Planjka Trincel Beach, Croatia
19 photos
Beach character
The beach’s defining feature is its cove shape, which creates a sheltered environment ideal for swimmers of all abilities. The predominant surface consists of black sand mixed with pebbles, a characteristic common to many Adriatic shores. The seabed transitions smoothly into deeper waters, ensuring a gradual and safe entry for swimmers. This feature, combined with the beach’s natural shade from surrounding hills, contributes to its appeal as a family destination. Despite its popularity, the beach maintains a sense of openness, with no artificial structures obstructing the shoreline.Swimming and shore
The smooth gradient of the seabed ensures easy access for swimmers, making it particularly suitable for children and non-swimmers. The water quality, while not explicitly rated in the catalog, is generally consistent with the Adriatic’s standards. The beach’s natural topography creates a microclimate that can offer respite from the midday sun, though visitors should be prepared for crowded conditions during high season. The shoreline’s mix of sand and pebbles provides a varied texture underfoot, which some visitors find pleasant while others note as a minor inconvenience.Facilities and activities
Planjka Trincel offers a range of facilities and activities that enhance the visitor experience. The beach includes a paid parking area, which is noted in reviews as being reasonably priced but often fully occupied during peak hours. On-site amenities include public toilets, which are described as being in good condition—a rare but appreciated feature in many Croatian coastal areas. The beach hosts a variety of water-based activities, including kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and jet skiing. A dedicated aquapark with a slide and swing caters specifically to children, while vendors provide food and beverages, though prices are reported to be on the higher side. Nearby, a bar and restaurant offer additional dining options.Access and location
Planjka Trincel Beach is situated in the village of Krnelje, part of the larger settlement of Stara Novalja. The beach is accessible via a road that leads directly to the shoreline, with parking available at the site. While the exact distance to nearby towns is not specified in the catalog, the beach’s proximity to Stara Novalja means it is well-connected to local services and transportation. The Adriatic coastline here is characterized by a mix of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, with Planjka Trincel representing one of the more developed spots in the area.What visitors say
Visitors consistently highlight the beach’s family-friendly atmosphere and the variety of activities available. Reviews from 2024 note the presence of a slide and swing for children, which are particularly popular with families. One reviewer described the beach as ‘perfect for children, who have a lot of fun in the aqua park.’ However, several visitors also mentioned the beach’s crowded conditions during peak hours, with one noting that ‘there were not much shady space to sit on the beach.’ Cleanliness is a recurring concern, with the catalog explicitly stating a ‘very poor’ cleanliness index. Despite these challenges, the beach remains a popular destination, with multiple reviewers rating it as ‘exceptional’ for its overall appeal.Practical tips
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces can fill quickly during peak hours. The aquapark facilities are a highlight for families, but be prepared for higher prices at on-site vendors. While the beach lacks extensive shade, the natural topography provides some relief from the sun. Visitors should also be mindful of the beach’s cleanliness and consider bringing reusable bottles to reduce environmental impact.Exploring the coast by yacht
For visitors interested in yacht charter, the surrounding Adriatic coast offers a range of sailing opportunities. The area around Stara Novalja is part of a larger sailing region that includes several anchorages and marinas accessible via the Euro-Agent Yacht Search platform. While Planjka Trincel itself is not a designated anchorage, its proximity to the coast makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the region. For more information on available yachts and sailing routes, visit the Euro-Agent Yacht Search page.Seasonal Considerations
The beach’s crowd index is notably high during the summer months, with reviews from July and August 2024 describing it as ‘very busy.’ Visitors traveling outside of these months may find a more tranquil experience. The beach’s cleanliness, however, remains a concern year-round, with no specific improvements reported in off-season visits.Local Context
Stara Novalja is a coastal town known for its historical significance and traditional fishing heritage. The area is part of the Lika-Senj region, which features a mix of coastal and inland landscapes. Nearby, the town of Senj offers additional cultural and historical attractions, though it is a short drive from Planjka Trincel.Anchorages in the surrounding area
Anchorages near Stara Novalja and Novalja on Pag offer nearby options for mooring.
- Anchorage — stara novalja — pag — 0.2 NM from beach
- Anchorage — novalja — pag — 1.0 NM from beach
- Anchorage — novalja — pag — 1.5 NM from beach
- Straško — novalja — pag — 1.8 NM from beach
- Anchorage — skunca — pag — 1.9 NM from beach
- Anchorage — novalja — pag — 2.0 NM from beach
- Anchorage — pag — 2.1 NM from beach
- Anchorage — pag — 2.1 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Mooring buoys in the surrounding area
- Buoy field — novalja — pag — 0.9 NM from beach
- Drljanda — stara novalja — pag — 2.0 NM from beach
- Jetty — zubovici — pag — 4.8 NM from beach
- Jetty — zubovici — pag — 5.0 NM from beach
- Jetty — jakisnica — pag — 6.1 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marine fuel stations
- Ina — rab — 12.4 NM from beach
- Ina — mali losinj — 18.3 NM from beach
- Adria Oil — mali losinj — 18.6 NM from beach
- Tifon — nerezine — losinj — 21.8 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Harbours in the surrounding area
Harbours in Novalja and Stara Novalja on Pag are in close proximity to the beach.
