Rab Island travel guide
- Beautiful architecture and church towers of Rab old town
- Only 11 km long but crammed with history and stunning landscapes
- Chosen by Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson for a romantic getaway
- Golden sand of Paradise beach
- Ferry links to mainland and other islands
- Must see: the streets and alleyways of Rab old town
Green and verdant on one side and rocky and barren on the other, an island of varied landscape and one of Croatia's finest island towns
It's all about sandy beaches (30 of them), prettiest towns, fossils, stunning geological sights, healthy food, harbour cafes, families and party goers. Rab is a North Adriatic Island with 30 sandy beaches, stunning scenery, lush thousand year old oak woods and some extraordinary natural geological formations because of which it is one of Europe's recognised Geoparks. It is one of the Kvarner islands and is just 22 km long by 11 km wide. It is well known for its mild climate. Verdant in the south-west, rocky in the north and east and rocking in the middle, Rab has a lot to offer. Families like the safely shallow, sandy beach in the northern peninsula of Lopar, while nature lovers and naturists hike to the wilder beaches there.
Healthy eating is the principle of the local cuisine - simply prepared grilled fish, herb fed lamb, organic fruit and vegetables, olive oil. Prize winning local Cabernet Sauvignon will please most wine lovers. The unique local speciality is Rab Torte - a shortbread cake stuffed with nuts and honey and shaped like a curled snail.
The eponymous town of
Rab is a stunner – the most beautiful and perfect sight on the island. It is crammed with Gothic and Renaissance palaces, churches and characteristic four belfries, lush flowers cascading from Juliette balconies, mini squares with bars and cafes, all very tasteful and delicious. Sandy and pebbly beaches are everywhere. Rab is a perfect destination for historical sights since the town has a long history that dates back to 360 BC. Visit the ruins of the fortress and the beautiful 13th century cathedral which also houses a small museum. During summer there are always many happenings in Rab; beside the entertainment in town like the medieval festival there are also many bars and beach bars. One of the most popular places is the beach club Santos, every summer many Croatian and foreign artists perform there. Day trips from Rab will take you to the nearby islands of
Losinj,
Krk and
Pag, or just take a relaxing trip around the Rab island. A bit further afield you can get an organised trip to the
Velebit National Park and the
National Park Plitvice.You can get to Rab by a ferry from either Jablanac-Mišnjak or Valbiska-Lopar. Nearest airports are Rijeka, Zadar and Zagreb.
