Rab (island)

Rab is an Adriatic island in the Kvarner Gulf off Croatia’s northern Dalmatian coast, inhabited since antiquity and known regionally for its medieval town and summer beaches. The island’s modern identity centres on seaside tourism and a compact historic centre.

The island offers a mix of coastal beaches and a compact medieval urban core. The best-known beach area is in Lopar on the northeastern coast, while Rab town features a dense cluster of historic stone buildings and four visible church towers that define its skyline. Travelers also use smaller villages and forested coves as bases for hiking, swimming, and local cuisine.

Settlement predates the Roman era; the present medieval fabric of Rab town developed through the Middle Ages with walls and churches that still shape the layout. Over the 19th and 20th centuries the island shifted toward tourism, with ferry links and beach development increasing visitor numbers.

Geographically the island sits in the Kvarner Gulf in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, across from the Istrian and Croatian mainland. The main ferry and road connections link the island to nearby coastal towns; the landscape combines rocky coastlines, sandy bays, and small inland woodlands.

• Seasonal crowds: The island's economy is focused on tourism and fishing, with peak visitor numbers in July and August when beaches and the old town are busiest.
• Main access: Ferries connect the island to the Istrian mainland and to nearby islands, and the main port is in **Rab town**, which also has the principal visitor services.

What to See #

• Rab town: Historic town clustered around a medieval core with preserved city walls and four prominent church bell towers; the town port is the island's main ferry link to the mainland.
• Lopar: Coastal settlement on the northeastern side known for its sandy beaches, including the well-known Paradise Beach (Rajska plaža) which is a major summer draw.
• Kampor / Supetarska Draga: Forested and agricultural area containing several smaller villages and coves popular for walking and local seafood; useful base for exploring the island's inland trails.