Rabac, also known as Porto Albona, is a picturesque Croatian resort town located on Kvarner Bay, just southeast of Labin, in Istria. Once a small fishing port, Rabac has transformed since the 1970s into a bustling resort town filled with villas, apartment buildings, and hotels.
The town is renowned for the Rabac Festival, an annual electronic music festival, and offers a rich history that includes visits by British explorers and the establishment of the first hotel in 1889.
With regular music concerts, magic shows, tourist expeditions, and fishing tours, Rabac is a vibrant destination that combines natural beauty with cultural attractions.
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Attractions & Things to do in Rabac
1. Girandella Beach
Girandella Beach is a popular point of interest in Rabac, known for its free sunbeds and sun baskets. Visitors can enjoy the crystal clear water and beautiful surroundings.
Travel Tip: Sunbeds can be rented from the hotel for a reasonable price, but it’s advisable to wear sandals or beach shoes as the pebbles can be uncomfortable on bare feet.
2. Four Elements Beach
Located in a beautiful bay in Istria, Four Elements Beach offers clean and warm sea water with stunning views.
Travel Tip: Enjoy the relaxing and quiet atmosphere, and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the sea life while snorkeling.
3. Maslinica Beach
Maslinica Beach is a beautiful bay with attractive beaches that lure many tourists and guests.
Travel Tip: Visit this beach for a peaceful experience near large hotels, and enjoy the clean pebble beach and clear safe water.
4. Aquapark Maslinica Rabac
This water park offers outdoor obstacle courses floating in the sea, providing great fun for parents and children alike.
Travel Tip: Suitable for children at least 5 or 6 years old who are good climbers. Life vests are offered, and it’s a good workout for the whole family.
5. The Beat Beach Club
Known for polite and kind service, The Beat Beach Club is a popular spot for cocktails and entertainment.
Travel Tip: Visit for a lively evening with good music and friendly staff, especially if you enjoy cocktails.
6. Bike Center Rabac
Bike Center Rabac offers unreal landscapes to explore and excellent single-track riding, with the owner providing a wealth of knowledge.
Travel Tip: Great for couples looking for an enjoyable activity together, even if you haven’t ridden a bike in ages.
7. Vanilija Rabac
A popular spot for cocktails with a view, Vanilija Rabac offers a large choice of reasonably priced drinks.
Travel Tip: Try the XXL cocktails and enjoy the friendly staff and great views.
8. Pikolece
A specialty gift shop, Pikolece offers unique handmade things made in Croatia.
Travel Tip: If you’re looking for something special and unique to take home, this is the place to go.
9. Klinica Boat Excursions
Klinica Boat Excursions offers an all-day journey with memorable experiences like the Blue Caves, romantic fishing village of Cres, and dolphin sightings.
Travel Tip: Remember to take your swimsuit, snorkeling gear, towel, and some cash for souvenirs and extra drinks on board.
10. FruFru Boats
FruFru Boats allows you to rent a boat to go on your own along the coast, offering a great experience for swimming and diving in quiet bays.
Travel Tip: Highly recommended if you are looking for quiet bays for swimming and diving, with fair prices and good service.
Unique Activities in Rabac
There are currently no activities. New activities will be planned for the 2024 season.
Day Trips from Rabac
1. Pula
Explore the ancient Roman ruins in Pula, including the stunning Arena, one of the world’s best-preserved amphitheaters. Stroll through the charming streets and visit the Forum, its main square, bustling with life and history.
Travel tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there’s plenty to walk around, and consider hiring a local guide to delve deeper into the city’s rich history.
2. Rovinj
Wander through Rovinj, a picturesque coastal town known for its cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses, and the majestic Church of St. Euphemia. Enjoy local seafood delicacies in the harbor and catch the breathtaking sunset over the Adriatic.
Travel tip: The town can get busy during peak times; to avoid the crowds, aim for an early morning or late afternoon visit.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Marvel at the cascading waterfalls and crystalline lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk the wooden paths, capturing the shimmering colors of the waters, and enjoy the serene ambiance of untouched nature.
Travel tip: Even during the summer, the park’s shaded areas can be chilly, so bring a light jacket and stay hydrated throughout your visit.
Where to stay in Rabac
Rabac, a picturesque town in Croatia, offers a plethora of hotel options for travelers. With its stunning Adriatic coastline, Rabac has become a popular destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re looking for luxury, budget-friendly options, or something in between, Rabac has a hotel to fit your needs. Here are six hotels in Rabac, catering to different types of travelers:
1. Best Reviewed Hotel
Boutique Hotel Adoral (★★★★)
- Description: Unwind in the stylishly decorated, bright, and sophisticated surroundings of Hotel Adoral, which provides superbly equipped accommodation with magnificent sea views in Rabac.
