Rab, Croatia

Viewed from mainland Croatia, Rab appears to be barren – a stretch of desolate rock wedged between azure sky and the deep blue Kvarner Gulf. However, the island’s west coast is remarkably green and is covered with forests, olive groves, vineyards and fields. The biggest community is picturesque Rab Town, which sits on a small peninsula that forms a pretty u-shaped natural harbor. A quartet of church towers rise over its historic quarter, where the narrow streets are lined with impressive medieval and Venetian buildings. But the island’s main draw is its 30 stunning sandy beaches, which range from the calm, shallow waters of the family-friendly Paradise beach, to the undeveloped, clothing-optional Sahara. In the evening, head to Rab’s Municipum Arba Square, where the fun runs late into the night