Rab Island Croatia adventure
We started the day with a fantastic breakfast at our seaside B&B in Valun. The husband-and-wife team running the inn prepared a delicious spread, including the usual juices and cold cuts, plus custom-made eggs and a pancake (more like a crepe). After this lovely breakfast, we were ready to hit the road.
Valun sits at the bottom of a steep road, and there’s no parking in the town itself. So, we faced a tough trek up the hill to the parking lot, which got our hearts pumping. We’ll miss this charming little village.
To the Town of Cres
It was a rainy morning, so we scrapped our beach plans and headed to the town of Cres. Just across the bay from Valun, Cres is much larger and more touristy but still fun to explore. One challenge was finding a public bathroom—turns out, they’re hard to come by. We slipped into a bar like we owned the place, and that worked out fine.
Cres, a historic town, once had a large defensive wall, but only one tower remains today. We climbed the stone tower and chatted with a local artist showcasing a ceramic exhibition. The town boasts a sizable harbor filled with small fishing boats and a promenade connecting to a nearby campsite.
Cres is clearly a popular spot. We saw plenty of people at bars and restaurants, along with souvenir shops and several tourist buses. After a good walk, exploring an old monastery, and strolling down the promenade, we were ready to continue our journey.
Off to Rab Island Croatia
Next, we embarked on our adventure to Rab island Croatia, which required two ferries and took about four hours. Waiting in the car line for the first ferry was a bit tedious, but the connection was smooth, thanks to some help from a friendly guy on the first ferry. The ride felt like a mini-cruise as we enjoyed ice cream and gazed over the edge.
We landed in the town of Lopar on Rab Island Croatia and drove to Palit, a seaside town within walking distance of Rab’s historic village. We strolled along a beautiful promenade to reach Rab, where signage noted that a royal from Liechtenstein funded its construction in the early 1900s—what a forward-thinker! Rab was bustling with restaurants, but many parts of the village remained quiet, dotted with remnants of Roman buildings and churches. It was truly romantic.
Rab Island Croatia seems to be quite a harsh island. It is hard to imagine how people survived living on this barren island. It is quite rocky, but still very beautiful.
For Tomorrow
After a few days of island living, we’re ready to return to the mainland and leave the coast behind. Before heading out, we’ll make a quick stop at one of Rab’s most beautiful beaches (this one actually has sand!). Another ferry ride and some steep mountain road driving await as we make our way to Plitvice. Until then, keep exploring!
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Day 10 – Cres Island Croatia Adventure: Stunning Beach Hikes, Ferry Rides, and Charming Valun Vibes
