It's fiesta time! When talking about Pag, this is one of the first associations that come to mind. It's home to Zrće beach, the epicenter of the festival party scene famously referred to as ‘Croatian Ibiza’. This beautiful island is known for its cultural heritage of lace-making and, undoubtedly, for its most famous gastronomic brand - Pag cheese.

While Spaniards are known for their Manchego, Italians and French for their mozzarella and camembert, Croatian influencers are known for their Pag cheese platters. It's served as a starter at weddings, graduations, and christenings, along with Dalmatian prosciutto, making it an indispensable gastronomic component.

It was once the 'food for masses', a staple that fed hardworking families of the area, but has now become a highly acclaimed delicacy. Showing up on a doorstep with a bag of artisanal Pag cheese will certainly do the trick if you are having doubts about what to gift your friends or family!
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What Makes This Croatian Delicacy So Highly Valued?

The ideal conditions of its place of origin give this dense sheep cheese its sharp, salty flavor. There are a lot of aromatic herbs on the island of Pag, as well as salt from the Adriatic brought by the strong 'bura' wind. Traditions of sheep farming and cheese production date back to the ancient times of Illyrian tribes. In gastronomy, it is precisely the auchtoconous sheep breeds, such as the Paška ovca, and their Mediterranean sage diet that contribute to the quality of milk and its taste.

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‘Sirana Gligora’ - Artisanal Family Factory Promoting Sustainable Living‍

It has already been mentioned how significant cheese is to the island community. Almost all islanders are involved in cheese-related businesses.

Gligora cheese factory stands out for its flawless production technique, excellent quality, and sustainable work ethic. Their formula has earned them numerous international awards and made them internationally recognizable.

In terms of numbers, Gligora makes more than 450 tons of diverse cheese types every year, including approximately 50 tons of Pag cheese. Youth are encouraged to engage in agriculture and help maintain independence through their mission to promote local heritage. ‍

Tourism should not be the only business activity on the island, but should be developed alongside production."‍

For visitors interested in learning more about the history of cheese production on the island, Gligora offers guided tours around their factory and cheese cellar! In their tasting room that can accommodate up to 100 people, you can enjoy their appetizing products while watching a multi-language video on cheese making.

If you're still hungry, try some Gligora-inspired desserts. While vacationing, it could be a nice opportunity to bond with family or friends. Our personal favorite is this delicious curd strudel made with rich cream cheese ‘skuta’, a local take on ricotta cheese.

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