Suitcases & Backpacks (cannot be stored)
  • Motorcycle helmets (cannot be stored)
  • Knives & sharp objects
  • Illegal substances
  • Animals (other than registered guide or hearing dogs)
  • Any items which may be used as a weapon
  • Professional photo or video equipment
  • Medicine in unusual amounts
  • Fireworks & flares
  • Powerbanks bigger than approximately the size of a regular phone

Lockers

Looking for a safe way to store your sunscreen and charge your phone while you’re at SONUS Festival? Reserve a personal locker, so you can free up your hands without worrying about losing anything at the venues or the beach. Don’t miss any music going back and forth from your apartment or hotel, our conveniently located lockers are the perfect place to stash your things between shows.

More info on how to book your locker coming soon.

Beaches

Zrće Beach

Zrće is a beach located 2 kilometers from Novalja, right across Gajac. As a mecca for party-enthusiasts, it enjoys high media coverage so it's popular among Croatian celebrities and many popular Croatian singers open the summer season right there. The beach has its own parking lot, but avoid it if you can, because it can get extremely crowded. If possible, walk to the beach or use our SONUS shuttle.

Gajac

Gajac is a planned apartment community 2 kilometers away from Novalja, its beach stretching several hundred meters on the Adriatic coast. The coastal strip is partly filled with sand, however it is mainly gravel. Its long beachfront sidewalk is ideal for jogging or walking.

Stara Novalja

Stara Novalja is an old village 5 kilometers north of Novalja, situated in a deep bay in the north-west of the island of Pag. The largest beach within the cove is the famous sandy beach Trinćel, while smaller beaches extend through the entire bay, some of which are only accessible by boat. Many tourists enjoy the clean beaches every year, so it does get quite crowded in the summertime.

Caska Beach

Caska beach is located in the same bay as and in close vicinity of Zrće beach, both east of Novalja. It is a sand beach, and the sea floor is slightly inclined downwards which makes it suitable for families with children. There is a restaurant on the beach and some recreational facilities.

Wind & Kite Surfing

Because of its ideal combination of winds, slower Mistral and faster Burin, the Pag cove is especially popular among wind surfers and kite surfers. Research shows the wind blows 350 days a year on the island of Pag. In summer a number of winds alternate during the day: Around 3 pm in the afternoon Mistral - ideal for surfing, especially for those not keen on fast riding. Later in the afternoon Mistral enhances, thus enabling faster surfing. Burin is a colder wind blowing from the north. Visit the surf base at the Simuni camping.

Wakeboarding

If you're into Wakeboarding you should check out Katarela Beach in Zrce. There you can find one of the newest and the most modern ski lifts on the sea in Europe. 600 meters in length and 10 meters in height will give you fast-paced rides and an unforgettable experience on open waters.

Adrenaline & Water Sports

At Zrce Beach you will also find adrenaline and water sport activities such as jet ski, banana or tube riding. For a special scenic view from up in the air try parasailing, a unique combination of sailing and parachuting.

Kayak

Explore the natural beauty of Pag island by kayaking down the river Zrmanja. Enjoy a beautiful landscape with fascinating waterfalls and swim underneath them.

Bungee Jumping

So you have no fear? Ready for an adrenaline rush like no other?
Located only a few meters away from the crystal clear sea you will be lifted as high as 30 meters in the air for an incredible jump - at any time of day and night! Enjoy the view on Papaya club before you take the step into the void - if you dare.

Quads

Explore the famous lunar landscape of the island, hidden coves and remote beaches off the beaten path. 115 kilometers of hiking paths await you on Pag. If you want to get to know the outstanding natural beauty of the island while experiencing an unforgettable adrenaline rush, you should definitely rent a Quad.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing enthusiasts can enjoy climbing the steep parts of the peak of Sv. Vid and the rocks above the Ručica beach in the north-west part of Pag Bay (at Zamak and Stogaj near Metajna). Special climbing markers are placed at these sites. In some parts of the island, the cliffs are too steep, practically vertical and with unusual shapes due to exposure to storms. If you decide on a climbing adventure, you will surely enjoy the view!

After the Event

Lost and Found

If you've lost something at the clubs, please visit the bars to see if it's been handed in.

After the festival please get in touch directly:
Aquarius
Kalypso
Papaya

Social Media

Share your favourite SONUS moments, stay in touch with new friends and relive the emotions: Follow SONUS on social media.

Follow Sonus on Viber

Get in touch with likeminded spirits, share your passion for the festival and find out more useful info online.

Everyone can follow Sonus on Viber, either either through downloading our unique Sonus Stickers or joining the official Sonus Community. We also have our own chat bot, an automated virtual assistants who can help you choose and share content, get useful information like the festival line-up, answers to FAQ’s or even buy tickets which are already available on Sonus Festival’s Chat Bot at Viber. You can subscribe by clicking here.

Feedback

For any enquiries and feedback with regards to this year's festival, please click here to send an email to our support team.

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