Vrbnik and wine heritage

Vrbnik is also widely known by its autochthonous sort of wine grape called Vrbnička žlahtina. You can try that well known dry white wine, as other Krk specialties in one of numerous wine-cellars / taverns (konoba) and restaurants in Vrbnik.

Discover Vrbnik and the island of Krk

The location of Vrbnik on the Island of Krk allows You to reach all the major places on the Island in 20 minutes drive only. That`s why Vrbnik is an ideal starting point for your discovery excursions on the Island of Krk.

We have prepared for you a wide choice of excursions by boat and by car in order to experience and explore our island and its surroundings.

 We invite you to take a virtual tour of Vrbnik with interactive 360° panoramic photos.

Vrbnik as a source of inspiration

Vrbnik has always been a place ideal for artists. Its beauty that inspires can be seen in hidden corners and unexpected places and many find inspiration for their artistic achievements here.

Beaches in Vrbnik and surroundings

• The beach Zgribnica is in the center of Vrbnik.
• We definitely recommend that you discover the beach Kozica, which is reached by a 10-minute walk through a pine grove.
• In the port of Vrbnik, there is the beach Pod kovač, which is illuminated by the sun in the morning and in the shade in the afternoon.
• About 2 km from Vrbnik there is a beautiful beach Potovošće which can be reached by asphalt road. Next to it, there is a parking lot (in summer for a fee), and at the beach Potovošće there is also a small beach bar.
• In the vicinity of Vrbnik, there are very beautiful beaches that are accessible only from the sea. Take the opportunity to swim on them on panoramic excursions by taxi boats.
• If you are coming on vacation with a pet, there is also a dog beach Mala Javna, located between Vrbnik and Risika.

Events in Vrbnik

Many events are given in summertime on old town square Placa and on Škujica square – concerts, presentations, literary evenings, folklore festivals... There are several art galleries in the old town in which interesting exhibitions are organized during summer. During summer you can dance along with a live music band on Škujica square.

• On the 24th of June there is festivity called Ivanja, St.John the Baptist's Day in Vrbnik – the town celebrates its protector St. John the Baptist. It is a great opportunity for attending a forenoon mass in the parish church, an especially festive mass in old Slavic language. In the evening a big festivity is held on Škujica square – welcome! 
• We recommend to all music lovers to visit Vrbnik 's parish church on Great Friday. On that day a confraternity called Kapari (capers), which has been active from 14th century AD, sings fascinating chants that are qualified as invaluable Croatian passion heritage. 
• Wine days are held on last weekend in August. It is an opportunity for tasting not only varieties of Vrbnička žlahtina wine made by all wine producers with certificates from Vrbnik but also for tasting chosen wines and delicacies from other Croatian regions that take part in this event. We recommend this event by all means!? 

Short notes on Vrbnik's history

Vrbnik is one of the oldest settlements on the island. Its close area was inhabited in prehistory - the earliest archaeological artifacts found in Vrbnik's vicinity can be dated as early as 4000 years B.C. (Neolithic Age). Just opposite of Vrbnik, on a hill-top overlooking Vrbnik's harbor from the north, are remains of a Bronze Age settlement (1200 y.B.C.) whose thick dry-stone walls can still be seen. There is also material evidence of the Liburni tribe (Iron Age) and Romans living in the Vrbnik area. Many ruins of small churches and chapels can be seen in and around Vrbnik, some of them more than 1000 years old.

Vrbnik was first mentioned by that name in „Deed of Donation of Glorious Dragoslav“ dating from 1100.y.A.D. In 1388.y.A.D. Vrbnik got its Statute, a very important source of knowledge in Medieval law and also a splendid testimony on the high civilization level of the town in that period. Vrbnik is closely bonded with the Frankopan family- princes of Krk who played a significant role in the history of Krk and Croatia. It is said that they called their possessions in and around Vrbnik their patrimony, which may imply their Vrbnik origin. 

Vrbnik - the cradle of the Glagolitic alphabet

Vrbnik is known worldwide for its exceptional Glagolitic cultural heritage. Glagolitic script is the oldest Croatian script dating from 9th century AD and it is very significant that one-quarter of all preserved Glagolitic manuscripts are from Vrbnik. 

Sights in Vrbnik

• the parish church of Assumption of the Virgin Mary with its very interesting painted ceiling and the lovely Gothic chapel of Rosary.
• the parish church bell-tower and its adjoining object in which are located Museum of Visual Identity of Vrbnik, Lapidarium and collection of archeological artifacts and sacral paintings.
• in former princes palace on the old town square – Placa – are located Vitezić family Library, an interesting hometown collection and reconstruction of Renaissance printing machine. Did you know that the first Croatian printer, Blaž Baromić, was from Vrbnik? 
• a street that goes between the parish church and bell-tower will bring you to belvedere with a  beautiful view on the mainland, and if you continue walking down Pod Keštel street, you can see remains of town wall and tower and also continue enjoying in the magnificent view of the sea and the mainland. 
• you can also check whether you are slim enough to pass through Klančić - a passage often said to be the narrowest street in the world...