Rabac is an attractive tourist resort on the eastern coast of Croatia’s Istria peninsula, about 40 km north of Pula, overlooking Kvarner Bay. And it has some amazing beaches that we’re going to talk about today.
Its location beneath high mountains provides a mild Mediterranean climate. However, this geographical feature also presents a drawback: the only road into and out of Rabac is winding and mountainous. But it’s worth all the trouble of getting there, trust me!
The steep terrain, with houses built into hillsides overlooking the sea, makes the seaside promenade a true eye candy, and the place itself perfect for an unforgettable vacation.
Originally a small fishing village, Rabac has transformed into a popular tourist destination. Today, it offers top hotels, apartment complexes, and several campsites for all pockets.
But let’s get back to the best beaches in Rabac. Here are my favorites, marked on the map below (keep reading for details!)
When I say that the beaches in Rabac are the most beautiful in Istria, I have all the tourists that have been here ready to confirm. While the Istria coast is generally rocky, beaches in Rabac are pebbly and beautiful, with amazing views both in front at the sea, but also at the back thanks to the mountains.
I would say that the beaches here resemble those along Croatia’s famous Makarska Riviera. You can enjoy similar scenery without traveling south to a place like Brela, for example.
Most beaches are within the town or nearby villages, so they’re easy to reach once you get to Rabac.
Combined with clear turquoise waters, excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling, and plenty of water sports, Rabac’s beaches become a top attraction. Just keep in mind that during the peak season (July and August), they’re very crowded.
Here’s where you should go:
Maslinica Beach
Maslinica is a 500-meter pebble beach surrounded by hotels and lush Mediterranean vegetation. This is probably the most popular and best known beach in Rabac – and for all the right reasons.
It offers various water sports and also has earned the Blue Flag certification. If you want to be close to it, you should book your stay at hotels Narcis, Mimosa or Hedera that offer great value even during the high season.
The beach is equipped with amenities for guests with disabilities, including ramps and accessible restrooms.
Lanterna Beach
Lanterna is a popular pebble beach with easy sea access, ideal for families with children.
It is located near hotels and resorts, accessible by shaded paths through a forested area. Lanterna holds the Blue Flag award for cleanliness and water quality, offering various activities for visitors and it’s probably the second beach you will visit in Rabac.
Sveti Andrea Beach
Located just a short walk from the Valamar Sanfior and Allegro Sunny Hotel, Sveti Andrea Beach stretches from Rabac town along the Istrian peninsula.
Combining natural beauty with all the amenities provided by being close to the center of Rabac, this beach is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Girandella Beach
Located beneath the Girandella tourist village, Girandella Beach features pebbly, rocky, and paved areas. It is Blue Flag-certified and has numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and a popular diving center.
It offers sunbed and umbrella rentals, with prices around €15 for two beds and an umbrella per day (prices might change depending on the season).
The beach hosts Rabac’s traditional Summer Festival, famous for electronic music. And if you want alternatives, check out my article about the Ultra Europe festival, one of the biggest in Croatia and Europe as a whole.
Nearby accommodations include the four-star Valamar Sanfior Hotel, which offers pools, wellness services, and a pleasant courtyard.
Prižinja Beach
A secluded gem, Prižinja Beach offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Accessible via an unpaved gravel road or a short coastal hike, this pebble beach is popular among visitors seeking a peaceful spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Also read: Best All Inclusive Resorts in Croatia
Here’s When You Should Visit Rabac’s Beaches
The best time to visit any of my recommended beaches is during the high season, in July and August.
However, it is the most crowded time of the year, so if you want to skip the crowds, you should visit in June and September – it’s not going to be perfect, but it’ll be really close. Plus, the prices will be lower and the crowds a bit filtered.
Did I miss any beautiful beach in Rabac? Let me know if you have suggestions, or additional questions/tips or anything to share to help other people traveling to this beautiful spot in Croatia.