- Price: € 200 per night
- Rating: 9.4 (Superb)
2. Most Luxurious Hotel
Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa (★★★★)
- Description: Located in Rabac, just steps away from the Adriatic Sea and the beach, Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, restaurants, bars, and a wellness centre.
- Price: € 212 per night
- Rating: 8.7 (Fabulous)
3. Budget Hotel
Hotel Amfora (★★★)
- Description: Centrally located in Rabac just 30 metres from the Adriatic Sea, Hotel Amfora offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV.
- Price: € 89.25 per night
- Rating: 7.0 (Good)
4. Hotel for Families
Miramar Sunny Hotel by Valamar (★★★)
- Description: Miramar Sunny Hotel by Valamar is situated on the St. Andrija peninsula, only 20 metres from a beach and 700 metres from the centre of Rabac.
- Price: € 140 per night
- Rating: 8.0 (Very good)
5. Hotel for Couples
Hotel Villa Annette (★★★★)
- Description: This small, charming hotel is located in a protected part of the hill overlooking the bay of Rabac, offering beautiful panoramic views over the Kvarner bay and the islands of Cres, Lošinj, and Unije.
- Price: € 228.96 per night
- Rating: 9.1 (Superb)
6. Hotel for Solo Travelers
Allegro Sunny Hotel by Valamar (★★★)
- Description: Shaded by pine forests on the St. Andrea Peninsula, Allegro Sunny Hotel by Valamar is only 50 metres from a beach and 700 metres from the centre of Rabac.
- Price: € 140 per night
- Rating: 7.8 (Good)
Did you know? Facts about Rabac
- Rabac, once a small fishing port, has transformed into a resort town with numerous villas and apartment buildings since the 1970s.
- The Rabac Festival, an annual electronic music festival, has been held in the town for many years, attracting 3,000 attendees in 2002.
- British explorer Richard Francis Burton visited Rabac in 1876 and mentioned it in his book “The Seaboard of Istria.”
- The first hotel in Rabac, named Quarnaro, was opened on June 11, 1889.
- Regular music concerts, magic shows, and comedians are prevalent in Rabac, adding to the lively entertainment scene.
- Tourist expeditions to Venice, Dubrovnik, and Krka are common, operating daily, along with fishing tours costing about 100 kuna.
- Three major hotels and a camping site are situated on the first beach, with countless hotels along the second beach and Girandella, including the locally famous Albona hotel.
- The climate in Rabac offers maximum sea temperatures ranging from 14°C in January to 27°C in August, making it a pleasant destination year-round.
- Rabac is home to the Matija Vlačić Primary School, offering four grades of primary education for local students.
- The town’s promenade and Prižinja cove near Rabac are popular spots for tourists, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.
FAQ about Rabac
What is the history of Rabac?
Rabac, once a small fishing village, has transformed over the years into a resort town. The British explorer Richard Francis Burton visited Rabac in 1876 and even mentioned it in his book “The Seaboard of Istria.” The first hotel in Rabac, named Quarnaro, opened its doors on 11 June 1889.
Where is Rabac located?
Rabac is a Croatian resort town situated on the Kvarner Bay, just southeast of Labin, in Istria.
How has Rabac evolved as a tourist destination?
Originally a small fishing port, Rabac saw significant growth in the 1970s, evolving into a resort town with numerous villas and apartment buildings.
What is the Rabac Festival?
The Rabac Festival is an annual electronic music festival that has been celebrated in Rabac for many years. In 2002, the festival attracted 3,000 attendees.
What are the tourism activities available in Rabac?
Regular music concerts are organized at Rabac beach and in the hotels. Magic shows and comedians are prevalent during the night. Tourist expeditions to destinations like Venice, Dubrovnik, and Krka are common, with daily operations at 1 and 3 pm.
What accommodation options are available in Rabac?
Rabac offers three major hotels and a camping site on the first beach. Along the ‘Riva’, apartments are available for rent. The second beach and Girandella have numerous hotels, including the locally renowned Albona hotel.
How is the climate in Rabac?
Rabac has a Mediterranean climate. The maximum sea temperature ranges from 12°C in February to 27°C in August, while the minimum sea temperature varies from 9°C in January to 22°C in July and August.
Are there educational institutions in Rabac?
While Rabac is primarily known as a travel and tourism destination, it also houses the Matija Vlačić Primary School, which offers four grades of primary education for local students. For higher grades and secondary education, students travel to the nearby city of Labin.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabac
https://www.getyourguide.com/rabac-l159112/
https://www.booking.com/city/hr/rabac.en-gb.html
