Everyone road-tripping through Croatia beelines for Split and Dubrovnik, and I get it, they’re gorgeous. But Rab Island, Croatia stayed almost entirely tourist-free the three days we were there, and it might be my favorite stop on the whole trip. If you want quiet beaches, a genuinely hidden old town, and Adriatic water that looks photoshopped, here’s everything to do on Rab Island.
We only found Rab because Chris’ coworkers grew up in Croatia and told him not to skip it. We booked the ferry from Valbiska to Lopar in advance, checked into our hotel with minutes to spare before the dining room closed, and figured that was the extent of the adventure. Then, on a walk along the harbor that evening, we followed a random set of stairs behind the waterfront cafes and stumbled straight into Old Town Rab: a car-free peninsula with barely another tourist in sight. We came back the next morning just to wander it in daylight.
11 Things to Do on Rab Island Croatia
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With 3,600 miles of coastline in Croatia and 1000’s of islands dotting the coast, the most famous section among tourists is the Dalmatian Coast. Dalmatia stretches from the Bay of Kotor in the south to the island of Rab at the northern tip.
Rab Island, known for stunning scenery, sparkling turquoise inlets, and dramatic cliffs, has just a few towns: Rab Town, Lopar, Mundanije, Supetarska Draga, Barbat, Banjol, and Kampor. Relax and enjoy the beaches or indulge in adventure, excursions, and fun—a little something for everyone. Rab Island may not be among the top touristy, party islands, but it is definitely worth considering when planning a trip to Croatia.
Still working out the logistics for your international trip? My Europe travel guide walks you through everything you need to know before you go.
1. Explore Old Town Rab
Chris and I walked along the waterfront on our first evening in Rab. Fortunately, we decided to climb the stairs beyond the waterfront from St. Christopher’s Square (Trg Svetog Kristofora) to see if there was anything more to explore. Happily, we discovered the old town of Rab and wandered through the streets. We had just visited Rovinj, Croatia and loved its old town too.
There are four main streets that run west to east along the peninsula of Rab Town. The first street along the waterfront takes you past a number of restaurants and bar along the harbor—not too much to see. Once you climb the stairs to the old town though, you’ll find Donja Ulica and Srednja Ulica, two streets that run parallel to each other down the middle of the old town. This is where you’ll find the concentration of shops and restaurants. The fourth street in the upper section of Rab Town features four churches and bell towers.
2. Discover the Churches & Bell Towers
Old Town Rab’s four bell towers catch the last light every evening, and this view from the beach is why locals say sunset is the best time to see them.
There are four churches and bell towers in Old Town Rab:
- Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Bell Tower of St. Andrew
- The Tower of St. Justine
- The Bell Tower of St. John the Evangelist
The Cathedral Bell Tower is the tallest of the four, dating back to the 12th century. If you only have time to climb one, make it this one.
3. Soak Up The Sun at the Beach
If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, you’ll love the vibe on Rab Island. Croatian beaches are typically pebbly and rocky, but you’ll find that Rab Island boasts over 20 sandy beaches that are perfect for couples, families, and friends.
- Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaža) in Lopar is perfect for families with its shallow water and soft sand.
- Suha Punta in Kampor offers tranquil days by turquoise waters and a little bit of shade under the pine trees.
- Pudarica Beach in Barbat is another tranquil beach that features fantastic sunset views over the old town.
- Kandarola and Sahara Beaches are Rab Island’s two naturist beaches, tucked near Kampor and Lopar for a quieter, more natural getaway.
4. Attend Rabska Fjera, Rab’s Medieval Festival
Rabska Fjera is the oldest and largest medieval summer festival in Croatia, and it’s worth planning a trip around if your dates line up. The tradition dates back to July 21, 1364, when Rab’s town council decided to honor King Louis the Great for freeing the island from Venetian rule. The original celebration ran a full 14 days and centered on the relics of St. Christopher, the town’s patron saint, credited with saving Rab from destruction. Rabska Fjera still honors him today.
Rabska Fjera transforms Rab Island into one of the party islands in Croatia in July as tourists and locals alike descend upon the island for three days of celebration.
From July 25 to July 27 each summer, Rab Town goes back in time: small artisan workshops pop up again, and you can join in local traditions like fashioning a belt, decorating your hair with flowers, trying archery, joining a knightly tournament, or making a pomade the way islanders did in the Middle Ages. Walk through a recreated fishing village built right on the beach, catch live music and song, and try šulčići, a fried pastry similar to a donut that’s a Fjera specialty.
