Rabac Promenade (Šetalište)

Rabac is a small seaside resort on the east coast of Istria, in the Labin area, set in a deep, sheltered bay below the hill town of Labin. It began as a fishing village and developed into a tourist resort in the late nineteenth century, when the first guest houses and hotels went up along the shore. Today, its centre of gravity is the seafront promenade, called the Šetalište in Croatian, which follows the curve of the bay and links the main beaches, the harbour and the hotels.

The promenade is a broad, flat path of paving and stone laid out beside the water, with palm trees, flower beds and benches placed at regular intervals. It is easy to walk, suitable for families with pushchairs, for cyclists at a gentle pace and for people with limited mobility, and it is lit in the evening. Along its length, you find cafes, ice cream stands, small shops and restaurants specialising in fish and shellfish, and many of them have terraces over the sea. Walking it from end to end takes only a short time, but few people hurry. The pace is leisurely, and the best way to enjoy it is to stop for a coffee or a drink and watch the boats.

The views are a large part of the appeal. From the promenade you look across the bay to wooded hills, and the water in the shelter of the cove is calm and clear, a green-blue colour over pebbles and rock. Pebble beaches lie along the shore, among them Lanterna and a beach known as Four Elements, both listed in this guide, and the large hotel complexes, including the Girandella resort on the headland, can be reached by walking. In the evening, lights from the terraces reflect on the water, and live music sometimes drifts from the restaurants.

Beyond the promenade, a coastal path continues through pine woods to quieter coves, and boat trips leave from the harbour for excursions along the coast and to the nearby islands. The hill town of Labin, a short drive or a steep walk above Rabac, has a well-preserved old centre with narrow lanes, galleries and a history connected with coal mining, and it is a worthwhile stop to balance the seaside.

The best times to walk are early morning, when the bay is quiet, and early evening, when the heat has faded. In July and August the promenade gets crowded and restaurant tables fill up, so book ahead if you want a particular place. Bring sun protection and water. The walk suits families, couples, older visitors and anyone who wants a gentle seaside stroll.