picturesque Rab Island: stunning beaches, traditional Rab Cake, towering bell towers
Rab Island, nestled in the heart of Kvarner Bay, is a gem waiting to be explored. Known as the "Happy Island," it welcomes visitors with a mix of sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Getting to Rab Island is hassle-free, with ferries operating regularly from the mainland port of Stinica to the island's port of Misnjak. For those seeking a faster journey, a catamaran service connects Rijeka to Rab and Novalja. You can easily plan your trip by checking the ferry timetable on websites like Rab-Visit or Jadrolinija.
Once on the island, local buses are available for transportation, although they may be less frequent than in larger cities. For a more leisurely exploration, renting bicycles is a popular choice. Taxis and shuttle services are also available for immediate transportation needs.
Rab Island offers a variety of day trips to cater to every taste. One such trip is the Baška: Rab Island and Zavratnica Fjord Boat Tour. This excursion includes a visit to the historic town of Rab, a buffet lunch, and exploration of the Zavratnica fjord, where you can see the remains of a sunken ship from World War II.
For those who prefer a more active adventure, kayaking in Kvarner Bay offers a chance to explore the island's coastline from a different perspective and enjoy the marine life.
Visiting nearby islands like Krk or Cres is another option for those seeking more exploration of the Adriatic coastline.
Rab is known for its diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches, forests, and dramatic cliffs. Some of these beaches, like those in Lopar, are popular for families and naturists. The traditional Samba Festival, held on Paradise Beach in Lopar, offers extravagant costumes, Latin American rhythms, and all-night partying.
The town of Rab, the center of activities on the island, boasts four beautiful bell towers that ring at noon. The old town, with its narrow streets and medieval architecture, is a must-visit.
Local restaurants like Kod Kineza, Konoba Rab, Agatini vrtovi, and Barbat Villa and Restaurant offer authentic Croatian cuisine, from Mediterranean classics to local specialties like "štokalj s jajima" and "rapsko sočivo."
Rab is also known for its wine production, with several small wineries producing Brajdica, Plavac Mali, Plavina, and Pošip. A visit to Kamenjak tavern, perched on a hill overlooking the town of Rab and Kvarner Bay, is a unique dining experience.
For those interested in history, Rab has a rich past. Marco Antonio de Dominis, a notorious scholar from the age of Renaissance, was born into a noble Rab family and left his mark all over Europe. The founder of San Marino, Saint Marinus, is said to have fled from persecution of Christians to the other side of the Adriatic and founded a monastery on Monte Titano.
Campers are welcome on Rab, with well-equipped camps next to hotel resorts such as Padova Camping Resort in Banjol and Lando Resort on Mel Beach in Kampor. For a more Robinson-style vacation, Zidine Camp, on the northernmost tip of Rab, is a small, eco-friendly camp accessible only by foot.
The Island of Rab offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for your next vacation.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant lifestyle of Rab Island as you savor local Croatian cuisine and world-class food-and-drink options, from the traditional Samba Festival on Paradise Beach to the exquisite wines at Kamenjak tavern.
Discover nearby islands like Krk or Cres for an extended travel experience along the Adriatic coastline, or embark on a kayaking adventure in Kvarner Bay to explore the island's coastline from a unique perspective.
