About the island of Rab and Lopar

The island of Rab was protected by the gods who placed it in the lee of the Velebit range and in the shelter of Mt Kamenjak. This mountain, which might well arouse misgivings with its bare face turned towards the main highway and the Velebit Channel is in fact a real blessing for the island, for it protects it from the icy blasts of the north-easterly or bura, and has a generally beneficial effect on the climatic conditions. Rab is an island of sunshine, and this is no more phrase, for according to statistics it has 2,417 hours of sunshine a year. The sun shines on the island in June, July and August.

Rab is the southernmost of the islands in the bay of Kvarner, with a mostly Mediterranean vegetation. When you have left the bare, somewhat savage looking ferry harbour of Mišnjak, the island begins to be seen in a completely different light. The vegetation is luxuriant, and, because of the Mediterranean climate, as well as with the indigenous holm or holly oak, Rab is covered with evergreen forests.

The furthest off place in the island (13 km distant from the town of Rab) has kept in its way of life and in its speech the firmest links with the past.

Lopar is very variegated and picturesque. Alongside its rich and fertile valley, it has the long sandy Rajska beach. The sand, warm shallow water, and thick woods that offer shade and cool are especially attractive to those who come with small children. The Sahara, Ciganka and Stolac beaches are open to naturists. There is a sports and recreation centre in the vicinity. All of these facilities are available to guests accommodated in attractive modern private houses intended for renting. Links with other places on the island are good, and apart from that, there is a summer ferry link with the island of Krk and the city of Senj on the mainland.

Culture

On Tuesday at carnival time the masqueraders of the village of Lopar put on their black jackets, white shirts, ties, white trousers and black shoes, hats, kerchiefs masks, sticks, bells, gloves, and they walk in the village. On their way they jump, dance and sing cheerfully, provoking and entertaining all villagers and visitors, who happen to be in Lopar on this day. This hilarious, party with singing and dancing accompanied by bellows goes on till late in the night.