5. Indulge as a Foodie
While you’re visiting Rab Island, you really need to try the traditional Rabska Torta (Rab Cake), known for its spiral shape and flavors of almond, Maraschino liqueur, and lemon. Legend says it was first served in 1177 to Pope Alexander III when he consecrated Rab’s Assumption Cathedral, and the original recipe is still kept secret in the archives of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Andrew.
If you love seafood, you’ll love the catch of the day fresh from the Adriatic Sea. Sit down at a konoba (traditional tavern) along the harbor and order brudet, a rustic Dalmatian fish stew simmered slow with tomatoes, wine, and whatever the boats brought in that day.
6. Enjoy Festivals & Events
Beyond Rabska Fjera, Rab keeps a packed events calendar all summer long. Rab Jazz Fest closes out the season with performances from respected jazz and blues artists. Rab Musical Evenings bring open-air concerts to the old town streets. Nearly every village on the island hosts its own fishermen’s night at some point during the season, where you can watch traditional fishing techniques and eat the catch right off the boat. Round it out with rotating art exhibitions and free walking tours through Old Town, and there’s rarely a week on Rab without something going on.
7. Hike Rab Island’s 125 Miles of Trails
With about 125 miles (200 km) of trails crisscrossing the island, Rab is easy to explore on foot no matter your fitness level. Elevation gain stays mild across most routes, so you don’t need serious hiking experience to enjoy them.
- Rab to St. Euphemia — This paved path is less than 2 miles (3 km) long.
- Rab to Barbat— Set off on this 5 mile (8 km) hike.
- Premužićeva Path 1— This 5 mile (8 km) trail runs alongside the island ridge, starting at Lopar camp to the hamlet of Matići. This trail has both sunny and shaded sections. Be sure to wear a hat and good footwear and bring sufficient water; food and water are NOT available along the trail. No bikes.
- Premužićeva Path 2— Start at Kampor and hike through the Dundo Park forest until you reach the southern coast of Kalifront. Continue along the coast to Frkanj and the bay of St. Euphemia. The hike is 9.3 miles (15 km) long and mostly through the woods. You’ll find some restaurants in the bay of Gožinka if you need to stop for food or water. Not meant for bikes.
- Rab – Maman Path— This hike is 9 miles (14 km) long. Start at the Rab city walls and walk along the St. Euphemia Bay to Kampor. You’ll leave the path and take a gravel road to Dumići Bay (along the islet of Maman). The path on this hike is wide making it suitable for bikes. If you stop to explore the islet of Maman, you can only do so by foot or by boat. Food and water are available along the way, and if necessary, you can catch a bus from Kampor or Dumići.
- Mišnjak to Lopar Trek— This adventurous trail is about 7.5 miles (12 km) long and involves škraping (Croatian for rock walking). At the halfway point, you’ll reach Kamenjak (the highest peak on the island) where you can stop at a small restaurant featuring fantastic views of not only Velebit Mountain in the east but also the Bay of Kvarner in the west. Happy trekking!
8. Bike Rab Island’s Capo Fronte Trail
Rab Island has a solid network of cycling paths crisscrossing the interior, and one of the best is the Capo Fronte Trail, well suited to adults and children alike. The path winds through the Dundo Forest special vegetation reserve and the forested Kalifront Peninsula. Bring your swim gear and stop for a cool dip in one of the coves along the way.
9. Kayak Rab Island’s Hidden Coves
If you love exploring hidden coves and private beaches, kayaking around Rab Island is hard to beat. The Kalifront and Frkanj peninsulas have some of the best coastline for it, turquoise water, secluded beaches, and coves you can’t reach by car. Outfitters like Sea Kayak Croatia and SeaThrough Rab rent kayaks around the island, including glass-bottom versions if you want a clear view of what’s swimming beneath you.
10. Fish on Rab Island (Permit Required)
Love to fish? Rab Island delivers, but don’t cast a line without sorting out your permit first. You can pick one up in person from the Sporting Societies of Barbat or Kampor, or skip the trip and buy one online before you even land on the island. Croatia takes this seriously: fishing without a permit can cost you anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand euros, whether you’re on a boat or standing on the shore. Not a gamble worth taking for an afternoon of casting.
