Island Rab
Island Rab, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Island Rab, Croatia
Rab is island in the Kvarner region with town of Rab as a center and seven touristic towns: Barbat, Banjol, Palit, Kampor, Mundanije, Supetarska Draga, and Lopar which prolific with beautiful beaches, clear blue sea, and rich accommodations such as hotels, apartments and private rooms.
History
Roman emperor, Oktavian August gave the formerly ordinary Roman settlement, the city of Rab, the status of the Roman municipality. That is how Rab got its communal independence that lasted until the present day. He built around the city walls and towers for defense and turned Rab in a little Roman town. Suitable climate, numerous sources of water, thick forests, salt, fishing, favorable geo-traffic location and fertile land, which however could not provide enough wheat, but still more than on other islands, and breeding cattle for meat, wool, leather and cheese are reasons why Rab is the most economic island in the Adriatic. Until the arrival to power the first Croatian king Tomislav, coastal cities and islands, and among them and Rab, fall under the rule of Byzantium, but then they become part of the Croatian kingdom. Rab was at that time the autonomous municipalities with their own constitution, independently was electing executives, entering into trade agreements... 
In 1409 the Island of Rab falls under the rule of Venice and stays its part until the destruction of Venice in 18th century. After the World War I Rab got under the rule of Italy and stayed its part 'til 1921. Then came the World War II and enemy forces were trying to destroyed a whole country including the Island of Rab. Despite all wars Rab stayed as beautiful as it always was, and that is why it is one of the most famous touristic destiantions in Croatia.
The history left many good things to this Island. Specifically talking about the city of Rab we can not elide its hisotrical heritage. The town consists of four streets. The Middle Street which is paved with stone slabs connects main squares - "Varoš" and "Municipium". Along the Upper Street are placed all important sacral buildings and church towers, and on its north-western region continues the beautiful park "Komrčar". The Bottom Street is perfect for having lunches or dinners since there is a lot of restaurants. The fourth street is on the waterfront of Rab, a promenade along the sea, which accommodated a large number of sailing ships, fishing ships, yachts and sailing boats.
One of the most important monuments is the church of St. Mary from 12th century that was built in the Romanesque style. There are also other churches: St. Anton church, St. Andrija church, St. Justine church...
Dominis Palace is one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Rab. Rector's Palace is one of the most important secular buildings that was built in the Gothic-Renaissance style. This is actually a set of palaces made at different times, over which dominates the high rectangular tower with beautiful windows from the late Gothic and Renaissance. This is not everything what you can see here. Despite all of this, there is many other churches, monasteries, church towers that you can see in the town of Rab but also in other places on the island.
Culture
The island Rab has rich cultural heritage which is visible in cultural-historical monuments like the old town in the city Rab that is very well preserved and authentic, the church and bell tower of St. Maria, the monastery and church of St. Andrew, the City lodge, and the Palace of Nimira...
For thoose who choose Rab for vacation there are a variety of established restaurants and taverns which serve fantastic sea food and traditional specialities with local olive oil. For thoose who like summer time there are the sunny beaches and coves where you have opportuinity to try some of many water sports.
In the evenings you can enjoy in walking along the seaside or have a cocktail in one of café bars.
Art
During the summer many galleries open their doors for many tourists that came here. Almost all galleries are placed in the old heart of the town in a beautiful old town areas, which gives a special atmosphere. The galleries are: Gallery in Rector's Palace, Gallery Pik, Gallery in Viceroys Villa, Gallery Paradiso.
One of the most important musical events are Musical Evenings in Rab. That is a festival of serious and classical music and it is held every Wednesday from June to September in the church of St. Cross.
"Rapska Fjera" is a festival that lasts for three day at the end of July. Best known and most attractive part of the program are knights games - competition in the crossbow shooting.
In the northwestern part of the island, with a deep bay, lies the village Supetarska Draga. In the middle of a wide fertile valley 1059 was established the Benedictine abbey St. Petar u Drazi.
Barbat, the southernmost village of the island, stretches along the sea belt Barbat channels. On the hill St. Damijan you can see the remains of an old building and churche of St. Damijan.
Museums
Rab does not have some major museums, they are mainly located in religious buildings with a permanent exhibition related to the history of the Island of Rab. Three most important are in churches St. Justine, St. Cross and in monastery of St. Euphemia in Kampor.
Things to do
Nightlife
Most of the places to go out are placed in the city of Rab. The offer of coffee bars, clubs and dicos is big. The most famous are Forum, San Antonio, Grand and Amadeus in the center and there is also a beach bar Santos, which is only 15 minutes distant from the center in the direction of the ferry.
Daytime
During the day you can go sightseeing the old heart of the city of Rab, go on panoramic boat ride, go on boat ride around the island of Rab, join to excursions that go to neighboring islands. For active holiday there are activities such as: cycling, trekking, diving, sailing and all kinds of water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, miniature golf, table tennis, water slide, paintball center...
How to reach us
If you decide to go with your personal car there are two ferrys. Jablanac - Mišnjak is a ferry that connects the island with the mainland. You can come by plane to the island of Krk, and then by the bus that boards to a ferry Baška - Lopar cross to the Island of Rab.
