December 12, 2018 - At a ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels, the Croatian island of Rab was awarded the grand prize -  "European Island of Sport 2019", which is the first time an island has won such a title. The Rab delegation at the ceremony was headed by the mayor of the City of Rab, Nikola Grgurić, and the event was attended by high representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and ACES Europe, representatives of award-winning cities and media from across Europe. 

The president of the Federation of European Sports Capitals and Cities (ACES Europe), Gian Francesco Lupatelli, awarded prizes to the winners in individual categories, and among the winners from Croatia were also the cities of Sisak and Prelog. The capital of sport for 2019 was proclaimed Budapest.

At the solemn ceremony, mayor Grgurić addressed the congregation, thanking all those who were worthy of winning this historic title - the first European island of sports. The recognition enabled Rab to be recognized as a destination among the European sports cities and gives it easier access to significant EU funds for further investment in sports and sports infrastructure. Rab was ranked the third city to withdraw the most from EU funds per capita in 2017. 

“I am proud and happy that this title has been given to Rab, our little Mediterranean paradise, which, apart from the 130 years long tradition of organized tourism, can boast of an almost equally long sporting tradition. Sport is a part of our identity but also an authentic lifestyle, and this acknowledgment is just a confirmation of the sport's awareness, the activities and the success of the city and the island of Rab, and the incentive for further progress. Investment in sports is an investment in the youth and thus - the future. We are proud to carry these labels and will try to justify them in the company of the European sport's elite,” said Grgurić, while in the background, he presented a promotional video with the beauties and specialties of the island of Rab. 

At this year's Days of Croatian Tourism in Hvar, the most famous Rab manifestation, Rab Fjera, was declared the tourist event of the year, and just a bit before that, in September, the Tourist Board of the City of Rab, according to the Nautical patrol, won the award for the greatest contribution to the development of nautical tourism in Croatia. And just last month, the House of Rab Cakes received the national annual 'Simply the Best' award in the category of catering facilities with traditional food and drinks for the Adriatic region. 

Bravo, Rab!

Last year, the town of Rab recorded the two-millionth overnight stay 12 days earlier than expected. The last year's tourist season was a record-breaking one by the number of tourist arrivals and overnights. In the meantime, Rab has managed to extend the tourist season and brand its tourist attractions, such as the original and popular Rab Fjera festival. This event has now been joined by the Rab Island Advent Festival, which will this year be organized for the fourth year in the row, reports Večernji List on November 26, 2018.

The director of the Rab Town Tourist Board, Ivana Matušan, discussed the island’s tourism development.

The last year’s tourist season was a record-breaking one. Are you satisfied with this year’s results?

We are extremely pleased. In the first nine months, the town of Rab has recorded 1,436,298 overnight stays, while the one-millionth overnight stay in Rab occurred a day earlier than last year. The season was at the last year’s record levels, with 1% more overnight stays, but it is not over yet. I was extremely pleased with the pre-season. In the first five months, Rab achieved a growth of 43% in overnight stays. I believe that an interesting tourist December is ahead of us. For this Advent, we expect to have four hotels open, while last year we had just one, and I am sure that many private rental owners will open their properties for all tourists who want to experience a special island Advent.

How did the Rapska Fjera festival influence the branding of your destination?

Rapska Fjera is part of the town of Rab; it is inseparable from the town as a tourist destination, but also as the cultural center of the island itself. It has historical foundations on which the Rab history is based even today. There is no similar project in Croatia and the region, and I am very proud of the achieved level of quality, as well as of the award for the best tourism event in 2018, which we recently won at this year's Days of Croatian Tourism held on Hvar. With all of our projects, events and ideas, we strive to be unique, innovative and engaging. I believe there is still room for progress, but also that the efforts of all the stakeholders are visible to everybody.

How can you further improve the tourism offer?

We look forward to announced investments in hotel facilities, and the process of repositioning Rab as “the island of happiness" is underway. This is where I see room to further improve our tourism product. For example, in 2019, the town of Rab will carry the prestigious title of the European Island of Sports.

What about this year's Rab Island Advent?

The most beautiful island Advent festival will be even more interesting and larger than ever. We will expand to two town squares and two beautiful parks. The Rab Island Advent is slowly becoming a reason for the arrival of tourists to our destination during the winter months. This year will bring numerous entertainment programmes, ice skating and other programmes for children and somewhat older guests, right next to the sea. The festival will start on December 1.

For more on the island of Rab, click here.

Translated from Večernji List (reported by Majda Mikulandra).

October 8, 2018 - Continuing our look at the Mediterranean as it once was through online videos of yesterday, a journey back to the island of Rab.

The announcement of these flights has recently been transmitted by one of Britain's most well-known magazines.

The competition was fierce.

July 16, 2018 — Rab's tourism scene has gone to the dogs — in a good way.

Knights will again walk the streets waiting for tournaments, craftsmen and artists will open the doors of their studios, and music will be heard all around.

May 7, 2018 - Ever tried creating a work of art using only sand and water?

May 6, 2018 - Ever wanted to try scuba diving, but don't have the time for a full course? You're in luck!

Continuing with our series dedicated to delicious dishes the Adriatic coast is known for, a look to a unique dessert on April 11, 2018