Both recreational and sport fishing fall under Croatia’s Law on Sea Fishing and the Rulebook on Sport and Recreational Fishing at Sea, so the permit requirement applies no matter which category you fall into.
11. Visit Goli Otok
Goli Otok, which means barren island, was once the site of a political prison that opened after World War II and operated as a communist prison until 1989. Living conditions were horrific: more than 16,000 prisoners passed through, and many died from the conditions alone. Escape was considered virtually impossible given the island’s isolation.
To visit today, the easiest option is a boat excursion departing right from the port of Rab town, several local operators run half-day and full-day trips out to the island. You can also catch a boat from Baška or rent a private taxi boat from Punat, both on nearby Krk Island, if that’s more convenient for where you’re staying. Private taxi boats give you the most flexibility to explore this unique site at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit Rab Island
We visited Rab in late May and had the island practically to ourselves, so I’m partial to shoulder season. Here’s how the year breaks down if you want to weigh it yourself.
| Season | Weather | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April–May) | 46–65°F (8–18°C), sea still cool | Wildflowers, quiet trails, good hiking and biking weather without the heat. |
| Summer (June–August) | 75–82°F (24–28°C), sea warms past 74°F by August | Peak season, warmest swimming, Rabska Fjera in late July, busiest beaches. |
| Fall (September–October) | Mild, sea still swimmable through September | Fewer crowds, lower prices, some restaurants start closing by October. |
| Winter (November–March) | Averages 48°F (9°C) | Quiet season, many hotels and restaurants closed, best for a peaceful off-season visit. |
Closest Airports to Rab Island
The nearest airports to Rab Island are:
- Rijeka, Croatia — 41 miles (66 km)
- Pula, Croatia — 121 miles (194 km)
- Zagreb, Croatia — 139 miles (223 km)
- Ljubljana, Slovenia — 142 miles (228 km)
- Trieste, Italy — 125 miles (201 km)
- Venice, Italy — 195 miles (313 km)
How to Get to Rab Island
Stinica on the Mainland to Mišnjak on Rab Island — The Rapska Plovidba ferry company (Route 337) runs between the mainland and Mišnjak roughly every 40 minutes in high season and closer to hourly in the off-season. Tickets must be purchased from the ticket booth at the dock. Credit cards are accepted. If you are traveling by car, you must buy a car ticket and tickets for all passengers.
Valbiska on Krk Island to Lopar on Rab Island — This car ferry travels between Lopar, at the northern end of Rab Island, and Valbiska on Krk Island and back again, a crossing of about 1 hour 20 minutes that runs twice daily in winter and up to four times daily in summer. Krk Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Chris and I traveled from the beautiful town of Rovinj on the Istria Coast to Rab Island via this ferry. Tickets are available from a booth at the dock where credit cards are accepted. You can also purchase tickets online in advance from Jadrolinija (a state-owned ferry) on Route 338.
Ferry from Venice, Italy to Pula or Rovinj, Croatia — There is not a direct ferry from Venice to Rab Island, but Adriatic Lines runs seasonal ferries from Venice to Pula (roughly June through late September) and Venice to Rovinj (roughly May through mid-October) in Istria. From either port, you can continue by road or ferry to Stinica or Valbiska, where the ferry then goes on to Rab Island.
Where to Stay on Rab Island for 2 to 3 Days
Chris and I stayed at the Valamar Imperial Hotel, but you’ll find that the Valamar Line is the predominant hotel chain on the island with a number of different options. The sunset views from the Valamar Padova Hotel over Old Town Rab are stunning.
Search on Booking.com for a variety of awesome apartment rentals and camping options as well!
Getting Around Rab Island
I highly recommend renting a car for exploring Rab Island. Both ferries onto the island are car ferries, so bringing one over is easy. The island’s small towns are walkable once you’re there, but you’ll need a car to get between towns and to reach some of the beaches. Old Town Rab itself is car-free, so plan to park just outside it and walk in.
Bring Your Beach Gear to Rab Island
Beach Essentials
Packing the right gear matters. Here are some essentials that make a difference at the beach.
- Waterproof phone pouch & Smartphone.
- A snorkel mask — better fit, clear visibility, and no guessing what condition rental gear will be in.
- GoPro or waterproof action camera — perfect for capturing underwater moments.
- Lightweight dry bag — something that can handle boat spray and keep your essentials organized.
