Adventure called Life on Mars continues on the new section of the trail opened in May 2024, which connects the starting point from the Žigljen location and the final one through the settlement of Metajna in a length of 10,5 km. Life on Mars Trail 2 passes through the rugged Pag rocks, from which there is an enchanting view of Velebit and the blue sea, and small hidden coves are a surprise that takes your breath away.
What does Life on Mars 2 look like?
Branch leading to the beginning of the track it is located near the substation 2 kilometers by road above the Žigljen ferry pier. There you turn onto the asphalt road and after 800 m a marked road begins on the right, where you can park your vehicle. To make it easier to find your way, here are the google locations: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XjNeJKg4GsU5aA4r5
After entering from the asphalt, the path for the next 6 kilometers (all the way to the Vela Luka bay) passes above the sea, at a height that varies between 100 and 200 meters above sea level and winds through various stone structures, a dozen valleys and climbs several "galleries". from where there are impressive views of Velebit almost in its entire length.
The most attractive part follows before the descent into the Vela Luka cove, where you will reach the location of the last gallery where you will feel like the actors in "Lord of the Rings". This part of the trail is moderately demanding due to the frequent short ascents and descents that often alternate with several more technically demanding details where you need to slow down.
For this part of the trail, you should definitely have trail or hiking shoes for harder terrain, you should definitely bring 1.5 liters of water and a hat against the sun, since you won't come across a single tree on the Life on Mars trails!
The trail is "runable" in many places and is ideal for active athletes and recreationists, as well as guided groups, where they can be engaged through the local DMC travel agency Sunturist Novalja. Unlike the first part of the trail, Life on Mars 2 is not recommended for beginners or for families with children.
After 6 kilometers when starting from Luka candle, one of the most beautiful coves of the Podvelebit channel in which you will definitely want to take a dip, is followed by a 3,5 kilometer path that is minimally demanding and suitable for all types of visitors: from walkers and families with children to active runners and mountaineers.
The beautiful nature shaped by blows of wind, sun and salt leaves you breathless every time, just like hers hidden coves and beaches shaped in the wilderness of the Velebit channel
After 1,2 kilometers from Vela Luka at the location of Dolac, where there is an impressive soccer field in the rockery itself, you can get out onto the road, as well as a kilometer further along the path where there is another entrance/exit to the road, which in its extension leads to Mala Luka cove.
From there, the path continues for 2.5 kilometers of very undemanding terrain to the junction with the original Life on Mars route. At this location, you have passed exactly 9,5 kilometers from the beginning on Žigljen and where you can choose whether you want to turn right where after 700 meters you come to Metajna or you want to continue along the route Life on Mars, choosing to go an even longer version of an additional 12 kilometers across the Malin beach or a shorter version of an additional 7 kilometers that shortens the way at Slana bay.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT LIFE ONA MARS 2
In terms of equipment, it is necessary to bring adequate footwear and clothing, sun protection (hat, glasses and SPF cream), a charged mobile phone as well as sufficient amounts of liquid and food (minimum 1,5 liters). You can park vehicles at the very starting point as well as at the exit since the track is not circular, i.e. it does not return to the starting location.
The path is marked with mountain markings and the required time for the walking tour is between 3-4 hours.