- Novalja — pag — 1.0 NM from beach
- Stara Novalja — pag — 1.6 NM from beach
- Žigljen — zigljen — pag — 2.7 NM from beach
- Prizna — 3.9 NM from beach
- Jakišnica — jakisnica — pag — 6.4 NM from beach
- Jablanac — 8.1 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marinas in the surrounding area
- ACI Marina Šimuni — simuni — pag — 6.7 NM from beach
- ACI Marina Rab — 12.4 NM from beach
- ACI Marina Supetarska Draga — rab — 15.5 NM from beach
- Y/C Marina Mali Lošinj — mali losinj — 18.3 NM from beach
- Marina Lošinj — mali losinj — 18.5 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Restaurants near the beach
Restaurants in Novalja are located near the beach, offering nearby dining options.
- Konoba 85 — novalja — pag — 0.9 NM from beach
- Konoba Antika — novalja — pag — 0.9 NM from beach
- La Paloma — novalja — pag — 0.9 NM from beach
- Stari Kaštel — novalja — pag — 0.9 NM from beach
- No. 5 — novalja — pag — 1.0 NM from beach
- Restaurant — novalja — pag — 1.0 NM from beach
- Restaurant — novalja — pag — 1.0 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Navigation guides for the surrounding area
Navigation guides for Novalja and surrounding coastal areas assist in planning routes near the beach.
- Novalja — 1.0 NM from beach
- Caska — 2.2 NM from beach
- Uvala Prizna — 4.1 NM from beach
- Uvala Jakisnica — 6.2 NM from beach
- Uvala Zavratnica — 7.8 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Yachts from nearby departure bases
Sailing yachts
- First 45 (Egeria) — Šimuni Kolan ACI Marina — 6.6 NM from departure base to beach
- Dufour 412 Grand large (Eva) — Mali Lošinj — 18.3 NM from departure base to beach
- Elan 50 Impression (Vuschi) — Mali Lošinj — 18.3 NM from departure base to beach
Motor yachts
- Absolute 50 Fly (Acrobat) — Rab ACI Marina — 12.4 NM from departure base to beach
Motor boats
- Balt 818 Titanium (Valentina) — Novalja — 0.9 NM from departure base to beach
- Balt 818 Titanium (Valentina 2) — Novalja — 0.9 NM from departure base to beach
- BWA Sport 22GT (BWA ) — Pag City Port — 10.4 NM from departure base to beach
- Merry Fisher 895 — Povljana Marina — 16.3 NM from departure base to beach
- Merry Fisher 895 (Zablace) — Mali Lošinj — 18.3 NM from departure base to beach
- Merry Fisher 795 (Posejdon) — Mali Lošinj — 18.3 NM from departure base to beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking available at Planjka Trincel Beach?
Yes, paid parking is available at the beach. Reviews note that it is reasonably priced but can be fully occupied during peak hours.Are there facilities for children?
The beach includes an aquapark with a slide and swing, making it a popular destination for families with young children.Nearby beaches
Sveta Marija, Stara Novalja (Pag) Beach
Sveta Marija
0.3 km
Vrtlići, Stara Novalja (Pag)
Vrtlići
0.5 km
Čatare, Stara Novalja (Pag) Beach
Čatare
0.8 km
Korda, Stara Novalja (Pag) Beach
Korda
1.0 km
Livić, Stara Novalja (Pag) Beach
Livić
1.3 km
Mul, Stara Novalja (Pag) Beach
Mul
1.6 km
Riva beach
, Novalja
1.6 km
Novalja (Pag): beaches and coves (18)
Novalja (Pag)
1.7 km
Reviews
Ivana Hudzíková
The beach is very good as for families with kids as for friends or couples. There are many beautiful places where you can take a picture or places for activities, for example: big slide, a swing, heart for taking a photo etc.
David Bunce
We went with three smallish kids. The paid parking cost around 1,30 Eur/Hour - all in the sun, but plenty of space. There were toilets (important for kids!), which were good quality. Not much shady space to sit on beach, but we found a spot. The beach is (almost) sandy, not stony as is common in Croatia. There is a free slide and swing for kids, plus the normal paid aquapark setup. Numerous vendors on the beach - a portion of fries cost 5 euro, ice cream felt expensive at 4,50 - there were also a a couple of nice looking cocktail bars, but sadly we had to drive and parent afterwards... There is an ATM at the beach.
Paola Schiantarelli
Beautiful, it's a bit crowded but it's worth it. Perfect for children, they have a lot of fun in the aqua park.
Dejan
Nice but crowded baech. Payable parking but not expensive. I recommend a visit especially for families.
Maggie Brenholc
Very pretty beach with a nice view. It’s crowded but if you find space, it’s relaxing. It’s close to a nice bar and restaurant as well, plus there’s a neat public bathroom Lika-Senj