Rab Island is Croatia’s sandiest island. It mixes a medieval skyline, pine‑fringed sands, gentle blue seas and a festival calendar that keeps the streets buzzing from spring to Christmas. This complete guide reveals why Rab Island belongs at the top of every European traveller’s summer wish list. It also shows you how to make the most of every sunny day on the island.
Why Choose Rab Island?
Rab Island (often called the “Happy Island”) offers something rare in Croatia: long sandy beaches. It also keeps distances short. You can drive from the ferry at Mišnjak to the resort village of Lopar in 30 minutes. In between lie historic squares, hiking forests, beach bars and some of the clearest snorkelling spots on the Adriatic.
Rab boasts around 30 sandy beaches – the highest concentration in Croatia – including the 2‑km Paradise Beach in Lopar.
Four Romanesque bell‑towers in one compact old town
Easy ferry access from the mainland and Krk Island
A growing choice of boutique hotels and family resorts
Festivals, markets and bike events almost every month
Getting to Rab Island
By Ferry
Stinica – Mišnjak runs all year and takes under 20 minutes. Cars drive straight off the A7 motorway and roll onto the boat. In summer you rarely wait more than 30 minutes for the next departure.
Valbiska – Lopar links Rab Island with neighbouring Krk. Crossing time is 80 minutes and the route is scenic, passing barren cliffs and hidden bays.
By Bus
Several daily Arriva buses link Rijeka with Rab Town, boarding the Valbiska–Lopar car ferry en‑route.
By Car
The drive from Zagreb to the Stinica ferry port takes around 2 h 40 min in light traffic. Once on Rab Island the main D105 road hugs the sheltered west coast, keeping views green and calm even on windy bura days.
Top Beaches on Rab Island
Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaža), Lopar – A 2‑kilometre ribbon of golden sand with knee‑deep water far offshore, perfect for children.
Suha Punta Bays, west of Rab Town – Pine‑fringed pebble coves offering clear snorkelling.
Kandarola, Frkanj Peninsula – Historic naturist strand where Edward VIII swam in 1936.
Pudarica, south coast – Famous for sunset views and a laid‑back beach club that comes alive after dark.
Ciganka, north of Lopar – Wild dunes and turquoise shallows made for Instagram.
Local tip: Sea temperatures reliably exceed 23 °C from late June or early July through mid‑September, making every cove feel like an open‑air bath. UV index peaks at 8–9 around noon, so pack reef‑safe SPF 30+ and a broad‑brimmed hat.
Exploring Rab Town
Rab Town sits on a slender limestone ridge and still looks like a medieval ship at anchor. Four bell‑towers stand like masts, their stone spires catching the light at dusk.
Must‑See Sights
St Mary’s Cathedral – Romanesque arches and a carved stone pulpit from the 13th century.
Komrčar Park – Landscaped in 1883 and declared a protected forest park in 1965, this 19th‑century promenade is shaded by holm‑oak and dotted with exotic cacti.
Town Loggia – The historic noticeboard where local laws were read aloud; today it hosts art shows.
Monastery of St Andrew – Climb the bell‑tower for the best photo of Rab Town and the blue Kvarner Gulf.
Wander the narrow lanes at sunset when café lanterns blink on and guitar music drifts from wine bars. The atmosphere is romantic yet relaxed, ideal for couples who want culture without crowds.
Lopar and the North‑Coast Sands
Lopar village guards a deep horseshoe bay lined by Paradise Beach. Accommodation in this area caters to families who like everything on the doorstep – playgrounds, ice‑cream stalls and pedal‑boat rentals.
Beyond Paradise Beach
Sahara – A short forest walk leads to this naturist cove with silky sand and no facilities; bring water.
Dubac – Sheltered pocket beach popular with stand‑up paddleboarders.
Livačina – Next bay along from Paradise Beach, with volleyball courts and a thatched cocktail hut.
Where to Stay on Rab Island
Rab Town: Heritage guesthouses in stone palaces – perfect for couples and culture lovers.
Suha Punta: Four‑star resort villas amid pine forest – ideal for a quiet nature escape.
Lopar: Large holiday parks and apartment houses close to sandy beaches – best for families.
Kampor: Private rooms and small campsites – suits travellers on a budget who want local life.
Book Your Stay
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
Hike the Kamenjak Ridge
A signed trail climbs to the 408‑metre summit in under two hours. The reward is a panorama stretching from the Velebit mountains to the islands of Pag and Cres.
Cycle the Premužić Trail
Graded gravel paths weave through oak forest and past World War II bunkers. Mountain‑bike hire shops sit beside the waterfront in Rab Town and Lopar.
Join the Rabska Fjera Festival
Each July the old town rewinds to 1364. Expect crossbow contests, blacksmiths hammering swords and locals in velvet robes handing out sugared almonds.
Sample Rab Cake in a Monastery Garden
The spiral almond cake called Rapska Torta dates back to 1177 when it was baked for Pope Alexander III. Try a slice with maraschino liqueur as the bells chime noon.
Discover Hidden Coves by Kayak
Hire a sea‑kayak and paddle to Frkanj Peninsula. Pine needles scent the air and dolphins sometimes breach at sunrise.
Food and Drink
Rab Island sits close to the green coast of Croatia, so menus feature garden produce as well as seafood.
Lamb under peka – Slow‑roasted with potatoes under a metal dome.
Adriatic scampi – Served buzara‑style in garlic wine broth.
Octopus salad – Refreshing lunch dish on hot days.
Maretica craft beer – Brewed on the island using local sage.
Malvasia white wine – Fruity, with a hint of Mediterranean herbs.
Vegetarians do well too: look for grilled seasonal vegetables drizzled with regional olive oil.
Best Time to Visit Rab Island
Late Spring (May – early June): Air 22–25 °C, sea 19–21 °C – cycling events, wildflowers and fewer crowds.
Summer (mid‑June – August): Air 27–32 °C, sea 23–25 °C – peak beach life, festivals and warm nights.
Early Autumn (September): Air 24–27 °C, sea 22–24 °C – wine harvest, mellow sun and excellent swimming.
Late Autumn (October): Air 18–22 °C, sea 19–20 °C – quiet hikes and olive picking.
Winter (November – March): Air 10–15 °C, sea 12–15 °C – Christmas market, crisp walks and hotel deals.
Peak months bring lively energy, yet shoulder seasons feel relaxed and often cheaper.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Refill bottles at public fountains instead of buying plastic.
Choose Blue‑Flag beaches that monitor water quality.
Stick to marked trails to protect fragile sand dunes.
Buy honey, cheese and olive oil from island farms to support local families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rab Island good for kids?
Yes. Sandy beaches, shallow water and pedestrian old town lanes make it family‑friendly.
Do I need a car on Rab Island?
Not strictly. Buses connect main villages and boat taxis run along the coast. A car adds freedom in low season.
Are there naturist beaches?
Several. Kandarola, Sahara and Ciganka welcome naturists, each signed at the trail head.
How long should I stay?
A long weekend covers highlights, yet a full week lets you explore coves, ride trails and join a festival.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Tap water on Rab Island meets strict EU standards.
Ready to Feel the Happy Island Vibe?
Rab Island combines historic charm with easy beach days and active fun. Ferries are frequent, stays range from cosy pensions to five‑star family resorts and the sun shines over 2,500 hours a year. Pack light clothes, bring curiosity and let Rab Island’s friendly locals turn your holiday into a story worth sharing.
Book your ferry ticket today and start counting the sandy sunrises!
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