Gallery Astoria opened

Offer of the city of Rab is complemented by another object. It is a new gallery in the tourist facility Astoria which is located in one of the most attractive locations in the old town of Rab. Owners of this new gallery are Marica and Petar Ribaric and thanks to them many tourists who annually visit Rab will now be able to enjoy the works of numerous artists. Given that all who visit the old center of Rab probably have a developed taste for art good attendance of this art gallery should not be questionable.

Caring for Lopar beaches

Lopar is well known for its beautiful sand beaches and they are definitely the strongest link in the tourist offer of this small town on Rab island. There are all together 22 beaches. 3 of these beaches are commercial, while others offer a unique atmosphere of wild and untouched nature. Nudism is allowed on beaches Ciganka and Sahara, while Stolac beach is exclusively for nudists. A couple of beaches also offer the possibility of bringing pets, which will make all dog owners very happy. Despite the fact that most beaches of Lopar owe their beauty to mother nature, many tourist workers do a lot of hard work to keep them beautiful. Most work this year was done on Paradise beach. Sandy portion of the beach meant for bathers was increased, new showers were installed and new deck chairs and beach umbrellas were brought to the beach. A lot was done in front of the "San Marino" tourist settlement too, where the entire promenade has been completely renovated. Officials from the Tourist board and the County emphasize how this is not the end of investment and how there are numerous projects being planned to guarantee an even richer offer for all tourists.

Why Felix Arba?

At the time of the old Roman Empire only some carefully selected provinces were allotted the title of Felix, what could be described as "happy city" or "city of happiness and satisfaction." The entire Adriatic coast was part of the Roman Empire, but only Salona (Solin) and Arba (Rab) carried this prestigious title.
Author Zdravko Zima from Novi list newspaper explains why he thinks that Rab of today also deserves this title. This reporter visited Rab during the famous Rab Fair and remained fascinated by everything - convents, churches, palaces and villas, numerous parks, but primarily with people of Rab, whose concern for the city and the environment shows how great people they are.
The Fair alone, which the above mentioned author visited, is actually a local medieval ceremony dedicated to St. Christopher, the Patron Saint of Rab. Several hundred residents of Rab and their guests from other Croatian and foreign Medieval companies take part in this ceremony. Their efforts and work are rewarded only by many happy faces of tourists and it says enough about their love for the city and the island.
Fair offers to every guest a unique insight into the way of living and working in the Middle Ages, which includes knights and tournaments, as well as numerous workshops of old crafts. There was already a word or two about this in one of our previous articles, so now we will not spend too many words on this topic, but we feel we should describe the pleasure Mr. Zima felt when one lady in an old traditional costume provided him with local homemade ham and bread, but also a surprise when he learned that another woman who was kindly explaining to tourists how to prepare the local brandy was in fact a German lady married to a man from Rab, who decided to adopt his customs and traditions. That says enough about the kindness and the appeal of this island and the town of Rab, which is a reason it deservedly carried the title of Felix!

Long-term guests are valued on Rab

Ritska van Doorm and Dijk Kamphuis are two Dutch tourists who have been coming to the island of Rab for 30 years, sometimes even twice a year. The first time they came together was in 1979 and this year they were handed an award and presented gifts as a sign of thanks for their loyalty. As the main reasons for continuous returns to Rab they state unique charm of the island and hospitality of its residents, but they also noticed how a lot has changed in three decades. Some things they do not like about those changes, which particularly refers to construction that is present at every step and destroys green areas. In spite of that, they are already planning a visit to the island next year because they simply can not be without its natural beauties and many beautiful beaches.

Teresa Garcia Caturla in Rab!

Teresa Garcia Caturla was a member of a Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club and this year early in August she will be a special guest of Rab Summer Festival. This legendary musician will perform on the second day of the festival with a Croatian band called Cubismo, specialized for the hot Latino rhythms.
This famous Cuban artist was born in a small village in Cuba and started to work with music under the influence of her father, who was one of the best Cuban musicians and composers. How the whole family was attached to the music speaks the fact that all eleven children practiced music. After the beginning of the sixties Teresa finished with college and started with her professional music career. Her musical story lasts until today. All you who want to see the performance of this vital musician can visit the island of Rab in August and enjoy her art of music.

Interesting innovation on Rab

An interesting innovation by Mr. Mark Dabelic was presented on the beach in Suha Punta. It is a massage lounge, which managed to satisfy all enthusiastic tourists who tried it. This invention got many awards in various competitions in Croatia and abroad during the last year, but failed to enter into wider production. Why it is so know only the companies that run the beaches on the Adriatic coast, which are obviously not interested to upgrade their offer in this way. Marko Dabelic also does not understand why nobody in Croatia is not interested in this invention, because all the tourists who tried this kind of massage are delighted, and if you stick to the fact that customer always comes first, then you should offer what they want, especially in these critical times when every innovation that enhances offer is very important. Dabelic highlights that he got an offer from Italy, but still would like for his innovation to remain in Croatia.
For now, all those who visit the island of Rab can try out this kind of massage.

Prepare for the Fair

At the end of July another Rab Fair starts with a rich entertainment and cultural program, as is customary every year.
It all starts on 25th of July with a holidays of St. James and a grand opening ceremony of the eighth Rab Fair that is to be held on the Square of St. Christopher.
The second day of the event is held on the day of St. Ane and all guests will be able to enjoy and learn many old crafts in a number of workshops.
Last day is also the richest with events. It is the feast of St. Christopher, patron saint of the town of Rab. Fair of old professions and workshops will continue, large fireworks will be held, while the rich entertainment program will last until the morning!
Think about getting to the island of Rab!