Novalja Life on Mars Hike: A Thrilling Review

Croatia is, at times, just a land brimming with fantastic landscapes and chances for memorable open-air adventures, very like your dreams come true. Nestled on the rugged Pag Island, not so far from the vibrant town of Novalja, is that, too, the “Life on Mars” hike. This trail has earned rather a reputation, almost mythical even, and offers hikers a unique experience. If you are someone with hiking shoes, or want to plan your adventure in this Croatian treasure, that’s just a little taste of the hiking trail.

Why “Life on Mars?” A Landscape Unlike Any Other

The name “Life on Mars,” honestly, it really seems like a bit of an overstatement, very nearly pretentious, until you actually experience this place yourself. The landscape is stark, so barren, and distinctly otherworldly. Picture vast stretches of white stone, that just meet the azure Adriatic Sea. Weather has created jagged rock formations that truly give the impression that is somehow similar to a Martian planet, only with crystal waters close. The feeling is surreal, especially under the heat from the Croatian summer weather. No trees, almost no big plants, just raw and striking beauty. It’s a photographer’s dream location and truly gives you a bit of perspective on earth and everything in it.

Getting There: Making Your Way to Martian Soil

Ok, you’re sold on visiting, well getting to the Life on Mars trail, so the main thing is to figure out how to actually get there. Novalja is the closest major town, and I would suggest your first stop be there. You will find frequent bus lines that link to major Croatian cities such as Zadar and Zagreb. From Novalja, that is a shorter journey, just around a 15-minute drive, gets you towards the start for the trail. I think you’ll see signposts for the trail, near to the beach named Beritnica. Many pick renting a car to provide versatility in exploring Pag Island and so you can get to the path at your own rhythm, in some respects. The roads are really maintained, and there’s pretty parking near the trail head, usually. Taxis and ride-sharing services could be easily available, too. That depends really if you want to split the cost and like to stay in comfort without dealing with car parking and car hire.

The Hike Itself: Trail Details and What to Expect

Okay, so now, let’s discuss this trek a little. I think, overall, that the Life on Mars Trail happens to be regarded as relatively manageable, which means it is good for fairly a large amount of experience levels, more or less. The path runs in and out, almost around the coast, offering the beautiful ocean views that’s usually stunning during most of the route. I mean the terrain can be rocky and pretty uneven at some points. You will want a pair of sturdy walking boots and probably, to bring trekking poles that will assist you greatly on ascents, apparently.
I guess the trek ranges from around 6 to 7 km which means that you should think to dedicate around 2 to 4 hours to finish, really depending on your personal rate and what number of breaks you happen to want to take to enjoy all that view. Is that the path really is rather exposed, with limited shelter from the sun, tends to be quite challenging during hot weather conditions.

Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

Ok, so you do not wander into risk, in this heat it’s actually something you ought to consider before visiting this place:
Hydration is vital. Very ensure that you carry much more water, since there’s no refill stations on the path. It actually goes without stating, you’d think, but many folks simply do not bring enough water.
Wear Proper Gear. Get decent hiking boots, wear light and also breathable clothes. Never forget a cap plus sunnies to guard against direct sunlight, in a way.
Sun Protection. Employ sun block generously and consistently. The Croatian sunlight is extremely strong, specially throughout summer months, more or less.
Look at the Weather. Stay updated with weather outlooks and also prevent climbing throughout excessive heat as well as poor weather conditions. I’m not just saying this!
Begin Early. Beginning early in the daytime not just allows you beat some heat but additionally offers gentler light to get photos, typically.
Tell Somebody. Often inform anyone about your climbing plans, including your intended course and anticipated returning time, okay?
Keep the Trail. It’s extremely vital to remain about designated pathways to prevent erosion as well as shield the sensitive environment, usually.
Pack Light. Do not overload the bag, to the point where you are able to still easily move without excess weight, in some respects. Provide only what you completely have to have: Water, snacks, navigation, and also first-aid things.
Respect Character. Take-all rubbish together with you and then attempt never to interrupt your enviroment, so too, that way various other vacationers can take advantage of the amazing destination.
That could actually make all the variance to being safe in a more tough setting.

Beyond the Hike: What Else to Explore in Novalja and Pag Island

Whilst your Life on Mars walk would certainly become undoubtedly your main point of your vacation to be able to Novalja, also to neglect other destination spots and even happenings during Pag Destination, would definitely not be a wise thing to do, as I say to everyone. The area connected with Novalja is commonly known regarding the vibrant nightlife and it’s now well known, Zrce Beach that includes a number of organizations hosting functions almost all time time of the year, is it. The main town per se delivers, a lot of culture, having standard restaurants plus busy market segments.
And too Pag Destination that provides, magnificent other beaches very well suited to taking it easy. Check the old Pag city recognized for sensitive ribbons and additionally salt manufacturing, is that it too something worth checking out. Local meals fanatics shouldn’t overlook consuming Pag mozzarella dairy product (Paski sir), the locally well known specialty produced by sheep of which graze within the herb-wealthy meadows of the particular Destination, apparently.
The location really suits an even more long trip.

My Personal Experience: A Story from the Trail

Okay so talking through my journey around the Life on Mars, let’s tell you from experience… Actually the blazing summer sun beat down because I started your walk, so too you kind of hope you would see life, however there would be that desolate natural charm there that got you interested at all! You feel it! Is that there aren’t a single tree that offers just one shade – so be prepared, you may get roasted!

During your trek the panoramic marine feelings seemed magnificent and I really had pauses that helped a little with pictures because everything can be extremely photogenic: rock configurations along with deep green sea. The tranquility in fact got in my face; the only real sound there is but for me is actually merely your feet over rubble!
One minute I didn’t follow the markings so I strayed coming from it so I finished way outside course! However actually it had been an accident (honest!!). In fact, just keep to your given hiking road otherwise may simply get very lost. I eventually returned back to the appropriate path by checking myself against what individuals was basically referring to together with a offline maps plus made this into safety right just after almost an hour in additional exploration! The event actually only revealed essential preparations, in the way. That’s really the primary point, to be cautious.

Final Thoughts: Is the Life on Mars Hike Worth It?

So is that the Life on Mars Hike within Novalja worth some time together with attempts, that? Definitely in my situation as is possible actually discover by exactly how excited I had been about discussing it using any of you!. It’s unlike whatever climbing you could have attempted, is it very – providing raw physical magnificence. Even though getting geared and be prepared for, really harsh conditions and so is essential if you desire enjoy it correctly this path offers special amazing chances of course which happen with regards to character.

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