2023-06-03 07:30:02
Compared to the neighboring islands of Krk and Cres, Rab is relatively small. Nevertheless, active vacationers will find plenty of variety on the Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea – whether hiking, cycling or paddling. And if you like, you can also throw yourself naked into the sea.
From Mount Kamenjak, hikers can enjoy a 360-degree view of mainland Croatia and Rab’s neighboring islands
Source: dpa-tmn
Dhe path climbs over stones and roots. You sweat, pine trees provide shade, the sifted sunlight dabs on the ground. Red and white hiking signs are painted on tree trunks.
Then the view opens up. Through the foliage and branches, the green of the forests becomes visible, sloping down towards the coast. Lush vegetation for the Adriatic region is a trademark of Rab. In the distance, the Adriatic Sea and sky blue merge, the island neighbors of Cres hump and Lošinj on.
Here, on Rab, the trail continues uphill between junipers and holm oaks to Kamenjak, the island throne, 408 meters above sea level. Up there, on a barren limestone plateau, the vegetation flattens out. It is depressed by the Bora, the wind blowing from the direction of the Croatian mainland.
Source: Infographic WORLD
Newcomers built cairns around Kamenjak, although this is not a classic peak. Instead, an antenna system breaks with the environment. That doesn’t detract from the panoramas. The mainland of Croatia is in sight as well as the Velebit Channel that separates it from the island world. It also includes Goli otok, once a prison island, an eyesore from Yugoslav times.
A bike tour past historic buildings
A few numbers: Rab is relatively small compared to island neighbors Krk and Cres: 22 kilometers long and eleven kilometers wide. Nevertheless, active vacationers can look forward to 88 kilometers hiking trails and 348 kilometers of cycle routes in a varied way.
Popular terrain for mountain bikers is the Kalifront peninsula in the northwest, the starting point being the island’s capital, Rab. From there, follow the promenade parallel to the deep indentation of a bay, where rocky outcrops rise and bright white yachts dot the blue of the sea. After a climb, the green takes over: in the protected area of the Dundo Forest, which once provided the material for shipbuilding, carpentry and firewood.
Mountain bikers will find many trails on the Kalifront peninsula in the northwest of Rab
Source: dpa-tmn
This is where the 22.5-kilometre-long Capo Fronte circular tour starts, which, despite an altitude difference of 363 metres, is classified as easy. Gravel, gravel and bits of asphalt alternate. It smells of pine and herbs.
Interwoven with nature is a network of historical structures that have been documented and uncovered as part of the Rab Archaeological Traces project. The remains of the Maurus and Paul churches encourage short detours on foot into the solitude of the forest.
The highlight is the ruins of the chapel in honor of Saint Mara above Mara Bay. Centuries ago, Franciscans immersed themselves in contemplation here. Anyone looking for inner contemplation today can take a seat on the floor covered with pine needles in front of the walls. The green-blue of the water shimmers through bushes and trees. The waves play their melody.
Paddle through crystal clear waters in the west of the island
A sea kayak tour puts Rab in a new light. The landscape protection area of Lopar in the north of the island is too stormy today, churned up by the notorious Bora. That’s why kayak guide Dominik Pahljana rescheduled at short notice and started the tour in the sheltered west.
Break on the beach: A sea kayak tour on the southwest coast of Rab opens up new perspectives on the island in the Kvarner Bay
Source: dpa-tmn
step by step paddle through crystal clear water, away from buildings – whereby the relevant building sins on Rab are kept within limits. There are also hardly any hotel blocks. One idyllic bay follows the other. seagulls screech. A cormorant spreads its wings to dry on rocks. Guide Pahljana heads for a deserted stony beach: “Fortunately, there is no industry on the island.” It’s not just his guests who enjoy the break, he does too.
If you like, you can throw yourself naked into the water. Nudism on Rab has been normal since England’s King Edward VIII and his sweetheart Wallis Simpson refreshed themselves nude in the 1930s. However, it is important to watch out for jellyfish and sea urchins. The best way to protect yourself from their spikes and the stony subsoil of the coasts is to wear aqua shoes, which can be bought everywhere.
The crystal clear water settles on beaches such as the so-called paradise beach near Lopar – and the opportunity for activities in the island’s capital Rab: A stroll through the city requires physical fitness. Because from the harbor through a park up to the historic district with its network of alleys, facades covered with ivy and bougainvillea and the quartet of church towers, there is a good distance to be covered.
View from the viewing terrace in the island’s capital, Rab
Source: dpa-tmn
Two of the church towers, those of St. Mariae Himmelfahrt and St. Johannes, can be climbed. Then it goes over the old town walls upstairs to a viewing terrace. And again the shirt sticks to the body. It’s good that the fluid and calorie losses can be compensated for in an abundance of small, cozy restaurants.
More information about Rab in Croatia:
Getting there: By car in just over six hours to the ferry terminal in Valbiska in the south-west of Krk. The crossing by car ferry to Lopar on Rab takes 80 minutes. There is another ferry connection to Misnjak on Rab from Stinica on the mainland. From there, the translation only takes a quarter of an hour. Alternative: fly to Rijeka and continue to Rab by rental car.
Accommodation: There are many holiday accommodations on Rab, including studios, apartments, holiday homes and some campsites. Large hotels are hard to find.
Information: rab-visit.com; kvarner.hr/deu/tourismus; kvarner.hr; croatia.hr/de-de
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