Welcome to Rab
Rab wears its nickname — the Happy Island — with good reason. Set in the Kvarner Bay just 15 minutes by ferry from the mainland, it’s one of Croatia’s most quietly rewarding islands, combining a medieval old town with some of the finest sandy beaches in the entire Adriatic. The town of Rab itself is the kind of place that makes you slow down. Four Romanesque bell towers rise above a tangle of stone streets and Baroque palaces — a skyline that’s barely changed since the 12th Century. Climb to the highest tower at dusk and you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
What sets Rab apart from much of Croatia is its beaches. The Lopar Peninsula alone is home to over 30 sandy stretches, including the two-kilometre sweep of Rajska Plaža — shallow, warm, and ideal if you’re traveling with children. Further around the coastline, quieter coves reward those willing to seek them out. Inland, the island’s dense forests and rocky interior open up to viewpoints where the Kvarner islands scatter across the water below you. Each July, the old town transforms for Rapska Fjera — a medieval festival dating back to 1364, complete with costumed parades and knightly tournaments that fill the stone streets with sound and color.
Meet the Expert
“What draws me back to Rab is its balance. Centuries of history unfold through the streets of Rab Town, while just beyond them, untouched coastline and pine forests invite you to slow down. For me, the island’s greatest appeal lies as much in these peaceful moments as in its landmarks.”
Things to Do in Rab Island
Wander Rab’s old town beneath its four bell towers, then trade the cobbled lanes for pine forest and sandy swimming coves.
Visit the Old Town
An exploration of the Old Town is recommended. A short detour from Rab’s main square, the Santa Maria is set in a stately mansion dating back to the early 1800s. Tuck into a thick steak or grilled seafood surrounded by historic stone walls, with tables facing out to sea and Rab harbour. One of Rab town’s many historic churches, St Justine, is where you’ll find the Museum of Sacred Art. Here the main attraction is kept inside a gold-encrusted reliquary dating back the best part of 1,000 years.
Take a Boat to Kornati National Park.
Sail to Telašćica Nature Park and marvel at the landscapes of the Kornati archipelago. Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and admire at the best-protected natural harbor of the eastern Adriatic and visit the saltwater lake of Mir. This majestic park boasts 109 stunning islands. Along the way, we’ll stop twice for a swim in the crystal-clear sea, make a tour through an old village on one of the islands and have a lunch on the boat. You will discover the dramatic karst-limestone formations that tower around you. Experience the extraordinary wildlife and sea creatures and swim in salt lake around Mir.
Try a Rab Cake
When in Croatia, one major reason to visit Rab would be to enjoy its wonderful Rabska Torta, Rab cake. This sweet pastry is traditional and native to the island of Rab. It is a cake made with a kind of marzipan flavored with Maraschino liqueur and grated citrus fruit. It is placed on a very thin spiral-shaped dough and the sides are decorated with the same dough, creating small ruffles. Then it is baked, just in its exact time to maintain its juiciness, and sprinkled with icing sugar. There are no words to describe its wonderful taste and texture. Truly delicious!
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