Rabac, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to Do!

Rabac is a small, popular resort in Croatia and is located on the quiet east coast of Istria. This town is best known for its almost unreal, beautiful turquoise-blue picture-book beaches and the many good hotels right by the sea, which are ideal for a beach vacation at the Adriatic. Really charming is also the small center, which can be reached via the romantic waterfront promenade, where the quaint fishing port provides a unique ambience. Not far from Rabac is the pretty old town of Labin, which is located slightly above the coast and invites guest to stroll and linger in the evening. Whether sightseeing, culture, nature, excursions or just relaxing by the sea, there are so many outstanding things to do in Rabac and so every vacationer is guaranteed to get his money’s worth.

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information and tips about Rabac in Croatia. We show you the most beautiful attractions and beaches, great pictures and where to find the best accommodation in Rabac.

Rabac

General information about Rabac

Rabac is located in Istria on the quiet east coast, about 50 kilometers from Pula in the south and almost 50 kilometers from Opatija in the north. Formerly a small fishing village, today Rabac counts about 1,500 inhabitants and is, moreover, one of the most popular vacation resorts in the region of Istria. The history of tourism even goes back to the beginning of the 19th century, with the English travel writer Richard Francis Burton already raving about the coastal town at that time. In this period, some picturesque summer houses were built, which still give Rabac a certain charm today.

The town of Rabac includes the wonderful harbor with the tourist center as well as the colorful buildings, the bay Maslinica with the campsite, and the long, picturesque coastline with countless dream beaches to the east of the town. Since the village was built on a hillside, all the vacation apartments wind up the coast and reward their guests with a magnificent sea view.

Rabac

The Harbor & Center of Rabac

The picturesque fishing harbor is probably the most beautiful part of the village and at the same time the most famous attraction in Rabac. The pastel-colored townhouses are absolutely unique and beautiful, and together with the turquoise sea and the rocking boats, they form a true picture-book backdrop. The harbor is the tourist center of Rabac. Here you will also find cozy café-bars and restaurants wherefrom you can watch the hustle and bustle while enjoying a glass of Istrian wine or a delicious coffee.

A must-visit in Rabac is the long, charming promenade that connects the center with the surrounding beaches. Walking along the coast, you will be amazed by magnificent viewpoints and enjoy the wonderful ambience of this Mediterranean promenade.

Rabac

Rabac

Labin

During a vacation in Rabac you have the opportunity to explore the beautiful old town of Labin. It is located only 5 kilometers away on a hill overlooking the popular seaside resort and inspires especially with the historic city center. Strolling through the alleys, you will be amazed by the many colorful squares and enjoy a grandiose mix of Croatian and Italian flair. On the way you will always find galleries with art and stores for shopping. The restaurants and the quaint konobas are also excellent here and are especially popular in the evenings!

Labin Main Square – Titov Trg

Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

Labin City Museum

Alvona Gallery

Best Beaches in Rabac

The fantastic beaches in Rabac make this vacation resort special in Croatia. Stunning are the many white pebble bays, which slope shallowly into the sea and exude a touch of Caribbean flair with the most beautiful turquoise blue colors. Some of these bays are still wonderfully quiet, while others are guaranteed to keep you busy thanks to the wide range of water sports and leisure activities on offer.

Beach Girandella

A real highlight in Rabac is the Girandella Beach. Here you will find a gorgeous, clean pebble beach, which is ideal for families with children. The sea of the protected bays is crystal clear and slopes wonderfully shallow, which guarantees swimming pleasure at its best. The promenade, which leads to the center of Rabac, is also beautiful.

Tip: Girandella beach is located directly below the same-named 4-star Hotel Girandella, which offers the best conditions for a vacation by the sea with a great pool and top location.

Beach Girandella

Girandella Beach

Girandella Beach

Girandella Beach

Beach Sveti Andrea

The Plaza Sveti Andrea is one of the absolute dream beaches of the resort. While swimming in the crystal clear sea, you can enjoy a scenery like from a travel magazine. The rock formations that divide the beach into many small bays are beautiful and give Rabac a very special charm. This bathing bay guarantees a lot of privacy and unique tranquility, especially in the off-season.

Beach Sveti Andrea

Lanterna Beach

The Lanterna Beach is one of the most popular bathing places of the resort. Here you will find beautiful pebble bays with small concrete sunbathing areas. The turquoise sea colors and the picturesque view of the coast and Cres Island on the other side are just spectacular. Behind it is the beautiful Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa, a popular hotel for a vacation in Rabac.

Beach Lanterna

Beach Marsal Tito

Another popular bathing bay is Plaza Marsal Tito. It is located not far from the center and can be easily reached from the port via a short walk. Especially beautiful there is the Mediterranean ambience with the white pebbles, the green trees in the background and deep blue sea colors that you rarely see anywhere else.

Beach Marsal Tito

Beach Maslinica

The largest bay in Rabac is Plaza Maslinica, a wonderful beach located a little west of the town center. This beautiful pebble beach even received the Blue Flag thanks to its fantastic facilities, cleanliness and top sea quality. Moreover, the wide range of activities and water sports makes it very popular, especially among families with children. Great is also the campsite, which is located in a prime beach location.

Beach Maslinica

Where to Stay in Rabac

There is a terrific range of accommodation options in Rabac. From fantastic hotels in every price range, to private apartments and lovely campsites, it’s all here. If you are looking for a recommended place to stay in Rabac, then we can give you these accommodation tips along the way…It’s worth a look!

• 4-Star Hotel: The stunning Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa is located directly on the beach and near the center. Guests love the location and the great breakfast.
• Design Hotel: The Girandella Hotel is probably one of the best hotels in Rabac. Here, the beautiful pool and the perfect beach location will thrill you!
• Apartment at the Harbor: The accommodation Katarina convinces with really nice apartments with a magnificent view of the harbor. The location is central, yet quiet.
• Apartment with a View: The Casa M offers beautiful, new apartments with a large terrace and a fantastic view over the coast of Rabac.

Find the best accommodation in Rabac:

 Booking.com

More about Istria:

• Rovinj, Croatia: An Expert Travel Guide!

• Top 10 Amazing Beaches in Istria

• Medulin, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to Do!

• Porec, Croatia: An Expert Travel Guide!

• Umag, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to do

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