Croatian Islands

Rab

Kvarner island of sandy beaches and a medieval town with four bell towers.

Best time to visit

June, September

Ideal trip length

2–4 days

Main highlights

Rab town, Lopar sandy beaches, Kalifront forest

Rab is an island in the Kvarner Gulf, between Krk and Pag. Its bare eastern side faces the Velebit mountains, while the west is green with pine and holm oak forest, and the north has some of the few sandy beaches in Croatia.

Why visit

Rab Town is recognisable by its four bell towers rising above a narrow peninsula of stone streets and churches. Lopar, in the north, is known for shallow sandy beaches such as Paradise Beach, ideal for small children.

The Kalifront peninsula offers forest trails and quiet coves, and the island suits families, cyclists and walkers.

Where to stay

Rab Town for atmosphere and restaurants, Lopar for sandy beaches, and Kampor or Barbat for quieter stays.

Getting there and around

Car ferries run from Stinica on the mainland to Mišnjak, and from Valbiska on Krk to Lopar. Catamarans connect Rab with Rijeka in season.

Parking

Rab Town’s centre is pedestrian; use the car parks above the old town.

Day trips

Nearby destinations

  • Bol's stone waterfront square beside the harbour, with moored boats and hills behind the town

    Croatian Islands

    Brač

    The big island opposite Split – Zlatni Rat beach, Vidova Gora and white Brač stone.

  • Korčula Town’s red-roofed old town beside the blue channel, framed by pine trees

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    Korčula Island

    A green island in southern Dalmatia with a walled medieval town, white wines and quiet bays.

  • Croatian Islands

    Kornati National Park

    A maze of bare, rocky islands south of Zadar, best seen by boat.

  • Croatian Islands

    Mljet

    Forested island near Dubrovnik with a national park, two saltwater lakes and a monastery on an…

Frequently asked questions

Does Rab have sandy beaches?

Yes, mainly around Lopar in the north of the island.

How do I get to Rab from Krk?

By car ferry from Valbiska to Lopar.

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