Vila Mata

When you get off the ferry on island Rab, the first place that awaits you is Barbat, recognizable for its pebble beaches, rich fishing tradition, good restaurants, eco-friendly farm products, small boat building and above all its tourism. This town is heaven for lovers of the sea on a small scale. Those interested in the history of Barbat can take a trip to the ruins of an old Christian Greek military fortification on St Damien’s Hill, on the Karmenica holiday (festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel), celebrated on the 16th July, guests and locals alike can revel in the delicacies that are Barbat’s fruits of the earth and the sea.

Rab is a scenic island in Kvarner Bay. It is made of contrasts with sharp rock cliffs on the east coast and gentle pebbly beaches, high places on the mountain massif that is covered with macchia and forests of Mediterranean oak. The largest town and port is Rab, and the island has a few more idyllic, coastal villages: Lopar, Mundanije, Supetarska Draga, Kampor, Barbat and Banjol.

Rab is an island of culture, from antiquity to the present day, beautiful scenery, long and pleasant walks. The Romans called it Happy Rab - Felix Arba, and they knew how to enjoy and recognize the benefits of a place. Tourists can enjoy looking at the historical heritage of the ancient town of Rab (Trg Sv. Kristofor), visit a traditional event such as the Rab Fair, the Knights' Tournament held by the Association of Rab crossbowmen and other colourful events. And when they get tired of sightseeing, then visitors can happily treat their taste buds with a famous delicacy from the island - Rab cake that in ancient times Pope Alexander III tried.

The beaches, coves, greenery and scents create an atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment, and the developed tourist infrastructure makes it one of the most visited islands in the Adriatic.

Source: Croatian National Tourist Board