The island of Rab

Where mediaeval bell towers watch over the sea, sand and forests

THINGS TO SEE

The stone-paved streets of the Romanesque old town, the view of the sea from the bell tower of the cathedral, the Rab Cake House, recreation in the oak forest, or a boat trip to the island of Goli Otok and its former political prison – these are just some of the impressive attractions that you can experience during your stay on the island of Rab. See what we have picked out for you!

TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS

The old town of Rab

The old town of Rab

The picturesque old town of Rab, which gave the island its name, is recognisable by its four bell towers that give the town the appearance of a sailing ship with four masts. Its history goes back to pre-Roman times, and its present layout is that of the Romanesque period. A walk along the stone streets will intoxicate and inspire you with the beauty of Venetian architecture, sacred buildings, elegant palaces, and panoramic views. The old town is best experienced in the summer during the Rabska Fjera mediaeval festival (25-27 July), when the historic centre is transformed into a stage that reproduces life in the Middle Ages.

Kuća Rabske torte

House of Rab Cake

In the old town, visit the home of Rab’s most famous dessert and learn more about the long tradition of preparing Rab Cake, whose original 12th century recipe is kept by the Benedictine sisters. The taste of its tender shortcrust pastry with an aromatic almond and maraschino core will take your breath away. Making Rab Cake requires dedication and time: according to the original procedure, the preparation takes as long as three days.

HOUSE OF RAB CAKE
Opening times: 9:00-24:00
A: Ul. Stjepana Radića 5
T: +385 51 774 863
E: rabskatorta@gmail.com

Rab Cathedral

Rab Cathedral and bell tower

The Rab Parish Church of St Mary, which was consecrated by Pope Alexander III in 1177, is one of the most famous churches in Croatia dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady. Its construction began in the 5th century, after which it was extended several times before the Baroque period. The Cathedral keeps the relics of St Christopher, patron saint of the island of Rab. The beautiful Romanesque 12th-century bell tower (which you can climb), located a dozen metres away, is 26 m high.

Information:
Rab Tourist Board
T: +385 51 771 111
E: tzg-raba@ri.htnet.hr

*Climbing the bell tower is at an additional charge. Opening times are 10:30-13:00 and 19:30-22:00. Children must be accompanied by parents.

Crkva sv. Kristofora

Church of St Christopher and the Lapidarium

The Church of St Christopher, the patron saint of Rab, was built in the 14th century on the highest point in the old town, in the western part of Gornja Ulica. It was made of rough stone blocks, and until the 1970s it lacked a roof. Since being renovated in 1979, it has housed a lapidarium – a collection of Rab stone monuments from the period from the 2nd and 3rd centuries to the end of the 18th century.

Rab Municipal Lapidarium
Gornja ulica 26 (Church of St Christopher), Rab
T: +385 51 777 341
E: info@ucilisterab.hr

OPENING TIMES:
- From 1 June to 31 August: 10:00-13:00 and 19:00-21:00
- Other times: on request

sv. Justina

Sacred art in the Church of St Justine

If you love the arts, don’t miss the impressive collection of sacred items and artworks in the restored church of St Justine on Trg Slobode (Freedom Square). The exhibits, dating back to the period from the 11th to the 18th century, originate from the treasury of the Cathedral, abandoned Rab churches, and the Convent of St Anthony the Abbot. The bell tower of St Justine’s was built in 1672 as the last of the four Rab bell towers.

Information:
Rab Tourist Board
T: +385 51 771 111
E: tzg-raba@ri.htnet.hr

Komrčar Forest Park

Komrčar Forest Park

Heading northwest from the old town of Rab, you can reach the Komrčar Forest Park, which covers eight hectares. Here you’ll find the refreshing shade of pines, oaks, cypresses, olives and palms, as well as exotic agaves and cacti. There is also a monument to Pravdoje Belija, a forestry expert (1853-1923) who was responsible for the creation of Komrčar Park, Suha Punta and Frkanj Forest. Thanks to his efforts, Rab is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic.

Šuma Dundo

Dundo Forest

Dundo is a forest vegetation special reserve and one of the most beautiful and best-preserved holm oak forests in the Mediterranean. It covers an area of 100 hectares on the Kalifront peninsula in the southwestern part of the island. Part of the famous Premužić Trail passes through it, which allows you to experience the forest by bike or on foot.

Kamenjak Peak

Kamenjak Peak

Kamenjak, the highest peak of the island of Rab (408 m) can be reached by climbing an easy, 3.2 km long path from Mundanije. It will take you about 45 minutes on foot. The path leads partly through the forest, and in its upper part to the peak, through a rocky landscape with low vegetation. From the peak, there is a particularly impressive view of the mainland and Mount Velebit rising above the sea.

Rab Archaeological (T)races

Rab Archaeological (T)races

Discover the Capo Fronte, Epario and Frux educational trails with the help of the Rab Archaeological (T)races mobile application or the map obtainable from the Tourist Board office. Explore some of the 30 archaeological sites and cultural treasures of the island of Rab in the areas of Kampor, Lopar and Supetarska Draga, which are presented either in their original locations or at viewpoints from which their position can be clearly seen. The mobile app is adapted for pedestrians, cyclists, hikers and all lovers of nature and cultural heritage. Try it out!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Goli otok

Goli otok

The island of Goli Otok is located in the Velebit Channel five kilometres from Rab. It is best known for housing a notorious political prison during the Yugoslavian period, whose first inmates arrived in 1949. The prisoners were forced to do hard and often pointless manual labour in quarries and bauxite mines in all kinds of weather conditions. The prison was completely abandoned in 1989 and today it is partly in ruins, a reminder of a dark period of history. The uninhabited island is mostly visited by tourists, but also Rab shepherds, who bring their sheep here for grazing.

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