- Sunglasses
- Reef‑safe sunscreen
- Face sunscreen
- After-sun Gel
- Bug Spray
- Snacks
- Insulated water bottle
- Hat or Visor
- Flip flips for men and women
- Water shoes for men and women — you’ll want these for the beaches.
- Long sleeve rash guard
- Swimsuit for men and women
- Beach cover up
- Beach microfiber towels
- Portable beach mat
- Beach Chair Clips
- Beach tote bag
- Beach Clothing & Gear — You’ll want tank tops, breezy tops and skirts, shorts, rash guards, swimsuits and trunks.
For everything else you’ll want to pack beyond the beach, grab my free Croatia Packing List before you go.
National Parks Near Rab Island
Rab isn’t just beaches and old towns, it’s also within reach of two of Croatia’s most famous national parks. Here’s what to know about visiting Plitvice Lakes and Krka before or after your time on the island.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
If Plitvice Lakes National Park is on your Croatia itinerary, plan to visit it either before or after your 2 to 3 days on Rab Island rather than squeezing it in as a side trip. Between the ferry off the island and the drive north, it takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach, so it works best as its own stop. Once you’re there, though, it’s worth it: 16 interconnected lakes, over 90 waterfalls, and some of the most vivid turquoise water in Croatia.
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is smaller in scale than Plitvice, but it comes with the perk of being less crowded. Swimming at Skradinski Buk was banned back in 2021 to protect the ecosystem, but you can still swim seasonally at Roški Slap, another waterfall inside the park. Getting to Krka takes about 3 hours from Rab Island by ferry and then car.r.
Croatia Quick Facts
- Official Language: Croatian
- Capital City: Zagreb
- Population: 3.8 million
- Currency: Euro
- Power Outlet: Type C & F
- Emergency Number: 112
- Drive on the: Right side of the Road
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia known for?
The Dalmatian Coast is known for friendly locals, incredible food, ancient walled cities, thousands of small islands with beautiful beaches, and centuries-old vineyards.
Is Rab Island expensive?
It depends on your travel choices. Rab can be done on a budget if you stick to konobas over hotel restaurants and free beaches overpaid excursions, but be sure to budget for ferry and car rental costs, accommodations, food, and any tours you want to add.
Where is the best place to kayak on Rab Island?
The Kalifront and Frkanj peninsulas have the best coastline for it, turquoise water, secluded coves, and beaches you can’t reach by car. Outfitters around the island rent both regular and glass-bottom kayaks.
Is Rab Island worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a quieter alternative to Split or Dubrovnik. Rab has hidden coves, a genuinely car-free old town, and its own medieval festival, without the crowds that come with Croatia’s more famous stops.
When is the best time to visit Rab Island?
May, June, September, and October offer the best mix of warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest, especially during Rabska Fjera in late July.
What are the best beaches on Rab Island?
Paradise Beach in Lopar is best for families, Suha Punta near Kampor is quieter and shaded by pine trees, and Kandarola and Sahara are the island’s two naturist beaches.
Do I need a permit to fish on Rab Island?
Yes. You can get a permit in person from the Sporting Societies of Barbat or Kampor, or buy one online in advance through Croatia’s Ministry of Agriculture. Fishing without one can cost a couple hundred to a couple thousand euros in fines.
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Discover the Happy Island of Croatia
Rab Island is considered a hidden gem in the northern Adriatic Sea. While it may not have initially been on our Croatia bucket list, a recommendation from Chris’ Croatian coworker to visit the island was much appreciated. We enjoyed the laid back vibe for our 3 days on Rab Island—days spent relaxing at the beach, lunches at charming beachside cafes, and beautiful sunsets to complete each day.
Rab Island may be smaller than its neighbors Krk and Pag, but what it may lack in size it makes up for with crystalline, turquoise blue bays and inlets, a rich cultural heritage dating back beyond the 1300s, and friendly and welcoming locals. Next stop—Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Before you head out, grab my free Croatia Packing List so you don’t forget a thing, beach days included.
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Wow, that Bell Tower over the ocean looks incredible! Croatia has been on my bucket list for awhile, I think I need to specifically add Rab Island to the list. 🙂
WOW! What an impressive place… I have never been to Croatia- it sounds so remote- but this island looks like a once in a lifetime trip..putting it on the bucket list
This looks absolutely gorgeous – what a great way to get away from the crowds!
I would love to explore this area of Croatia! I had never heard of it, so it’s great to discover a new place. It looks beautiful.