If you’re visiting Krk Island, you absolutely have to check out the small village of Vrbnik! Keep reading to learn more about this charming gem on Krk.
We stumbled upon Vrbnik completely by accident while exploring the island and I’m so happy we did. It’s one of those places where you can actually feel the magic and charm radiating from every building. We spent just a few hours there, but it was absolutely breathtaking, so now I feel the need to tell everyone about it. Make sure to include it in your itinerary, and use this blog post to find out what to do there!
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WHERE IS VRBNIK
Vrbnik is a picturesque village located on the eastern coast of Krk Island in Croatia. If you’re exploring Krk, this is easily one of the most beautiful spots to visit. You’ll find it situated on top of a cliff, overlooking the gorgeous Adriatic Sea. The village is quite small, but it’s incredibly enchanting with its small medieval old town and gorgeous scenery. It truly feels like a place pulled straight from a fairytale!
HOW TO REACH VRBNIK
Vrbnik is very easy to reach if you have a car. Once you cross the Krk Bridge, it’s about a 30-minute drive. If you’re coming from different parts of Krk, you can also easily reach it by car. From Baška you’ll get there in 30 minutes, from Krk Town in 20 minutes, and from Punat in 15. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can reach Vrbnik by bicycle using marked island cycling routes, by private boat (the village has a port!), or by renting 4×4 buggies.
There’s parking close to the village if you’re lucky to find a spot. If not, you can park down by the port and walk up. However, keep in mind there’s a bit of a climb!
IS VRBNIK WORTH VISITING
Vrbnik is definitely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy historic small towns. The village is really unique, and it resembles a lot of charming towns you might find in Istria, such as Motovun or Grožnjan. It’s like discovering a bit of Istria and Italy on an island you really wouldn’t expect. The Old Town is full of traditional, medieval architecture which is truly inspiring and breathtaking.
Vrbnik is particularly famous for its white wine, Žlahtina, so if you’re a wine lover, this is the perfect location for visiting wineries and doing wine tastings. I think everyone would really enjoy it because Vrbnik is quieter and less touristy than other coastal spots on the island.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN VRBNIK
Explore the Historic Old Town
If you enjoy strolling through old towns, Vrbnik will absolutely amaze you! It’s full of narrow, cobbled medieval streets and charming stone houses that feel like they’re straight out of a storybook. You’ll also find a beautiful old bell tower and hidden little shops tucked into the stone buildings, just waiting for you to explore them!
One of the most interesting places in Vrbnik is Klancic Street. This street is said to be one of the narrowest streets in the world, and it’s just 43 centimeters wide. It’s really fun passing through it, but it might not be for the claustrophobic, since it’s REALLY tiny! Overall, the town’s architecture and layout are absolutely picture-perfect, with countless amazing photo spot opportunities.
Go for a Local Wine Tasting
Vrbnik is really famous for its indigenous white wine, Žlahtina. This wine is produced from grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards right there on Krk Island, and it’s excellent. There are several wineries where you can go for a wine tour. These often include sampling the wine and learning about the traditions of winemaking on Krk Island. Some of the most popular local wineries are Kuca Vina Ivan Katunar, Winery Nada, and Winery Sipun.
Relax on Lovely Beaches
Although Vrbnik is situated on a hill, there are still several beautiful beaches nearby worth visiting. The waters are crystal-clear, and the views from the beaches, with Vrbnik perched atop the cliff, are absolutely stunning. One lovely option is Zgribnica Beach, located near the town center. It’s a charming pebble beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Another stunning one is Kozica Beach. This one is for those who love a more secluded experience, but it’s a bit further from the village center, so it requires a walk.
While not the best beach on Krk, I still have to mention Port Beach,since it has some of the most stunning views of Vrbnik while you swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Lastly, if you’re a fan of sandy beaches, consider driving from Vrbnik to Sv. Marak Beach. It’s a beautiful sandy spot ideal for families and non-swimmers. Keep in mind, though, it can get crowded, especially during peak season!
