BASIC INFORMATION AND LOCATION

Banjol is a village on the southwestern side of the island of Rab. It is located opposite the island of Dolin, from which it is separated by the Barbat Channel. Banjol can be reached by car from two directions. The most commonly used route is the one that takes you to the Stinica pier, which is 5 kilometers from Jablanac near Senj. From Stinica, you can then take a ferry to the Mišnjak pier on the island of Rab. The islet of Mišnjak is 10 kilometers from Banjol. Another option is to cross the Krk Bridge by car and arrive at the Krk pier of Valbiska. From Valbiska, you can then take a ferry to the Lopar pier on Rab, which is 12 kilometers from Banjol. Arrival by plane is scheduled for Rijeka Airport near Omišlje on the island of Krk. The nearest train destination is Rijeka, just under 120 kilometers away. After arriving by train, you must take a bus from the Rijeka station to the station in the town of Rab. You can also get to the town of Rab by catamaran. The catamaran from the Rijeka port travels to the port in the town of Rab. The journey continues by local bus or on foot to Banjol, which is only 2 kilometers from Rab. Arrivals to the port of Rab are possible by boat, and there are four island marinas available.

CULTURE, HISTORY AND ATTRACTIONS

Throughout history, Banjol has always been a rural suburb of the town of Rab and its population was mainly engaged in agriculture. There are not many historical sources about Banjol, but it certainly developed in parallel with the town of Rab and shared a similar fate during the changes of various administrations over the island. A landmark that speaks volumes about Banjol's long past is the church of St. Mary Magdalene, which dates back to 1374. It was the parish church until 1939, when the current parish church of St. Lucy was built. Previously, there was another church of St. Lucy in Banjol, built in 1343, but its remains are now only ruins. A very interesting historical landmark is located near the town of Barbat, 3 kilometers away. These are the ruins of an early Byzantine fortress from the first half of the 6th century, which also contains the remains of the church from that time.

BEACHES

Banjol is best known for its three beaches, called Padova I, Padova II and Padova III. The beaches have a very rich offer and their specificity is very shallow bays and clean sea and environment, and they consist of sandy, pebble, rocky and concrete parts that visitors can choose from. Due to the shallow bays, they are very accessible to children and are popular among families visiting the island of Rab. Another sandy beach is located next to the Banjol restaurant, and some other interesting beaches are located on Cape Atić and in the Banjol bay.

OTHER CONTENT

In Banjol there are a number of good restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy local island specialties. Restaurants that are very popular in the town are Morčić, Marco Polo, Padova II and Padova III. In them, you must try and experience the special curiosities of Rab cuisine such as wine, sage honey, olive oil, herbal tea, salted fish, and a special tradition on the island is the way of preparing dishes on the grill or under a baking sheet and preparing fish and meat specialties. Popular places to enjoy refreshing drinks are Captain's Club Rab, Classic Bar and Eho cafe. The main event during the summer season in Banjol is the so-called "Šištovica". It is the feast of St. Lucia, who is the patron saint of Banjol, and during these days a fisherman's festival is organized in the town with a rich musical and gastronomic offer. The center of nightlife, entertainment and summer events is the town of Rab, which can be reached very quickly since it is only 2 kilometers away.

SPORT

There are numerous bicycle paths in Banjol and its surroundings, and cycling is the main sporting activity. In addition to the beaches of Padova, the rental of certain props for water sports is offered. The rest of the offer of sports activities is in the city of Rab.

WHAT TO DO – EXCURSION POSSIBILITY

One-day trips can take the form of sightseeing in Banjol and its surroundings. Banjol is surrounded by beautiful promenades that offer a breathtaking view of the old walls of the settlement. Night walks in these areas are very romantic, and the beauty of the nearby coves and small piers along the coast attracts tourists every year. An idea for a trip and sightseeing is to go to the neighboring town of Barbat or to the town of Rab, and nature lovers can explore the beauties of the nearby Kamenjak hill. Boat trips are very popular and most of this offer is located in the town of Rab.

ACCOMMODATION

The leading accommodation facility in Banjol is the Padova Hotel with a very rich offer. The rest of the accommodation offer refers to private apartment renters, of which there are many. The beautiful Padova III campsite is also located in Banjol. Most of the campsite is in the shade of a pine forest and there is a sandy beach in front of it. Accommodation in the campsite is offered for about 1500 guests. Banjol also has the Lučica marina with the same name guesthouse. Other marinas nearby are the ACI Rab marina, the Supetarska Draga marina and the Pičuljan marina.