The long history of the sunny island of Rab was first mentioned in the Greek books under the name of Arba in 260 BC and the name “Rab” is officially mentioned first in the 15th century. The landscapes of the island are probably the most varied of all the islands in the Kvarner bay. High cliffs, pine forests, mountains and beaches are the trademarks of this fascinating island. Rab island is also rich in history and is perfect for the adventurers who love historical sites and artifacts.

Tourism

Ask for protection from the patron saint of all the travelers at the Museum of Sacred Art in Rab city where the head of Saint Christopher is being kept as a holy relic.

Admire the St. Anthony Cathedral established in the 12th century, the Cathedral of St. Justina, the Monastery of St. Andrew and the church of St. Mary with its beautiful bell tower.

Marvel at the Prince’s Palace at the central square of Rab and the Gothic/ Renaissance style Galastigna Palace.

Stroll along the pathways in the shade of cypress trees, figs and Italian poplar and pines and have a picnic in Komrcar park. Take a look at the Romanesque church and remains of the Roman fortification in the archeological park nearby.

Discover the ruins of an ancient fortress built more than 2500 years ago and stroll in the pine forests in Lopar village.

Marvel at the beautiful Renaissance palaces of Dominis Nimira, Tudorini and the Venetian Gothic Bakota palace.

Admire the Franciscan cloister St. Eufemija and take a look at the relics of the nearby ethnographic exhibition in Kampor or go hiking in the Dundo Nature Reserve park.

Climb up the highest point of Rab – Kamenjak hill and fall in love with the scenery.

Feast on the fruits of the sea at one of the ribarska vecers (fishermen’s nights) in any village of Rab during the touristic season.

Learn everything about the Medieval lifestyle at the world-famous Rabska fjera festival in July.

Take a look at the traditional pilgrimage of Rab and Lopar citizens on Krizi day in the end of April.

Rab has a variety of beautiful beaches for any taste, but is especially famous for more than 30 sandy beaches and coves:

  • Paradise beach in Lopar is the most popular sandy beach on the island offers shallow waters suitable even for the youngest swimmers.
  • Suha Punta is a pebble/rock beach that offers great scenery.
  • Romantic Pudarica and Banova Vila beaches overlook the old town and have exceptionally clear waters.
  • Sturic and Vali Mel wild beaches offer quietness and serenity.
  • Njivica beach near Velebit island is surrounded by rocks and offers an impressive view of uninhabited Goli Otok island, used as a political prison during Yugoslavian period.

Food and drinks

Rab island kitchen is typical for the Medierannean region. Freshest vegetables and fruits, fish and meat, olive oil, herbs and good wines are the foundation of all the Rab’s specialities. One of the most famous traditional dishes here is the Rabska torta – spiral cake with almond, lemon and maraschino liquor filling. Another specialty you shouldn’t miss is the Rapsko socivo stew with chickpeas, bacon, wheat and corn with a secret local ingredient – Rapski zelencic bean that is unique to the Rab island.

  • Try traditional dishes at Konoba Rab, Sanpjer or Restaurant Velum.
  • Sip the best wines and enjoy the calm and lovely atmosphere at Veritas Restaurant & Bar.
  • Watch the sunset at the modern Mediterraneo Restaurant.
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Rab

The most famous local legend has it that Saint Marin, the one that established the state of San Marino 17 centuries ago, was a local man from Lopar town.

Another legend says that St. Christopher, the patron saint of Rab, saved the inhabitants of Rab from the Sicilian Normanns invasion.

One of the oldest legends is from the Greek period. The legend has it that the daughter of the ruler of now day Barbat, Draga, hid in Loparska Jamina cave from Kalifront, who wanted to rape her. Poor Draga prayed to Diana and the goddess fulfilled her wish and turned her into a stone statue. Kalifront was punished by the gods and had to feed on wild fruits and live in the forest for the remained of his life. The time passed, and he was looking more and more like a wild animal himself. That’s how the Kalifront forest got its name.

The more cheerful legend has it that the famous traditional Rabska torta spiral cake was first served to Pope Alexander III after the consecration of the Cathdral of the Assumption in Rab.

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