Rabac and Labin
Hidden in a small bay is the coastal village of Rabac, which has a population of about 5000 inhabitants, who live on fishery and tourism. Apart from a number of four-star hotels and numerous restaurants, bars and 'gelaterias'. It also has a small stretch of (pebble) beaches.
It is pure delight to sun bay or swim in one of the many baylets in which, at times, one might find oneself the only one there.
An esplanade of more than more than two miles connects all relevant locations. There is ample space to park your car.
Labin
Labin is situated a few 100 metres inland. This town has a regional function and a population of some 20,000 inhabitants. Until the closure of the mines in 1999, Labin was Croatia's most important coal mining city. It is now a 'town in reconstruction', with super markets, roofed mall and all sorts of basic stores, post offices and banks. But part of it also has an interesting historical background: 'Stari Grad'. Built on a steep slope of the hill, standing out and overlooking the rest of the city. Well worth a visit!
Churches and 'palazi' from the Venetian period (14-century) are situated around two small town squares and a number of winding streets. Apart from the afore-mentioned town quarters, Labin has little to offer.
Ripenda Mali Kosi
Between Labin and Rabac there is a residential area with detached houses, called Ripenda. When driving further uphill, the building density b
ecomes less. After five miles the road ends in a small hamlet called Ripenda Mali Kosi. It consists of two clusters of houses and farms, about 500 metres apart from each other, as the crow flies.
Five of these are permanently occupied; the other houses are mainly holiday homes.
They surround a newly laid out housing area of twelve dwellings, of which ours is one, nr 30, with the aforementioned majestic view on the Zuyderzee.