Rab Island: A Dream Destination

Dense forests, fine sandy beaches, and hidden coves - does that sound unattainable and far away? Think again! Rab Island can offer you all this and much more! It impresses with its crystal-clear waters, historic old towns, and gently sloping, paradise-like beaches. This is reason enough to introduce you to this heavenly spot on Earth.

Croatia's Rab Island is not only the greenest island in the Kvarner Gulf and the most popular island among Germans visiting Croatia, but it is also known as the island of the happy. That's how former kings dubbed it when they chose it as their favorite vacation destination - probably because the people who lived there were fortunate to be there. I can certainly confirm this. The island captivates with its beauty - even the bustling tourism cannot take that away, as taking just a small step away from the tourist centers can give you the feeling of being stranded on a deserted island. Therefore, I would like to introduce you to this wonderful destination in more detail.

Island Paradise | The Town of Rab | Suha Punta

The Town of Lopar | Supetarska Draga | Activities

I have already mentioned some of the island's beauty, but there's so much more to tell. Rab, with its more unusual sandy beaches for Croatia, is not just the perfect vacation destination for beach lovers. Nature enthusiasts also have a great time on Rab as the island is particularly suited for hiking and biking. Biking and hiking trails stretch for 180 kilometers through mountains and valleys, where dense forests blend with olive groves, parks, and orchards. With its 22 kilometers in length, the island is not very large and can be wonderfully explored in just a few days. By the way, Rab is located right next to the islands of Krk and Cres in the Kvarner Gulf and can be easily reached by ferry from Krk and the nearby mainland. If you arrive by plane, you'll usually land at Krk and can take a transfer from there.

The town of Rab is located on the western coast of the island and is the main attraction for tourists. And for good reason, as Rab boasts a beautiful medieval old town that tells the history of the place and can be considered the most beautiful town on the island. The houses in the old town are tightly packed on a small elongated peninsula that encloses the city harbor with the mainland. The three shopping streets are particularly popular among visitors in summer - a stroll through the historic alleys is a must for every guest of this beautiful island. As you approach the old town, the first thing that will catch your eye is the four towering bell towers that frame the old town - they are the city's landmark. Once in the historic town, be sure to check out the Prince's Palace, which you can also enter and whose construction began in the 13th century.

Outside the old town, there's still plenty to discover. For example, the Komrcar city park, which adjoins the old town and stretches along the coast to the small harbor of the district of Palit. It's a wonderful place to relax. In the park, you'll also find the Galjarda Fortress from the 15th century.

The city of Rab is also known for its picturesque coves and beaches, such as the unique city beach located right beneath the historic city walls, from where you can admire the important sights directly from your towel.

If you're planning a longer stay in Rab and want to do a little more than sightseeing and sunbathing, I recommend taking a ferry trip to the mainland where you can see even more. If you have some time, you could visit the inland Plitvice Lakes. This renowned national park offers you an impressive natural spectacle. However, you can also enjoy beautiful excursions on Rab. For instance, if you book a taxi boat in Rab's harbor or rent a small private boat, you can access secluded and very romantic coves on the opposite peninsula of Frkanj, where you can swim and snorkel undisturbed in crystal-clear waters.

After a tiring day at the beach (sunbathing can quite make you sweat), one can look forward to a delicious Croatian cocktail at the bar of your choice or dance the night away at the local disco - there's certainly plenty of evening activities here! In the numerous restaurants, you will also enjoy classic Croatian or Italian dishes. Additionally, wonderful events such as concerts by well-known musicians take place outdoors in the summer, completing the vacation vibe.

The village of Suha Punta, located near the town of Kampor and just five kilometers from the town of Rab, is situated on the peninsula in the west of Rab, which is covered with pine and oak trees. This peninsula is arguably one of the most beautiful regions of Rab - and for good reason! Here you can enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean nature while hiking or biking through the Duno and Kalifront forest area and finally cool off in a secluded cove discovered along the way. That sounds dreamy, doesn't it?

