Kamenjak Hill

THE MEDITERRANEAN PARADISE-PROTECTS THE ISLAND OF RAB FROM COLD NORTHERN WINDS

The most striking and the largest landforms of the Island of Rab is the Kamenjak limestone mountain range stretching along its entire northeastern side, from the Gavranić Promontory to the Promontory of Sorinj, with a total length of 22 km. The highest point of the Kamenjak Hill is Straža located at an altitude of 408 m above sea level. The Venetians named this mountain range Tinjaroša and in the 14th century it was named Kamenjak (Ita. Camignocco), which continues to this day.

A SPECTACULAR PANORAMIC VIEW FROM THE TOP

From this mountain top, you can admire a spectacular view of the entire Island of Rab, the mountain range and the mythical Mount Velebit, as well as the surrounding archipelago, the islands of Krk, Cres, Lošinj, Silba, Olib and Pag. In clear weather when visibility is high (the air is dry and cold), you can enjoy the view of Učka Mountain (in the region of Istria) and of Dalmatian islands of Molat and Ugljan to the south, located some 40 nm away.

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Its steep cliffs descending to the Velebit Canal can easily be seen from the mainland. Due to the baren and steep Kamenjak Hill, Rab loos intimidating to the visitors coming for the first time. However, the rugged and barren northern side of the island is in sharp contrast with its green and peaceful western side. The Island of Rab owes its fame as a peaceful island in the middle of the windy Velebit Canal to the Kamenjak Hill.

AN EXTREMELY CHALLENGING HIKING TERRAIN

The gradients on the northeastern side of the island are over 50 degrees. Therefore, this is where landslides often occur, with the exposure to hurricane-force Bora wind and the complete lack of vegetation cover contributing to landslides. The steep slopes are particularly visible between the Krklant and Njivice promontories.

THE KAMENJAK LANDSLIDE CAUSED A TSUNAMI WHICH SANK THE ANCIENT TOWN OF CISSA

Tradition holds that a tsunami hit the shore in the 4th century, sinking the ancient town of Cissa on the Island of Pag. The landslide of a part of Kamenjak into the Velebit Canal caused a tsunami wave that was between 10 and 20 m high. The wave flooded Cissa at the speed of 100 km/h and submerged it in the blink of an eye. The legend about the perishing of the town of Kisa reminds us of the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah and their sudden, unexpected and terrible doom, just like the town of Kisa which sank to the bottom of the sea.

KAMENJAK HOLDS MANY TREASURES AND IS THE PERFECT ACTIVE VACATION SPOT

The mountain range of the Island of Rab is home to many treasures, such as the secluded beaches, the Fruga plain, forests, Jamina water spring, Pećina cave and Medova buža cave, where the habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal used to be. Centuries-old dry stone walls, flower-shaped dry stone multicellular sheepfolds called mrgare, waterholes fenced off and the trail of Premužić, considered a masterpiece of mountain trail construction, are all tourist attractions worth seeing. The area is criss-crossed by biking and cycling routes revealing a stunning and diverse scenery. In the proximity of the Bay of Mag, you will see bauxite surface mining excavation sites used during WWI, with purple limestone breccia deposits in the Bay of Mišnjak, which are typical of Rab and was popular among medieval builders, stonemasons and sculptors.