Apartments and holiday homes on Rab
An island of two halves: a medieval town of bell towers and stone lanes, and a green north with some of the best sandy beaches anywhere on the Croatian coast.
Search stays on RabRab town sits on a narrow ridge above the sea, and its four bell towers make one of the most recognisable skylines in Croatia. Inside the old walls, Srednja ulica runs past stone houses and churches to the Renaissance loggia, and the harbour front fills with diners in the evening. It is the base for anyone who likes to walk out to dinner, and it has the widest choice of shops, bars and boat trips on the island. Pebble and rocky swimming spots lie within walking distance of the centre.
The island's other big draw is sand. Lopar, at the northern tip, has more than twenty sandy beaches, from the long, shallow Rajska plaža to wilder coves on the Lopar peninsula. Kampor, west of Rab town, has its own sandy bay at Mel, and the wooded Suha Punta area nearby is good for pine-shaded swimming off the rocks. Both are calmer than Rab town in the evening, and Lopar in particular is geared to families, with a water park near the main beach.
Supetarska Draga, one of the oldest settlements on the island, lies on a deep bay popular with sailors, while Barbat stretches along the south-east coast facing the mainland. Choose Lopar or Kampor for small children, Rab town for evenings out, and Barbat or Supetarska Draga for a quieter stay. A good share of our Rab stays are close to a sandy beach, and many have a sea view. Quite a few also accept pets.
Beaches
Sahara, Lopar
A sandy beach on the Lopar peninsula with low scrub and a little natural shade. It is one of Lopar's naturist beaches, though clothed visitors are welcome too. Reach it on foot along a marked path, or take a taxi boat from San Marino harbour.
Mel, Kampor
A long sandy bay close to the centre of Kampor, with a shallow sea bed that makes it an easy choice for families with young children. It is quieter than Lopar's main beach and handy if you are staying in Kampor or the western side of Rab town.
Rajska plaža, Lopar
Lopar's main beach, where you can wade a long way out before the water reaches your waist. It has the full set of rentals, bars and water sports, and the San Marino resort sits behind its northern end. Bring your own shade, as there is little of it.
Getting there and around
Rab is a ferry island. The shortest crossing is from Stinica on the mainland to Mišnjak, at the south-east tip of Rab, which takes about 20 minutes and runs all year, very often in summer. From Krk, a car ferry sails from Valbiska to Lopar. The nearest airports are Rijeka (on Krk) and Zadar. Rab town is a short drive from Mišnjak, and a car helps if you want to explore several beaches.
Stays in Rab island right now
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Tips before you book
- Rab is one of the few places in Croatia with real sandy beaches, mostly around Lopar and Kampor.
- Rab has a dedicated dog beach with facilities at Artić, and many beaches have a section where dogs are allowed.
- Summer ferry queues at Stinica can be long on changeover days, so travel early.
- Sandy, shallow beaches heat up and have little shade: pack an umbrella for children.
Frequently asked questions
Does Rab have sandy beaches?
Yes. Lopar alone has more than twenty sandy beaches, including Rajska plaža and Sahara, and Kampor has the sandy bay of Mel. Elsewhere on the island, around Rab town, Barbat and Suha Punta, you will mostly find pebble and rock. Most sandy beaches are shallow, which suits small children.
How do you get to Rab?
Take the car ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Mišnjak, a crossing of about 20 minutes, or sail from Valbiska on Krk to Lopar. Rijeka airport on Krk and Zadar airport are the closest airports. In high season allow extra time for the ferry queue.
Where should I stay on Rab with children?
Lopar is the classic family base, with shallow sandy beaches, a quiet evening pace and space for children to play in the water. Kampor, near the sandy bay of Mel, is a good alternative that is closer to Rab town for day trips and dinners.
Are there naturist beaches on Rab?
Yes. Lopar has three: Ciganka, Sahara and Stolac. Clothed visitors can also use Ciganka and Sahara, while Stolac is reserved for naturists only. Stick to the signposted naturist areas and respect the rules on the others.