After Mljet island, Rab is the greenest island on the Adriatic’s coast. Although when approaching the island from the coast, you will be welcomed by the rocky, almost moon space surface, Rab is recognisable by dark holm oak forest Kalifront, which covers the north-western part of the island and hides some of the most beautiful natural beaches in Mediterranean. As we are on the island, the beach is actually the whole island. So everywhere you go, you can find a place to dig into the crystal clear water.
When staying in Rab make sure to check out these few natural beauties and beach areas:
1) CITY PARK KOMRČAR
This centuries-old forest of pine trees and holm oaks, right next to the old town of Rab, provides kilometres of walks and chill out points with benches, overlooking the St. Euphemia Bay and peninsula Frkanj.
2) FOREST KALIFRONT
This lush forest was an inspiration for the poem in 17 century, “Draga Shepherdess of Rab”. The poem talks about Draga who tried to resist the love of shepherd Kalifront. Goddess Diana, protectress of virgins, saved her from persistent young man, by turning her into the stone. Kalifront was sentenced to haunt spring made of Draga’s tears forever and plant the forest on the peninsula that carries his name today. The main square in the city, St. Kristopher’s, hosts the monument that represents the fateful love story.
Although it is great for hiking and permeated with cycling tracks, only birdsong or some deer searching for food can distract this forest wellness experience for mind and soul.
3) KAMENJAK
Discover the land of rocks and steep slopes that crash into the sea along the eastern part of the island, part of one of the most beautiful sea trails in the world. Check out pyramids on the top of the hill and maybe build you own. You can easy access to this point by car, but we would definitely recommend walking one of the trails leading to the highest point of the island.
There is one family run restaurant Kamenjak with traditional and homemade specialities, so even if you do not plan to have a meal, have a rakija (schnapps) and enjoy the panoramic view over the island and surrounding area.
4) CITY BEACH ŠKVER
One of the oldest beaches in Rab dates from the time when Rab was famous as a health resort for the patients with respiratory problems. Today, this is a city beach adjusted for children, adults and one of the rare beaches adjusted for disabled. There are a cocktail bar and snack bar where you can grab some lunch or just an ice cream.
5) CITY BEACHES ALL ALONG THE LUNGO MARE PROMENADE IN ST. EUFEMIJA BAY
Starting in Kampor, close to monastery and St. Eufemia church, and ending in Rab town, you can enjoy a swim along 3,5 kilometres long sea promenade, having a view towards the bell towers in the old town of Rab. This beach area is very popular among as especially the part from Kampor to Škver, as these places are not too crowded. Along the coast, you can find several points for sunbathing and easy access for swimming. An area is also great for snorkelling, especially the part bellow the city park Komrčar. This promenade is also popular as walking and running trail.
6) CITY BEACH BANOVA VILA
If you visit the old town, do not miss to go down to this popular small city pebbly beach with great chill out beach bar with sunbeds, either for the morning coffee or just to watch the sunset. There is no car access so you will get here across the city park Komrčar or across the Pijaceta square.
7) SANDY BEACHES PADOVA 2 AND PADOVA 3
Both located in Banjol, each one in the bay, one next to another, both with sand. Padova 3, as it is close to the camp side, offers some sports activities such are water sports and volleyball. Of course, beach bars are right there too.
8) PEBBLY BEACHES IN BARBAT
An area with pebbly beaches already starts all the way along the coast in the village Barbat. To avoid crowded beaches continue driving towards car ferry. Every now and then, for some 3 kilometres, you will see some small parking places next to the main road. Park and go down following small trails to one of the amazing beaches. The main beach is Pudarica, there you can arrive directly by car and have at disposal beach bar and a club Santos and small snack bar next to the beach.
9) SNORKELING PARADISE ON PENINSULA FRKANJ AND KALIFRONT
No car access. You can easy get to Frkanj from Rab city or Škver beach by cheap taxi boats that leave every 30 minutes. It is also possible to arrange to pick up and drop off with taxi if you want to explore Kalifront. Both destinations are popular for biking so rent a bike and explore the greenest part of the island.
10) DOLIN ISLAND
Popular for snorkelling and fishing between locals, you can get there by boat only. This inhabited island lies in parallel with the coast of Banjol and Barbat villages. So take a taxi in the Rab town and arrange to pick up and drop off and enjoy pine trees shadow, crystal clear sea and small hidden pebbly beaches. Do not forget to bring all you might need for the day at the beach, as besides the trees and maybe some rabbit, there is nothing on this island.
11) SUHA PUNTA
Right between Frkanj and Kalifront lies Suha Punta, and you have car access almost to the beach. Beaches are located around hotel resort and you can rent sunbeds or grab a meal or some refreshment in the hotel beach bar.
12) SANDY BEACH MEL IN KAMPOR
Situated some 5 kilometres from Rab, the beach has car access but make sure to bring some sun protection as there is no natural shadow. It is suitable for small children as the water is shallow and it will take you some 150 meters to arrive at waist-high sea level.
13) SANDY BEACHES IN LOPAR
Although the biggest and the most popular sandy beach on Rab is Paradise Beach, go local, make a little effort and go to the other parts of the Lopar towards car ferry. You can easy arrive by car some 300 from the coast. Park and go down walking to some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Ciganka, Sahara, Stolac, Livačina, Sturič are just some popular by name but between you will find much more small beaches and bays waiting for you. Out of main season, we recommend this area for trekking and hiking as nature is amazing and it is a part of the Geopark Rab and educational trail– sandy dunes, a prehistoric sandstones and remains of fossils will make your stay in Rab something different.