Rab … the Happy Island

Croatia Stage 12 – Sat 30th May 2015 – Novalja to Rab (40 Km + 2 ferry rides)

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Forget what I said yesterday about today going to be a nice easy ride. The 3 Km climb out of Novalja, rated at 9 degrees, was just a little heart starter. Headed for the ferry port of Žigljen (10 Km away, back near Pag) I ventured through some more fascinating moonscape … I felt like the man in the moon or perhaps Neil (or Lance?) Armstrong!

Croatia has such an abundant source of rock it is no wonder that all their houses are built of stone, as well as many of the streets and pavements. But it doesn’t just happen by itself, a lot of hard work, creativity and skilled artisanship goes into those dream homes and alleyways.

From Žigljen I made the 15 minute ferry ride across to Prizna, where my heart sank when the big front door of the Jadrolinija ferry opened and I saw the road winding up to the top of one of those rocky mountains you see in the background of many of my photos. OMG, I have to ride up that! Somehow I managed to ascend to the top on my bike with its heavily loaded Ortliebs, resisting the urge to stop for too many breathers. After about 5 Km of unrelenting climbing the road joined the D8 and flattened out, so I was able to steam along with a wing on every pedal for the remainder of the 20 Km ride to the port of Stinica for another short ferry ride across to Misnjak on Rab Island. Then the 12 Km ride into the town of Rab was an absolute breeze, with the island being much less hilly than some of the others I have ridden on.

To say that Rab town has the wow factor is an understatement, it redefines the meaning of the word “wow”. First thing I did was head for the nearest gelataria, treating myself to a well-earned pistachio and limun gelato (to replace the calories I lost on the trip) then checked in at the fabulous Hotel International right on the waterfront. Check out the last three photos of Rab which are taken from my bedroom window. I am so glad I chose Rab for a rest day tomorrow (Sunday is a day of rest). Rab is known as “the happy island” and it is easy to see why. The water looks so inviting I might even go for a swim this afternoon, with the temperature quite warm with just one day until summer officially starts here.

Did you know Rab was one of Europe’s first naturist resorts? Before his abdication King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson swam naked here.

I told you Rab is the happy island. The Rab Wedding I happened upon was like none that I have ever seen before, with their merriment spilling out onto the street. I don’t know what they are on, but I want some!

Tonight I ate at Labirint, one of the two landmark restaurants in Rab, owned by a Piculjan family and known for its seafood. I had marinated anchovies for entree, followed by BBQ squid, Awesome, just topped off a good day nicely!