If you approach Rab island by boat, from a distance, you’ll have the feeling that you are approaching a huge ship with four masts. This strange but magical impression is nothing but Rab town’s four church towers that rise above the roofs in the old town.
And if you think “No way it’s that perfect,” just wait until you get there! Or trust me when I say that this place is the real deal.
I can’t forget arriving back in 1980 (and things have improved a lot since then), sailing up with 400 wide-eyed American tourists on a luxury yacht, at a time when Croatia was still tucked behind the Iron Curtain. They were absolutely blown away back then, and now it’s even more impressive. Let’s learn everything about this amazing place in Croatia!
Quick Guide to Rab – At a Glance
- Must-see: Rab Old Town, Paradise Beach, Kandarola Beach, City Walls, St. Anthony’s Monastery.
- Must do: Climbing a church tower, eating Rapska torta, taking a taxi boat trip, enjoying a festival night in July.
- Where to stay: Old Town (history, food), Lopar (beach, family), Barbat (quiet, sea views).
- How to get there: Ferries from Stinica (mainland), Valbiska (Krk), catamaran from Rijeka.
- Best time: Late June or September for best mix of weather, crowds, and events.
- My tip: Arrive early for parking, try more than one beach, and bring water shoes!
Why Visit Rab Island?
With more sandy beaches than most Croatian islands, but also a perfect mixture of pine forests, ancient towns, and a local pace that simply destroys stress, Rab is the perfect getaway for those looking for a reset.
It’s perfect for families, couples, solo explorers – even those who want to sunbathe in the nude where royalty once did.
All in all, it’s the sheer variety that sets Rab apart. You get medieval history, legendary beaches, wild pine forests, delicious local food you can’t find elsewhere, and a festival calendar that rivals islands twice its size.
And if you’re all about Croatian islands, make sure to also check out my article about the Pakleni Islands, when you’re done reading this one.
A bit of history
Rab is called the “happy island” since the Roman times, who named it Felix Arba (“felix” for happy, “Arba” for green). The island’s heyday was under Croatian rule (11th–13th centuries), before Venice took over.
There’s even a link to San Marino – the legend says that a local stonemason, St. Marino, fled to Italy in the 4th century and founded the republic there. He’s currently the patron saint of Lopar.
How to Get to Rab Island: Ferries, Fast Boats & More
There are plenty of options to get to Rab Island and, even though there are no guaranteed air routes (they come and go constantly), getting here by sea is the top choice.
Here are your options via ferries and air:
- Stinica (Mainland) – Mišnjak (Rab)
The quickest and most frequent. Ferries run every 30–60 minutes year-round, taking just 20 minutes. Buy tickets at the port or Rapska Plovidba’s official site, even though the latter looks like it’s stuck in time. - Valbiska (Krk Island) – Lopar (Rab)
A longer but beautiful route, operated by Jadrolinija. Up to 4 crossings daily in summer, around 80 minutes per trip. Check times here. - Rijeka – Rab Town – Novalja (Pag)
Catamaran service (passengers only), up to 3x/day in high season, around 2 hours. Perfect for foot travelers or island-hoppers. - By Air (Hydroplane):
Service has come and gone, but when available, they connect Rab to Split, Zadar, Lošinj. 16 seats, so you should book early. Always check for latest status.
If you’re arriving in summer, reserve ferry tickets in advance and arrive early, as queues build up, especially during weekends.
Map of Rab Island (with Hotels)
Where to Stay on Rab Island
You can’t go wrong by choosing any random place on Rab Island, but if you want my personal recommendations, here they are, based on the top touristic spots on the island.
Rab Town
Best for: History lovers, nightlife, easy access to sights.
- Valamar Padova Hotel: Modern 4-star hotel with sea views, big pool, 10-min walk from Old Town.
- Arbiana Heritage Hotel: Historic mansion, boutique vibe, right on the harbor.
- Apartment Lana: Central, self-catering, family-run. From €75/night.
Lopar
Best for: Families, beach lovers, watersports, laid-back stays.
- Valamar Camping San Marino: The island’s largest, bungalows and pitches right on Paradise Beach.
- Apartments OK: Affordable, steps from the sand, amazing views.
- Apartments Marija: Quiet, garden, 5-min walk to Paradise Beach.
Barbat
Best for: Quieter pace, boaters, close to beaches.
- Villa Petrac: Modern apartments, sea views, close to the beach.
- Hotel Villa Barbat: Small, local food, marina nearby.
If you’re into an All-Inclusive mindset instead, I recommend checking out my full guide to the best All-Inclusive hotels and resorts in Croatia.
Top Things to Do on Rab Island
Apart from the obvious (and I would dare say main) thing to do – which is enjoying one of the amazing beaches on the island, here’s what else you should do while here:
Explore Rab’s Old Town
Climb one (or all) of the famous four towers in the town. Wander the stone lanes between the Assumption Cathedral, St. John the Evangelist, St. Andrew, and St. Justine. While walking, make sure to mark these on your to do list:
City Lodge (Gradska Loža): Built in the Renaissance style in 1509. It is a spacious hall with a roof held by numerous columns. The Lodge was the center of Rab until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.
City Walls: Tower of the Bold (Kula Smjelih) and Tower of St. Christopher. Built in the 15 century with the intention to strengthen the fort, these two towers stand on the ruins of the previous medieval walls built in the 12th or 13th century.
Monastery of St. Anthony Abbot: This Franciscan Monastery is located in the old town (Kladanac) and was founded in the 11th century as a refuge for aristocrats. Today, it serves as a gallery for antique oil paintings of Rab from 1638. Nuns still inhabit it, taking care of the gardens and make various souvenirs.
Nimira Palace, Bakota Palace and Tudorini Palace for more magnificent Renaissance-era buildings.
