Vrbnik, Croatia: A Complete Guide To Krk’s Famous Hilltop Town
The alluring medieval hilltop town of Vrbnik, perched precariously high above the Adriatic, is arguably the most charming of Krk island’s many small villages.
Among its claims to fame include the (sometimes disputed) narrowest street in the world, and the only appellation in the world that grows žlahtina, the crisp white wine unique to northern Croatia.
Whatever the reason that draws you to Vrbnik, a day trip to the small but proud village should be on the list of anyone visiting Krk island.
Jump to:
- History of Vrbnik
- Languages Spoken
- How Much Time to Spend in Vrbnik?
- Getting to Vrbnik
- Getting Around Vrbnik
- Things to Do
Overview
History of Vrbnik
While the first written reference to Vrbnik dates to the 1100s, archeology shows that it has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The town has passed through many hands over the millennia, including a stint with the Romans. However, it was the Croats who built up the fortified town 900 years ago to what we see today.
The Frankopans, Krk’s medieval ruling nobility, originated from Vrbnik, and contributed greatly to its development during the 1100s – 1400s.
Vrbnik came under the Venetians for another 300 years starting around 1500, before transferring to the Austro Hungarians, and finally Yugoslavia in the 20th century.
Despite centuries of change, the old walled town has remained intact, appearing barely touched by the passage of time. As a result, Vrbnik is a thoroughly authentic medieval village that feels like a step back through the centuries. It’s not hard to imagine the streets looking exactly the same today as they did 700 years ago.
Languages Spoken
The official language of Krk is (obviously) Croatian. But with its growing popularity among international tourists, you’ll find that English serves as the lingua franca among most of the people you’ll encounter in town.
How Much Time to Spend in Vrbnik?
Vrbnik is very compact, and thus easily seen in a day trip. Plan for at least 1–2 hours to explore the walled town. Afterwards, you can take additional time to grab lunch and savor the panoramic views from the village’s perch above the Adriatic.
Getting to Vrbnik
By Car
Vrbnik is easily accessible by car. The roads of Krk Island are well maintained and well-marked, and wind you through country byways framed by vineyards and olive groves. Once you reach the Vrbnik town limits, steer towards the one public parking lot, which is located just steps outside the old town walls. The cost to park is reasonable; you can either pay by the hour or by the day. Directions here.
By Bus
Vrbnik has one bus station, located just outside the old town (directions). Regional service includes transportation between Krk town, Rijeka airport, and more. Bus service is operated by Arriva.
Getting Around Vrbnik
The old town is entirely pedestrian, without vehicle access. Plan to walk, and expect to navigate centuries-old cobblestone streets (choose your footwear accordingly!). However, Vrbnik is compact, and you can reasonably cross from one end to the other within 15 minutes.
Things to Do in Vrbnik
Squeeze Through the Narrowest Street in the World
Yes, there are multiple towns that boast ownership to the narrowest street in the world. But however true Vrbnik’s claim is, it doesn’t diminish the fun of squeezing through the narrow passageway. Snap a silly photo to commemorate your brush with the world record. Directions.
Sample Vrbnik’s Unique Wine Varietals
Of course, žlahtina reigns in Vrbnik. A crisp, refreshing white wine, with floral and citrus notes and balanced minerality, the hillsides surrounding town are the only appellation in the world to grow this rare grape. But explore deeper, and you’ll find a rich wine history with multiple regional varietals that Vrbnik deserves to be proud of.
For the most elevated wine tasting experience, head to Ivan Katunar. Friendly staff will happily educate you on the local specialties, against a backdrop of the tasting room’s panoramic views across to the old town and Adriatic. Be sure to grab a bottle or two to go on your way out — Ivan Katunar’s wines are good quality at a reasonable price. Note that the tasting room gets busy, and walk-ins can’t always be accommodated; we certainly recommend making a tasting reservation ahead of time.
If you prefer to choose your own adventure while wine tasting in Vrbnik, the unpretentious Nada is a good bet. A full service restaurant with attached wine shop, Nada is situated on a small, raised terrace jutting over the water far below. For the cost of a glass of wine, you’ll get a front-row seat to sweeping views across the Adriatic and Vinodol Channel to the Croatian mainland. Nada serves up generous pours, thus making it an economical option to sample as few or as many local varietals as you wish.
Get Lost in the Walled Old Town
Vrbnik is enclosed by the same medieval walls that have served as border and protector for over 900 years. In order to fully soak up the flavor of the town, enjoy wandering aimlessly through its narrow, twisting cobblestone streets. They wind seemingly haphazardly, but the village is so small, you’re never fully disorientated or lost. Let yourself go, tracing the same steps Vrbnik’s inhabitants have taken for centuries – you’ll inevitably find yourself deposited near a familiar landmark before you know it.
Take a Dip in the Adriatic
Options for a beach day are plentiful in Vrbnik, with kilometers of coastline inviting you to lay out a beach towel. The coastline is typically rocky, consisting more of pebble beaches than soft sand. However, most spots offer lounge chairs and concrete terraces, for those who don’t want to stretch out on the beach itself. Some of the closest beaches to town include Vajavina (with parking lot; directions), Zgribnica (directions), Nuluk (a few free parking options available), and Pod Kovač (directions).
Go Scuba Diving
Perhaps surprisingly, Vrbnik has multiple diving locations, where the azure waters of the Adriatic illuminate brightly colored underwater habitats alive with sea life. Pod Kovač and Kozica are particularly good for beginner divers. Visit Dive Loft Krk for classes and dive trips.
Have more time to spend on Krk? Check out our complete guide, for inspiration on other things to do around the island.
