An island in the middle of Kvarner Bay, where mountains and beautiful white sandy beaches meet the sea, its turquoise colour reminiscent of the Caribbean. The eastern coastline is desolate, harsh and inhospitable. From the mainland, the eastern coastline looks like an impenetrable fortress with 4 m walls jutting out of the sea. It is a living picture of how powerful and merciless the Bora can be. The western coastline is protected from the destructive Bora by the Kamenjak mountains and Straža peak. In the south, sharp rocks leading into the sea are more typical than white beaches.
The western coastline is beautifully green and offers plenty of fabulous bays. At times, you will feel like you are in paradise. The romantic town of Rab is situated here, the largest pearl on the island, which will captivate you with an amazing atmosphere. It has a slightly mysterious feel, like a town from a different century. It hides rare treasures from ancient and medieval times. Regular stone-paved lanes reminiscent of a chess board and ramparts dating back to the 12th century surround the undisturbed medieval centre, well-preserved sea gates, steep steps leading from the ramparts all the way to the sea, and the silhouettes of the four chapel towers. The Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady rises up above the town (the most treasured building from this era in the Adriatic), right next to a 26 m high bell tower. You will have the greatest experience by climbing the cathedral tower at night. The so-called "Central Street" leads through the town centre, where you will find a lot of cafés, galleries, and restaurants. The local speciality is Rab Cake, which has been a tradition since 1177, when it was prepared by nuns for Pope Alexander III. Only known to a few women on the island, the secret recipe is handed down from generation to generation.
A view from the sea of the town of Rab
Right next to the ramparts is the Chapel of St Christopher (the patron saint of the town) which is the gateway to the protected Komrčar Nature Park which is worth a visit in itself. In the park, a pine forest and views of the sea will provide some pleasant refreshment. This is the ideal place for a walk or taking a morning run. However, sports opportunities do not end there. A nice cycle path leads from the town of Rab in a northwest direction to the Kalifront Peninsula (approximately 20 km) and the return journey winds along the coastline with beautiful bays and beaches. By bike, you can even take a trip to the ridge of Kamenjak. There is a lovely view from there over the island and its bays. You can also rent a kayak (we recommend Sea Kayak Avanture, owned by Joško Matušan) – this is a very pleasant experience. Diving and fishing enthusiasts can also take advantage of one of the five bases and nice diving locations.
Other picturesque towns and villages on the island of Rab are: Lopar (a really lovely, small ancient town), Mundanije, Supetarska Draga, Kampor, Barbat, and Banjol (where there is an excellent kayak rental centre. The owners Joško Matušan and Davor Mlacovic are knowledgeable and very likeable. This is a memorable experience). About 2 NM from the Lopar peninsula (Rt. Saramic) is the fascinating island of Goli—a notorious prison island until 1988.
The island of Rab has the most beaches with white sand in the Adriatic! Most of them are in the northern part of the island on the Lopar peninsula where you can also find a lovely eco path. But absolutely everyone is catered for. Apart from sandy beaches, to the west and south of the island you will also discover rocky or pebbled beaches. The nicest beaches on the island are: the "Blue Flag" award-winning Suha Punta-Karolin beach, Kandalora (a beautiful beach on the Frkanj peninsula) and the sandy beaches on the Lopar peninsula (comprised of long beaches suitable for small children).
The town of Rab is interesting and the bays along the western coastline are pretty. But they are usually very crowded in the summer.
Tips for good restaurants: the Velum (Rab), the Nada restaurant and the konoba Borik (both in Palit town), konoba Marenda and Gonar restaurant (in Kamporska Draga bay and anchorage - a konoba with a view of the sea and beautiful sunsets, with a nice beach nearby).
ACI marina Rab—a very nice, modern marina, located on the western part of the island near the town of the same name. It offers 140 berths, connections to water and electricity, well-maintained showers and WC, a smaller, well-stocked shop, connection to WiFi, technical services and a shop with yachting equipment, laundry, and ATM. There is also a fuelling station and gas cylinder shop near the marina. There are several larger supermarkets in the town of Rab, a farmer’s market (they also sell fresh fish here in the morning), a bakery, many cafés and superb restaurants (we recommend the Velum restaurant, Labirint, Gardens and the konoba Rab) as well as a renowned nightclub (discotheque).
ACI Marina, Supetarska Draga—offers 270 berths, connections to water and electricity, showers and WC, connection to WiFi, a well-stocked shop, and laundry. On the seafront are cafés, bars, and restaurants (we recommend the konoba Marenda and the Gonar restaurant). The N, NW, and W winds are dangerous.
Pičuljan Dock, Barbat—offers 40 berths (depth 1–4 m), connections to water and electricity, showers and WC, and restaurants (we recommend the Hotel Villa and Leut restaurants).