THE MEDITERRANEAN PARADISE IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOUNTAIN RANGE
The Kamenjak Hill protects Rab from the gusts of the Bora wind, a cold northeastern wind blowing in gusts and reaching the speed of over 200 km/h in winter.
THE MASTERPIECES OF PAST AND PRESENT
Hiking on this mountain range, you will see a unique wooden ladder used for crossing the centuries-old dry stone walls, the work of diligent members of the Kamenjak Mountaineering Club from Rab.
THE RAB ISLAND TRAIL RACE
Participating in the Rab Trekking Race is one of the best ways to spend an active weekend on the island. The race starts at the Paradise Beach (Cro. Rajska plaža), passing through the forest land and karst. Athletes, amateurs and adventurers will definitely enjoy the beautiful autumn colours of the scenery on the Island of Rab.
A PANORAMIC VIEW FROM THE PEAK
The peak of the Kamenjak limestone mountain range is 408 m. It overlooks the spectacular view of the Island of Rab and its archipelago.
IT IS USEFUL TO HAVE A TOURIST MAP
In addition to having well-marked hiking paths, the printed tourist maps have additional cycling routes drawn in. The map contains relevant information and the map scale is 1:25 000.
HARD AND CHALLENGING ROUTES
Although it does not appear demanding at first glance, steep slopes and cliffs, rugged limestone rocks, inaccessibility and scarce vegetation make this mountain range a very dangerous and challenging hiking route.
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HIKING PATHS IN EUROPE
Wandermagazin, the most widely read German specialised magazine dealing in topics such as active vacation, including mountaineering, listed the Mišnjak-Kamenjak-Fruga- Lopar hiking route on Rab among the most beautiful routes in Europe (Ger. Europas Schȍnste Wanderwege).
THE VARIETY OF LANDSCAPE
From the barren land and rocks, through the forests, secluded karst oases, to the Fruga Mountain valley waterholes, caves, water springs and beaches.
HIKING AND SWIMMING IN THE SEA?
The hiking trails of the Kamenjak Hill descending to the very sea in some places are incredible. Taking a swim in this crystal-clear sea at the foot of its cliffs for refreshment is a memorable experience.
FOR THE PHYSICALLY FIT
There are six hiking trails crossing the Kamenjak Hill, with a total length of 33 km. Some of them are of a barren karst-like nature.
A SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO THE ENGINEER ANTE PREMUŽIĆ
Some hiking trails pass through one of the sections of the Premužić's trail, which is considered a dry stone construction masterpiece. It is intended for hikes and MTB cyclists and it offers a panoramic view of Lopar and the world-famous Paradise Beach (Cro. Rajska plaža).
THE PURPOSE IS TO ENJOY, NOT TO CONQUER THE SUMMIT
On the top of the Kamenjak Hill, a four-sided stone pyramid was erected in the proximity of telecommunication facilities, with a metal plate with the altitude of 408m engraved, and another one with the image of St. Kristofor, the patron saint of the Island of Rab.
Kamenjak Hill (408m)
Kamenjak is an active vacation spot
Check out a spectacular view from the top (408m)
The total mountain trail lengths is 33 km
Fresh air filled with native aromatic plants
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.
