Labin and Rabac: two places, one visit
Labin is a medieval town on a hill above Rabac. Its historic name is Albona. The local tourist board points to its art workshops, and the old center is the reason to come up the hill. There is no beach in the hilltop old town itself.
Rabac is the seaside part. It has pebble beaches, rocky stretches, a promenade and a diving center. Many visitors treat the two as a pair: a walk in Labin in the morning or evening, and the water at Rabac in between.
Labin and Rabac compared
The setting decides what you do in each place.
| Labin | Rabac | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Medieval town on a hill | Seaside resort below the hill |
| Swimming | – | Pebble and rocky shore, several beaches |
| Best for | Old streets, art workshops | Swimming, snorkeling, promenade walks |
| Lodging types listed locally | Hotels, resorts, apartments, guesthouses, camps and private rooms | |
Do not expect a beach in the old town of Labin. If swimming is your priority, base yourself in Rabac and go up to Labin for a few hours. If you would rather sleep in a medieval old town, stay on the hill. Both options are covered on our where to stay page.
Day trips and tours in Istria
Boat trips, truffle hunts, hill-town visits and day trips across Istria, with live prices and availability.
The beaches of Rabac
Four beaches are described by the local tourist board and the regional tourism portal.
Girandella
A pebble beach with rock, concrete and stone sections, next to the resort of the same name. There is a dive center and a promenade. This is the beach for snorkeling: the access to the snorkeling area is by stairs below the dive center, and the shore has rocky reefs and pebbles.
Maslinica
A pebble beach about 500 m long. One part is accessible for people with disabilities. That does not mean every section is barrier-free, so look at the access before you carry your gear down.
St. Andrea
The description mentions sand and rock areas and an access path through a small wood. Facilities and lifeguard service can change with the season, so ask on arrival.
Lanterna
A pebble beach in the hotel zone, where the description mentions loungers and umbrellas for rent. It is not the same as the Lanterna near Tar and Poreč.
For all twelve beaches and coves in this guide, including fees and water quality, see our Istria beaches page.
Snorkeling at Rabac: take care
The snorkeling area at Girandella is reached by stairs below the dive center. The description from the regional portal warns that the current can be strong at times. It also warns against touching moray eels. Enter the water where you can get out again easily, and do not go in alone if you are an inexperienced swimmer.
Check the weather and the sea before you go. A calm morning can change to a choppy afternoon, and you should never rely on a single forecast. Bring water, sun protection and water shoes, because the shore is rock and pebble.
A day in Labin and Rabac
A simple order for a day that includes both places.
Morning in Labin
Walk the streets of the hilltop old town and look at the art workshops. Opening hours of museums and workshops change, so ask at the local tourist board.
Midday at the water
Go down to Rabac for a swim. Pick Girandella for snorkeling, Maslinica for a longer pebble beach, or one of the other two.
Evening on the promenade
Walk the promenade at Girandella and finish the day by the sea.
Practical notes
What to check before you go.
Events and traffic
The local tourist board announced a special traffic regime for the ISTRIA300 race on October 2, 2026. This was tied to the event and is not a permanent closure, but it shows that race weekends can change access. Ask locally if you arrive during an event.
Bus, parking and fares
Check the current bus connection between Labin and Rabac, the fares and the parking situation on the spot. Both can change from season to season.
Money and tax
Croatia has used the euro since January 1, 2023. A tourist tax applies to overnight stays, and the amount is not the same everywhere in Istria. Ask your host for the current rate.
Getting to Istria
The airport on the peninsula is Pula. See the Pula Airport page for shuttle buses, car rental and alternatives.
More to explore
Other places to combine with Labin and Rabac.
Labin and Rabac: frequently asked questions
Is there a beach in Labin?
No. Labin is a hilltop old town. The beaches are in Rabac, below the hill.
What is the historic name of Labin?
Albona. You may see it on older maps and signs.
Where can I snorkel in Rabac?
At Girandella, by the dive center. Access to the area is by stairs below the dive center. Watch for strong currents and do not touch moray eels.
Which beach in Rabac is about 500 m long?
Maslinica, a pebble beach. One section has access for people with disabilities.
Where do I stay, in Labin or in Rabac?
Stay in Rabac if swimming is your main goal. Stay in Labin if you prefer a medieval old town. The local tourist board lists hotels, resorts, apartments, guesthouses, camps and private rooms for the area.
Is the Lanterna beach in Rabac the same as the one near Poreč?
No. They are two separate beaches with the same name. The one in this guide is in the hotel zone of Rabac.