Vrbnik perches about 50 metres above the sea on a rocky cliff on Krk's east coast – a village of stone houses, archways and narrow lanes known as the "balcony above the sea". The indigenous white grape Žlahtina has been grown here for centuries, and it was here in 1388 that the Vrbnik Statute was written, one of the oldest Croatian legal documents in Glagolitic script.
At a glance
Region
Kvarner, Krk island (east coast)
To Krk town
approx. 12 km
Altitude
approx. 50 m above the sea
Best time to visit
May to October
Ideal for
wine lovers, couples, photographers
Typical
Žlahtina, šurlice pasta, lamb
Lanes, views and history
The village is small and explored in an hour: the square with the parish church and free-standing bell tower, the viewing terrace above the sea looking towards Crikvenica and the Velebit, and Klančić lane, only about 40 centimetres wide at its narrowest point and reputedly one of the narrowest in the world. The Vitezić family library is one of Croatia's important historic private libraries.
Žlahtina and konobas
Around Vrbnik lies the Vrbniško polje, a fertile field where almost all of the island's Žlahtina grows – a fresh, light white wine. Several cellars in the village and along the field offer tastings. Pair it with šurlice, Krk's hand-rolled pasta, with lamb or goulash sauce, and sheep's cheese.
Swimming and hiking
Below the village there is a small pebble cove with a harbour; quieter beaches can be reached on foot or by boat along the steep coast. Signposted trails lead through vineyards and over the plateau to viewpoints. Note: on the east coast the bora wind blows especially hard in winter.
