Rava is a hidden island in Zadar’s archipelago. Small, with just 3,63 square kilometers, still has two settlements on it. Vela (Big) Rava is in the middle of the island and Mala (Small) Rava on northeast coast. It has very indented coast with 14 bays and lots of secret coves.
It is most probably that Small Rava was just a port of Big Rava in the past, but today they are two separated places. Small Rava is still a harbor where public transportation boats dock. There are no many things known about Rava and its history. It is certain that it is first mentioned in 13th century as a property of Zadar’s family Raua. It is suspected that that’s how Rava gain it’s name.
Surrounded by small green islets and rocks, Rava is like mystical Mediterranean paradise; the paradise for those ones enjoying intact nature and lack of civilization achievements. Rava has drinkable water stored in its fountains and wells; the days of extreme barn just to fear people of Rava, but today ships carry the water on the island frequently.
Rava has few workable land. Most of Rava’s territory is cultivated though. Diligent hands built traditional walls matching stone after stone and used every bit of soil to plant mostly olive trees. Between two world wars Rava was populated the most with almost 500 people, but today it has just 98 people permanently living there. Yet, Rava is the popular vacation destination for natives. More and more tourists discover its magic every year. They stay in private apartments with no lack of comfort and plenty of Mediterranean spirit.