Cycle or Hike the Kalifront Forest
This is one of the largest holm oak forests in the Mediterranean, with well-marked bike and walking trails, hidden beaches, and wildflower meadows.
Try Water Sports or Rent a Boat
Paddleboard, kayak, windsurf, or rent a small boat (license required for engines). Explore quiet coves at your own pace.
Experience a Local Festival
I will go more in-depth in the Events section below, but it’s good to know that summer is packed with various festivals and events, from medieval reenactments to open-air concerts, and fish feasts.
I wouldn’t go as far as scheduling the trip there based on any of the events, but if you’re around when they take place, make sure to visit!
Check Out Local Markets
If you want some locally-grown fruits and vegetables, Rab Town’s open-air market is the place to visit. Pick up figs, cheese, olive oil, and honey from local producers or just wander by a bit to see the low prices and the vibe of the area.
Best Beaches on Rab Island
Rab has around 30 sandy beaches, which is unusual for Croatia, which is better known for its pebble and rocky beaches. It has plenty of options in easy-to-reach spots, and I am categorizing them below.
You must visit at least one of the famous sandy beaches on the island during your stay. They are all accessible and all beautiful, but if you don’t have time to explore them all, here are the top ones:
Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaža, Lopar): The crown jewel, near Lopar. 2km of fine sand, shallow water, “Blue Flag” since 2003 for cleanliness… you have everything you need and want, including cafés, water sports, pedalos. It’s great for those visiting with kids, too.
This is such an amazing beach that I have an entire article dedicated to it – check it out here to learn everything about Rab’s best beach.
Livačina Beach (Lopar): Next to Paradise, it’s basically the same thing but quieter, with more shade, and even better for families.
Pudarica Beach (near Barbat): Found near Barbat, this is another sandy beach, loved by locals. Easy to reach by car or boat, and the party doesn’t stop at sunset: Beach Club Santos keeps the music going into the night.
Kandarola Beach: History meets naturism here. King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson famously swam au naturel at Kandarola in 1936, giving Rab the title of Croatia’s “pioneer of naturism.”
The beach is a mix of rock and pebble, with a long tradition of welcoming those who prefer tan lines only from their sandals.
For even more naturist options in Croatia, check out my article detailing the best naturist beaches in South Croatia, the best ones in Central Dalmatia, and finally the best ones in North Dalmatia.
Sahara Beach: Secluded, sandy, and clothing-optional – reached by a 30-minute walk or by boat from Lopar.
Ciganka Beach: Surreal sand formations (amazing natural dunes!), very quiet, also near Lopar.
Suha Punta: Pine-fringed coves, good for shade seekers.
Mel Beach (Kampor): Very shallow, sandy, perfect for toddlers, with a playground nearby.
Where to Eat & Drink (Restaurants, Cafés & Specialties)
Rab’s food scene is all about simple Mediterranean flavors – most of which have at least a local touch. Expect to find ultra-fresh seafood, island lamb, and a few local secrets you’ll want to try.
For local cuisine, which should be experienced first, try konoba-style restaurants in Rab Town and Lopar for fresh fish, grilled lamb, and homemade olive oil.
My picks: Konoba Rab, Restaurant Sanpjer in Rab, Bistro Bonaca in Lopar, the hidden gem Restaurant Aco in Barbat, and Restoran BEPO for a mix of great food and sea views.
While on Rab, make sure to taste the Rapska torta (Rab cake), a local almond cake dating back to medieval times. Before that, order a Peka – a local dish slow-cooked over embers (you can order it one day in advance at various taverns), and round it up with lamb from the grill, which in Rab has a special aroma due to the island’s flora.
Expect to spend around €10–15 for a tasty, one-course meal, or €25+ for a full seafood dinner. Most restaurants accept cards, but carry some cash for small cafés or bakeries (and tipping).
Events & Festivals
During the summer, there always seems to be some sort of an event or festival over the weekends – sometimes during the week to. You can check the official Rab tourist board website for the full calendar and make sure you visit any event taking place during your stay.
Here are some of the main ones, and when they usually take place – these are great for the entire family!
Rapska Fjera (Rab Medieval Festival)
- When: July 25–27 each year
- What: This is the biggest event on the island. The entire Old Town transforms into a medieval fair with costumed parades, archery contests, artisan stalls, delicious foods, and live music. It’s a great experience that feels like a trip taken back in time.
Rab Jazz Festival
- When: Sometime in early August
- What: Jazz musicians from Croatia and abroad play on open-air stages by the sea. The atmosphere there is amazing and the best part is that there’s no entry fee – you can simply show up and enjoy quality music.
Fishermen’s Nights
- When: Multiple times each summer, usually in Rab Town, Barbat, and Lopar
- What: Local seafood, music, and community spirit; a great excuse to mingle with locals, although I’m starting to see more and more tourists there each year.
Summer Music Concerts
Various, usually free-to-attend, concerts from local musicians (but not only!) are usually help in the Old Town square of Rab Town (but also, sometimes, in other towns on the island). Check the tourist board for schedules.
And if you’re into music festivals, make sure to also read about Ultra Europe, one of Croatia’s best known events.
Wrapping Up
Rab is an amazing island – it’s still raw and real, a true vacation spot and not one of those places that feel “manufactured” for tourism. Rab is authentic, charming, amazing, and it has some of Croatia’s best sandy beaches.
Each time I visit Rab, I love checking out the spots I enjoy most (the ones recommended above), but I always find time to discover something new – and there’s plenty of that as well. So, no matter if it’s your first time on the island, or the 10th, you will always be happy… it’s the “Happy Island,” after all!
Got questions on planning your Rab adventure, or maybe some additional tips and stories to share? Drop a comment below – I’m always happy to read what fellow travelers enjoy!