This medieval island town has fortified walls from the 12th century and four bell towers rising above terracotta roofs. Its beaches stretch along 22 km of coastline.
On the island of Rab in Croatia's northern Adriatic, you can walk through narrow stone streets of a 900-year-old town, swim at Paradise Beach's 2-kilometer stretch of sand, or join locals dressed in medieval costumes during the July festival. The old town's four bell towers mark different centuries of architecture, while hiking trails lead through oak forests to quiet sandy coves and the 408-meter Kamenjak peak.
Getting to Rab Island
Ferries run between Rab and the mainland port of Stinica every hour from 5:00 AM to midnight in summer, and every two hours in winter. The journey takes 15 minutes. You can also take catamarans from Rijeka (2.5 hours) or Novalja on Pag island (1 hour). If you're driving, take the Stinica-Misnjak car ferry.
Exploring Rab's Old Town
Walk through the medieval center on a narrow peninsula, where stone walls date back to Roman times. The tallest of the four bell towers, built in 1181, rises 26 meters above the streets. Take Srednja ulica, the main street, to see Gothic windows and stone balconies from the 1400s. The street ends at the Town Loggia, built in 1509. Climb the bell tower steps for a view across terracotta roofs to the sea.
Best Beaches on Rab
Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaza) extends for 2 kilometers in Lopar, with water only knee-deep for the first 50 meters. Walk 30 minutes along the northern peninsula's hiking trails to reach Sahara Beach, where you'll find sand dunes and no facilities. The western coast has pebble beaches with underwater rocks where you can spot sea urchins and small fish while snorkeling.
Walking Through Komrcar Park
Enter Komrcar Park directly from the old town's western gate. The paths wind through Aleppo pines and Mediterranean plants, leading to three main viewpoints. Look for century-old agave plants and stone benches placed strategically along the coastal views. The park connects to Padova III beach, a 15-minute walk away.
Local Food and Dining
Restaurants in the old town serve daily catches of sea bass, bream, and octopus. Try brodetto, a fish stew made with tomatoes and white wine, or škampi na buzaru - shrimp in garlic and wine sauce. Small family farms in the interior produce sheep's cheese, olives, and Rab cake - a spiral-shaped pastry made with almonds following a 12th-century recipe.
Hiking to Kamenjak Peak
Start the Kamenjak hike from the village of Lopar. The marked trail climbs through rocky terrain for 4 kilometers to the 408-meter summit. Bring water and sun protection - there's no shade on the final stretch. At the top, you'll see the islands of Krk, Pag, and Goli Otok. The round trip takes about 4 hours.
Rapska Fjera Medieval Festival
The last week of July transforms Rab's old town into a medieval marketplace. Watch blacksmiths forge tools, rope makers twist hemp, and bakers make bread in stone ovens. The crossbow tournament happens daily at 5:00 PM in the main square. Food stalls sell grilled fish and Rab cake made from medieval recipes. The festival runs from July 25-27, with most activities happening between 10:00 AM and midnight.
