Rab, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia

Supetarska Draga Beaches

Overview

Supetarska Draga, nestled in a sheltered bay on the island of Rab, offers a peaceful retreat distinct from bustling resort towns. It's a haven for those seeking tranquility, clear calm waters, and a holiday centered around boating and swimming. Particularly well-suited for families with young children thanks to its shallow coves, the area provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding amidst beautiful Adriatic scenery. While you'll find pebble stretches and concrete platforms directly in the bay, Supetarska Draga is especially known for its access to numerous charming coves nearby.

Within Supetarska Draga itself, Gonar Beach serves as a convenient hub, offering easy access for swimming and sunbathing. However, the true gems often lie just a short boat ride away on the small, uninhabited islands dotting the entrance to the bay, such as Maman, Srednjak, and Sailovac. These islets boast beautiful sandy stretches, representing Supetarska Draga's signature beach experience. Accessing these idyllic spots is straightforward via local taxi boats or by renting a small vessel, allowing for delightful exploration of secluded spots.

Beyond the immediate bay and its offshore islets, the surrounding area on Rab offers diverse coastal landscapes. Discover the picturesque, pine-fringed pebble coves around Suha Punta Beach, known for their natural beauty. For a different experience, the historically significant naturist beach Kandarola provides a dedicated clothing-optional setting. While Supetarska Draga offers lovely smaller sandy coves accessible by boat, those seeking vast sandy expanses might also visit Rab's most famous sandy shore, Rajska plaža (Paradise Beach), located in nearby Lopar.

Whether you prefer the convenience of local spots, the adventure of discovering hidden island coves by boat, or exploring Rab's varied coastline, Supetarska Draga provides a wonderful base. Its clear waters and numerous sheltered spots make it ideal for swimming and relaxation. For a comprehensive look at all the options, including details on many other local beaches and coves, be sure to explore our full guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Supetarska Draga a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Supetarska Draga is particularly well-suited for families with young children. This is mainly due to its numerous shallow, sandy, and pebble coves where kids can safely play and swim. The overall atmosphere is calm and relaxed, lacking loud nightlife.

Beach Supetarska Draga

What kind of holiday is Supetarska Draga best for? Is it quiet or lively?

Supetarska Draga is ideal for a quiet, relaxing holiday focused on nature, swimming, and boating. It's not known for nightlife or parties. It appeals to families, couples, and boaters seeking tranquility and access to beautiful, often secluded, coves.

Are the beaches in Supetarska Draga sandy?

Supetarska Draga offers a mix, but it's particularly known for its access to sandy beaches, especially on the small islands just offshore (Maman, Srednjak, Sailovac). There are also pebble and rocky beaches directly accessible from the main bay area. Gonar beach, at the entrance of the bay, is also popular and partly sandy.

Gonar Beach

Do I need a boat to get to the best beaches in Supetarska Draga?

While there are accessible beaches within the bay, many of the most beautiful and popular sandy beaches are located on the small, uninhabited islands (Maman, Srednjak, Sailovac) opposite the bay. These are best reached by boat, either via taxi boat services or by renting a small boat.

Is it easy to find accommodation with direct beach access in Supetarska Draga?

While many apartments and houses are located close to the sea, direct 'walk-out-onto-the-sand' access is less common than having accommodation near a dock or a pebble/concrete swimming area. Some properties offer sea views and easy walking distance to boat taxi points or local swimming spots.

How can I get to the islands like Maman, Srednjak, and Sailovac?

You can reach these islands easily from Supetarska Draga. Taxi boats operate regularly during the summer season, offering transfers to and from the islands. Alternatively, you can rent a small boat (often possible without a license for low-power engines) for more flexibility in exploring the different coves.

Is the water clear and good for swimming in Supetarska Draga?

Yes, the sea in and around Supetarska Draga is generally very clear and calm, especially within the protected bay and surrounding coves. The shallow areas warm up nicely, making it pleasant for swimming from late spring to early autumn.

Are there nudist (FKK) beaches near Supetarska Draga?

Yes, nudism (FKK - Freikörperkultur) is common in Croatia, and some of the coves on the islands opposite Supetarska Draga, particularly on Srednjak and Sailovac, are popular clothing-optional spots. Signage might not always be present, but it's generally accepted in these more secluded coves.

What are the beaches like directly in Supetarska Draga bay?

Directly along the shores of the Supetarska Draga bay, you'll find smaller pebble beaches, concrete swimming platforms, and rocky areas. While convenient if staying nearby, the most renowned sandy beaches require a short boat trip to the offshore islets.

How crowded do the beaches get?

Beaches directly in the bay and the more popular coves on the islands can get busy during peak season (July and August), especially with families and boaters. However, due to the number of small coves accessible by boat, it's often possible to find quieter spots, particularly if you rent your own boat.

Are there facilities like restaurants or toilets on the island beaches?

Facilities vary. Some larger coves, like those on Maman island, might have a small seasonal beach bar or restaurant. However, many of the smaller, more secluded coves on the islets are completely natural without any facilities. It's wise to bring your own water, snacks, and supplies, especially if exploring less frequented spots.

What's the best way to explore multiple beaches around Supetarska Draga?

Renting a small boat for a day or longer is the ideal way to explore the numerous coves and beaches around Supetarska Draga and the nearby islands at your own pace. Taxi boats are a good alternative for visiting specific island beaches without renting.

Should I worry about sea urchins?

Sea urchins can be found in rocky areas and sometimes on pebbles in clearer waters around Rab, including near Supetarska Draga. It's always a good idea to wear water shoes, especially when entering the water in less sandy spots or exploring rocky coastlines, to protect your feet.

Is Supetarska Draga or Lopar better for sandy beaches?

Both locations on Rab island are famous for sandy beaches. Lopar has larger, more expansive sandy beaches like Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaža), often with more amenities but also potentially more crowds. Supetarska Draga offers access to numerous smaller, often quieter sandy coves, primarily on the offshore islets requiring boat access. The choice depends on whether you prefer larger beaches with facilities (Lopar) or exploring smaller, potentially more secluded coves by boat (Supetarska Draga).

Rajska plaža

Can you easily rent a small boat in Supetarska Draga?

Yes, boat rental is readily available in Supetarska Draga, especially during the summer season. You can find various providers offering small motorboats, some of which can be rented without a boating license if they have lower horsepower. Renting a boat is a very popular way to access the nearby island coves.