Cover photo © credits to iStock/MariuszSzczygiel
Cover photo © credits to iStock/MariuszSzczygiel

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Rab, the happy island with 30 sandy beaches

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Rab is a happy place that always amazes its visitors. With its nature, sea, views, 30 sandy beaches and celebrations. It may be less popular than the rest of the Croatian islands but is definitely worth a visit. Rab is an island that carries many interesting stories from its long history, and whose present is filled with joy and happiness. In this text, I will present some of the most essential information regarding the island, its position, mysterious past, interesting present, and trivia facts like the name of the founder of one European country that was born on the island of Rab. So let's start.

General info

Rab is 22km long island located in the eastern Adriatic. It is located in the Kvarner Bay and is surrounded by other islands - in the north is Krk, in the west is Cres, and in the south is Pag. Rab has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants and only several settlements. Of all the Adriatic is one of the least populated but also one of the few islands where the number of inhabitants has not diminished through history. Rab is located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and is well connected with the mainland and other islands in the Kvarner Bay.

Photo © credits to iStock/Isaac74
Photo © credits to iStock/Isaac74

A bit of history

Rab is mentioned in ancient Greek records dating back to the 3rd century BC, under the name of Felix Arba. And since then, it has been a continually inhabited island, but some records mention settlements on Rab even in the prehistoric times. The empires and kingdoms were changed from period to period, each of which left its mark and trace. The island belonged to the Roman Empire, the Venetian Republic, the French Empire, and the Habsburg Monarchy. The city is adorned with churches, monasteries, and walls built from the 12th to the 19th century. 

Additionally, it is impossible not to mention the famous historic figures tied to this island. The most significant persona, of Rab's "celebrities" is, definitely, Saint Marinus. Born in the 4th century, Saint Marinus was the founder of the state today known as San Marino, the fifth smallest country in the world.

Photo © credits to iStock/Geribody
Photo © credits to iStock/Geribody

Rab today

Rab is a happy island with lots of events, festivals, and religious festivities. Particularly during the summer, when this island for several months, revives and receives more people than it has inhabitants. Rab will welcome you with 30 sandy beaches where you can enjoy the mild and beautiful Mediterranean climate, and where the sea temperature is often 25 degrees. While enjoying the beach, do not miss out on local delicacies, especially those made from organic potatoes. The homemade honey here is simply fantastic. If we only briefly mentioned flora and fauna, I would say that there are plenty of vineyards and figs on the island, and the glittering butterflies flying around them. Add some dolphins swimming around the nearby water - sounds heavenly, doesn't it?! Do not forget that the Northern Velebit National Park is close and if you're in a mood for hiking, make sure to visit. Velebit is also a great viewing point, overlooking all the islands of the Kvarner Bay.

Town Rab
Town Rab
Banjol 129, 51280, Banjol, Croacia

How to reach it

It is easy to reach Rab from the sea. From the mainland, you can come from the direction of Rijeka (120 km) or Zagreb (220 km). In the town of Stinica, take a ferry to Mišnjak on Rab. From the island of Pag, it's easy to reach the town of Rab, by boat. From the island of Krk, you can reach it by ferry from the town Lopar. The closest airports are in the cities Zagreb, Pula, Zadar, Ljubljana in Slovenia, or the island of Krk.

Photo © credits to iStock/MariuszSzczygiel
Photo © credits to iStock/MariuszSzczygiel

Welcome to Rab, the happy island that will welcome you with the smiling hosts and sunny weather. With its 30 sandy beaches, it will make you want to return as soon as possible.

Want to plan a trip here? Talk to AI travel assistant Maya.





The author

Marko Radojević

Marko Radojević

I am Marko, 28 years old, from Croatia. Travel, languages and nature enthusiast, lover and explorer. I share about my beautiful country.

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