Suha Punta is a small settlement where you can primarily enjoy a relaxing vacation. Here you will find beautiful vacation apartments in several apartment complexes as well as two hotels. For a perfect getaway, you will also be provided with tennis courts, mini-golf facilities, cafés, and of course, breathtaking quiet bathing coves. Surrounded by lush green nature, you can relax perfectly here. Be sure to visit the nearby popular coves of Cifnata and Gozinka and take a walk along the peninsula's coastline in search of a hidden cove.

The second-largest town after Rab is the just 13 kilometers away Lopar, which is located on the peninsula of the same name. Although the town in the north of the island doesn't have such a charming old town to offer, it is no less popular among tourists. This is mainly because one can find truly beautiful sandy beaches in the region. A well-known example is the beach of Rajska Plaža, which is also called Paradise Beach. The name already gives it away: This bright, fine sandy beach, with a length of 1.5 kilometers, is not only the largest on the island, but it is also so shallow that one might think they are in the South Seas. Here you can not only relax under the sun but also swim extensively in the sea. The beach is not without reason very popular among families with young children as there are also many great offerings for kids. However, adults have just as much to enjoy as the little ones, as the beach features a beach bar and a disco that opens its doors in the evening.

In Lopar, there's a lot of activity. Especially in the summer months, many people are bustling about among small shops and restaurants. But a small step is enough to escape the hustle and bustle and find yourself in the quiet solitude of nature that surrounds the town. In the immediate vicinity, peace seekers can find numerous deserted beaches. In Croatia, it's quite common to take your own or a rented boat to reach these secluded coves or even the offshore islands.

But it's not just beautiful beaches that await exploration here. You will also find interesting nature in the surrounding area that is well-suited for hiking. On the many hiking trails, you will pass through various landscapes. From fields and gardens to wooded green hills and barren mountain landscapes, you can see everything the island has to offer. Along the way, you will also encounter ancient ruins from the time of the ancient Greeks at Cape Zidine.

The old fishing village of Supetarska Draga is particularly special in one way: the place is situated on a beautiful, picturesque peninsula in the north of Rab, in front of which lie four offshore and uninhabited islands. On these islands (named Maman, Sridnjak, Sailovac, and Boljkovac), you will find the most beautiful secluded sandy beaches and pure tranquility - simply wonderful! The exciting thing is that, like everywhere in Croatia, you can simply rent a small boat or a taxi boat to set sail at your leisure. Here you can truly experience adventures!

I've already suggested you go on self-guided boat tours, hike through forests to secluded coves, or take cycling trips, but there are still so many great things to do on Rab!

Not only in the north and west of the island are there beautiful hiking trails and an interesting landscape to admire. In the southwest at Brabat, you can also undertake interesting tours besides beach vacationing, such as hiking to Mount Kamenjak. Alternatively, you can trek to the ruins of an ancient Greek military colony from the fourth century BC - a mystical place. However, the further you go towards the east or south, the drier and more mountainous it becomes, so prepare yourself and bring a hat.

The images of the beautiful beaches and coves on Rab Island have long been stuck in my mind. The turquoise water makes me dream of snorkeling and splashing in calm bays. But not only that: water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, or kayaking... every kind of water sport is possible here.

And for those who want to dive even further, there are various diving schools where you can book diving courses or rent equipment. Rab is surrounded by eerie underwater caves, mysterious shipwrecks on the sea floor, and a colorful underwater nature. You can enjoy diving trips to the former prison island of Goli Otok or to the island of Grgur, which was a women's prison after World War II, where you can not only inspect the remains of the cells but also dive down to steep cliffs at depths of up to 50 meters. You'll probably come across relatively large fish, so don't be scared!

Some vacationers have already discovered this paradise island for themselves, but if you haven't done so yet, it's not too late! Despite the many tourists who have fallen in love with this little spot on the Adriatic, Rab is still an island where you can feel completely alone while walking through the woods or swimming in a deserted cove. So? How about spending this summer on Rab? If my report has convinced you, check out my offerings. There are wonderful vacation apartments and hotels on Rab, so there's surely something for everyone. But perhaps it will be another destination in Croatia... Let the other articles in my travel magazine inspire you!

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