Croatia golden wonders - need to know
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Saturday August 15 2009
Getting There
Fares from Dublin to Zadar start from €19 with Ryanair (0818 303 030; ryanair.com). Drive two-and-a-half hours up the coast to Jablanac, where the car ferry (€2) will take you to Rab.
Staying there
- Budget: To experience authentic Croatian hospitality, rent a private room in a local house, starting at €20. The tourist office (www.tzg-rab.hr; 00385 5177 1111) will have a list of all rooms available.
- Mid-range: For a wide range of villas on the island, visit Holiday Rentals (www.holiday-rentals.com). Villa Veronika (www. holiday-rentals.co.uk/ p518959) is a B&B in Banjol close to Rab Town, with a swimming pool and ocean views for €35 a night.
- Splash out: Hotel Arbiana (00385 5177 5900; www.arbianahotel.com) is a boutique hotel on the harbour with arguably the best restaurant in Rab and a romantic candlelit garden. Doubles -- some with balcony and sea views -- start from €135 a night.
When to go
As the sunniest island in Croatia, you can go anytime between June and September, but the sea will still be cool in the early summer.
Five Great things
- Explore medieval Rab Town, one of the Adriatic's most spectacular towns dotted with richly endowed churches and Romanesque architecture. Climb the 13th-century bell tower (admission 70c) to admire it from above.
- Go to Konoba Rab (00385 5172 5666) to taste one of the island's traditional specialties, such as Rabska Grotta -- a beef steak with cheese and prosciutto in a sweet fruit sauce (€26 for two).
- Take a day tour to one of the neighbouring islands of Krk (€20), Losinj (€20) or Plitvice (€50), if for nothing more than to cruise around the Adriatic ocean. Tours can be booked through the tourist office.
- The lack of charm of the tourist development on Lopar peninsula is more than compensated for by the series of 22 sandy beaches -- including Sahara, Stolac and Paradise -- that fringe the cape bordered by shady pine groves.
- Hike to the mountain peak of Sveti Ilija for fantastic views. The tourist office will have maps of hiking trails throughout the island.
- Tyler Wetherall
