ISLAND OF RAB
The greenest island of the Adriatic Sea
The island of Rab is situated in the Kvarner group of islands in the north part of the Adriatic sea. The Rab is the island of sun, sea and beauty and one of the most wooded island of the Adriatic coast.
The island of Rab has approximately 10000 inhabitants who are mostly occupied in agriculture, fishing and tourism.
The reasons for the development of the tourism on the island, which are still current, are: attractive climate, experience and hospitality of the people that is passed from one on to another, rich arhipelago with many islands, hidden coves, crystal sea and the conditions on the island that have satisfying influence on the respiratory and cardiac problems. Rab has numerous cultural and historical monuments and ethnographic values.
CLIMATE
The island of Rab has a very pleasant Mediterranean Sea climate, with mild winters and pleasant moderate summers. For such climate Rab has to thank to Kamenjak, a mountain chain that protects it from the cold northern wind in winter and early spring. In autumn there is a hot and humid wind from the south normally followed by rain. During the summer the heath is tempered by pleasant breeze.
HISTORY
Several Greek and Roman geographers mention an island Rab on their geographical writings. They mention Rab as Arba, Arbia, Arbiana or Arbitana The present-day Slav inhabitants of the island, Croats, adapted the name to the spirit of their language by transforming it into Rab.
The town of Rab is a typical medieval urban center surrounded by walls that are mostly still standing. The old city is dominated by four belfries mainly built in the Romanesque style. The imposing building of the island of Rab is the belfry of St. Mary. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most important monument in Rab from the 12th century. This former cathedral of Rab has received the highest European award for cultural heritage preservation - Europa Nostra.
CULTURE
Rab has many cultural events during the summer time. The Rab Musical Evenings feature top classical musicians both from Croatia and abroad. Held in the summer months (July- September), in the Church of the Holy Cross.
The unique in Croatia the mediaeval summer fair called the Rabska Fjera which have greatest role is in safeguarding and developing local and traditional values. Participants of the Rabska Fjera are artisans and craftsmen on the island of Rab who make a livelihood from crafts which existed and provided a living for people in the Middle Ages. Rabska Fjera lasts three days: 25th July, (St James' Day), 26th July (St Anne's Day) and 27th of July (St Christopher's Day), between 9 p.m. and half past midnight.
At the end of summer, for film fans, there is world famous Rab Film Festival also known as a RAFF. International film festival which projections are following with concerts, gastronomy and good experience.
Semptember is reserved for Jazz festival with loads of good music at the attractive open-air stages with attractive performances.
SPORTS AND LEISURE
The diversity and scattered nature of the island archipelago provides amateur sportsmen and women with a place to enjoy leisure, wellness facilities and a healthy way of life: 157km of cycle paths, 144km of walking trails, 5 diving centres, twenty tennis courts and marine sports. In addition to these leisure facilities, there is a flotilla of large and small, fast and slow boats available for charter.
