Paradise Beach, Lopar on Rab
The verdict
- Best for: Families with small children, anyone who wants real sand under their feet rather than pebble, and swimmers happy with warm shallow water over a long lazy day.
- Best spot: The western half of the bay toward the pine fringe, where the sand is widest and the shade is closest, with the lidos and snack bars a short walk behind you.
- Know this: This is one of very few genuinely sandy beaches in Croatia, so it draws crowds in July and August; come early or in the shoulder months and bring shade for the open middle of the bay.
Published 29 January 2026. Last reviewed 10 April 2026
Paradise Beach, or Rajska plaza, at Lopar on the island of Rab is the beach Croatians send you to when you say you want sand. On a coast famous for its pebble coves and rock platforms, this near two kilometre arc of soft golden sand is the real thing, and the name is less marketing than fair description on a calm summer morning. Pines fringe part of the bay, low green hills rise behind, and the water glows a pale turquoise because it is so shallow.
That shallowness is the headline. The sea here barely reaches your knees for a long way out, so it warms early in the season and children can wade and splash far from the sand in confidence, while parents watch from the shade. Around the bay Lopar has built a proper resort beach, with sunbed hire, snack bars, restaurants, an aqua park and watersports all within a short walk, so you can arrive with nothing and want for nothing. It is comfortable, easy and genuinely family friendly in a way few Croatian beaches are.
The honest note is exactly what makes it special. Because real sand is so rare here, Paradise Beach is no secret, and in the peak of July and August it fills with families and the bay can feel busy and loud. The open middle of the beach has little natural shade, so the sun is strong by midday. Come early, take the quieter western end near the pines, or visit in June or September, and you get the soft sand and the warm shallow water with the room to enjoy it. Arrive at noon in August and you will be sharing every metre.
Clubs near this beach
Paradise Beach is a public family beach of sunbed concessions, snack bars and watersports rather than a single bottle service club. We describe what is on the sand factually and route enquiries through our directory; we never invent venues.
Sunbed and umbrella concessions
Lidos along the bay hire sunbeds and umbrellas and sit beside snack bars and cafes, the easy way to claim shade on the open sand. Their rates, hours and any reservation policy are set by the operators and to be confirmed.
Watersports and aqua park
The bay runs pedalos, an inflatable aqua park and other watersports from independent operators, a draw for families and older children. Prices, age limits and opening times are to be confirmed.
Paradise Beach sits on the Lopar peninsula at the northern tip of Rab island. Rab is reached by car ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Misnjak, or by catamaran in season, and Lopar is a short drive across the island from there, so most visitors arrive by car or local bus. Conditions are typical and never guaranteed.
There is paid parking near the bay that fills early in peak season, so an early start helps on busy days. Bring an umbrella for the open sand, water and sun protection, and take the western, pine backed end of the beach if you want the calmer corner away from the watersports.
Reserve a day at Paradise Beach Beach
Paradise Beach is a public family beach rather than a club beach, but tell us your date and party and we will point you to the right beach club style venues around Rab and the wider Dalmatian Coast. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Is Paradise Beach in Lopar really sandy?
Yes. Paradise Beach is one of the genuinely sandy beaches in Croatia, with soft golden sand rather than the pebble found on most of the coast. That sand, together with the very shallow water, is the main reason families travel to Lopar for it.
Is Paradise Beach good for small children?
It is one of the best family beaches in the region. The sea stays ankle to knee deep for a long way out, so it warms quickly and children can paddle far from the sand under supervision, and there is an aqua park, snack bars and showers close by.
How do you get to Paradise Beach on Rab?
Reach Rab by car ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Misnjak, or by seasonal catamaran, then drive or take the local bus across to Lopar at the northern tip of the island. There is paid parking near the bay that fills early in summer.
Does Paradise Beach get crowded?
In July and August it is busy, because sandy beaches are rare in Croatia and this is one of the best known. Early mornings and the shoulder months of June and September are much calmer while the water stays just as warm and shallow.
Is there shade at Paradise Beach?
There is pine shade along part of the bay, especially toward the western end, but the open centre of the beach has little natural shade. Bring an umbrella or hire a sunbed and umbrella from one of the concessions if you plan a long day.
