Rab

An island in the Gulf of Kvarner between the islands of Krk and Pag. There are two hilly areas, Kamenjak in the northeast and Kalifront in the southwest. The central part of the island is arable. The northeastern coast of the island is mostly steep and almost inaccessible, while the northwestern coast is very rugged. The large bays include Lopar, Crnika, Supetarska draga. Kamporska draga and Sveta Fumija. Rab is one of the sunniest islands in the Mediterranean, and the winters are mild. It is connected with the mainland by the regular Jablanac-Misnjak ferry line, and in the summer by the Lopar-Baska-Krk-Senj ferry line as well. The main economic activity is tourism, which has a long tradition. Rab is the largest tourist area in the Kvarner region along with Crikvenica.

The ancient Arba, which was first mentioned around 360 B.C., does not appear in the sources as Rab until the 15th century. In the Roman era, the town of Rab was fortified and the island was dotted with vacation villas. It experienced a succession of rules, from Byzantine, to Croatian (9th century to 1409), to Venetian (1409-1797) and Austrian, in Napoleon's era, it was part of the lllyrian Provinces, then it belonged to Austria again (1814-1918), followed by Italy until 1920. The Treaty of Rapallo ceded it to Yugoslavia (Croatia).

BARBAT - A long settlement along the Barbat Channel with its centre at the Church of sv. Stjepan (St. Stephen). Parallel to the coast lies the narrow island of Oolin. The Barbat Channel that separates them is a popular area for windsurfing and water skiing. The current can reach a speed of 3 knots, which can be dangerous for younger swimmers. Berths are available at the long and narrow pier in front of the inn, where the sea is 3 m deep. The small Piculjan Marina and a small shipyard lie nearby. There are two more inns with piers with a depth of up to 3 m to the southwest, and two small private marinas to the northwest, protected only from northerly winds. Piculjan Marina (051)721-013 - There are 40 berths, 40 spaces for dry storage, a repair shop, a launch ramp and a 15-ton travel-lift. The depth of the sea is between 4 and 5 m.

LOPAR - A settlement on the northern part of the island on a bay of the same name. This former fishing village has developed into a tourist town with a ferry landing connecting it with Baska on the island of Krk during the summer. Its sandy beaches, shallow sea and pine forests are ideal for a family vacation. Next to the famous 1.5-km-long Rajska plaza (Paradise Beach) lie a tourist settlement and a sports and recreation centre. The bay is exposed to northwesterly winds, which cause waves. Smaller boats can tie up at the head or the southern side of the pier. The northern, outer side of the pier is a seasonal ferry landing and has no berths. There is a 0.5-m-deep shoal east of the pier.

RAB TOWN - An old Mediterranean settlement, clustered on a narrow peninsula between the Sveta Fumija Bay and the town port with a marina. The new part of town is situated on the northern side. The economy is based on tourism. East of the port lies a tourist settlement with a campsite. Rab has a long tradition of tourism that includes the Imperial Hotel in the centre of town and the Komrcar Park. There are diverse tourist facilities. The old town core is very attractive. In the era of Emperor Augustus, Rab became a Roman municipium called Arva (Arba). In the B* century, it was the seat of a diocese. In the 11. century, it became part of the Croatian state. It was occupied by the Venetians in 1409 and remained under Venetian rule for 400 years. The town was surrounded by a wall, parts of which are still visible today. The old town is a historical monument. The most prominent buildings are the Prince's Palace, the Church of sv. Anton (St. Anthony), the Cathedral of sv. Marija Velika (St. Mary the Great) with a free-standing bell tower, the Monastery of sv. Andrej (St. Andrew), the Church of St. Justina and the Church of the Holy Cross. At the edge of the old town stand the Fortress of sv. Kristofor (St. Christopher) and the Fortress of St. Galjard. The richness of the cultural heritage is displayed in the ethnographic museum.

The inner part of the port is protected from all winds. The jugo causes waves in the port, which can flood part of the western coast, so it is advisable to berth in the Rab Marina. There are 50 mooring buoys in the southern part of the port. The sea at the coast is shallow, so yachts must berth bows-on. The long port is occupied with local boats. The best anchorage for large boats can be found in the Sveta Fumija Bay at a depth between 4 and 28 rn, and northwest of the island of Tuner at the entrance to the port. ACI Rab Marina (051) 724-023 - It is located on the eastern side of the inner part of the town port, directly behind the breakwater, and is open year round. There are 140 berths for boats up to 18 m long, a 5-ton lift an a repair shop for boats and engines. Only boats under repair are permitted to be hauled.

SUPETARSKA DRAGA - A settlement on the western side of the island of Rab on a bay of the same name. The area of the former saltpans is now a nesting area and an overwintering habitat for numerous bird species. Beneath Kamenjak stands the preserved Church of sv. Petar (St. Peter). This three-aisle basilica with three semi-circular apses is the most important Early Romanesque architectural monument in the Gulf of Kvarner. The bay is exposed to northerly and northwesterly winds. The bura and the jugo blow strong, but they do not endanger the moored boats. The northwestern coast is lined with a series of inns and pensions with small piers, which provide anchorage. Good anchorage can be found on the southern side of an small islet or at the northern coast of the island of Maman. ACI Supetarska Draga Marina (051) 776-268 - There are 270 berths, 150 spaces for dry storage, a 10-ton lift, a launch ramp and a repair shop for boats and engines.