July 16, 2018 — Rab's tourism scene has gone to the dogs — in a good way.
Rab’s tourism scene expanded this weekend to accommodate the tail-wagging visitors as the renowned Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar opened a new location on the island, according to hrturizam.
The canine-friendly establishment gained global attention with its first location in Crikvenica, with its niche offerings like “dog beer”. It quickly became a hit — albeit niche — destination for tourists traveling with man’s best friend.
"I'm extremely pleased to have the support of Rab’s institutions and citizens, as well as the workers who helped shape this beach to look like this today,” Monty’s owner Igor Montanari Knez told hrturizam. “Without all of them we would not be here, and I am looking forward to further cooperation on this project and I will justify giving me confidence."
The bar, located on the island’s Artić beach, has a special menu tailored to furry guests. It includes “dog beer” (a mix of chicken and vegetable stock), as well as ice cream, pizza, chips and — of course — doggie treats.
Monty’s also offers a plethora of dog-oriented goodies, from chew toys to slippers and dog-specific umbrellas, as well as a dog park.
Rab has been developing a reputation as an off-the-radar destination for travelers in the know trying to avoid the glitzy tourist traps that lay between Zadar and Dubrovnik.
Thanks to smart planning and a diverse offering, the island saw a six percent increase in overnight stays during the first half of this year in comparison to the same period in 2017.
The rest of Rab’s summer season will include events such as “Rabska Fjera,” a three-day, a multinational medieval festival with participants from Slovenia, San Marino and elsewhere.
Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar is expected to fit nicely into the island’s varied scene.
“Rab’s tourism offering is undergoing some changes,” the director of Rab’s Tourism Board Ivana Matušan said. “Monty’s is part of that story. The first themed beach on Rab will certainly boost further investments of this kind.”
