Travel Guide to the Island of Rab, Kvarner, Croatia
The island of Rab lies in the south of the Kvarner Bay and is considered one of the sunniest islands in the Adriatic. Green forests in the west, barren rocks in the east and fine sandy beaches in between make Rab a holiday destination that stands out clearly from its neighboring islands. Families in particular love the shallow, child-friendly water at many of the beaches.
Rab Old Town and its four bell towers
The main town of Rab sits on a narrow peninsula and is easy to recognize from a distance by its four bell towers. Stroll through the lanes of the medieval old town, past churches, small squares and stone houses, all the way up to the viewpoints above the harbor. In the evening, the waterfront promenade becomes a meeting place with cafés and restaurants. Every year at the end of July, the medieval festival Rapska fjera turns the town into a stage full of costumes, traditional crafts and crossbowmen.
Sandy beaches in Lopar and hidden coves
The best-known beach on the island is Rajska plaža, the Paradise Beach in Lopar: a long, very shallow sandy beach where even small children can splash around safely. Around Lopar you will find more sandy coves, including a few quiet naturist beaches. If you prefer swimming in shady coves, head to the Kalifront peninsula, where pine and holm oak forests reach all the way down to the sea.
Nature, hiking and cycling
The Dundo forest on Kalifront is one of the most beautiful forests on the Adriatic and is a protected nature reserve. Well-marked hiking and cycling trails lead through forests and olive groves and along the Kamenjak ridge, where you can gaze far across the Kvarner islands to Velebit.
Food and specialties
You simply have to try the Rabska torta, a traditional almond cake that used to be baked for festive occasions. It goes well with fresh fish, lamb from the island and olive oil from the small oil mills.
Getting to Rab
You can reach Rab by car ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Mišnjak. In season, there is also a ferry connection from Valbiska on Krk to Lopar, ideal for a day trip from Krk.
Below you will find all the beaches, sights, restaurants and tips for Rab, sorted by category and shown on the map.