Vrbnik is perched on a steep, 49-metre-high rocky cliff above the sea. The town has a history stretching back more than 900 years and was an important Frankopan fortress as well as a Glagolitic and religious centre. Historical landmarks include the 30-metre-high Renaissance bell tower, built in 1527. Its interior was converted into the Museum of Visual Identity in 2000. The two dates refer to different chapters in the building’s history.
Cultural History in Places and Collections
The Vitezić family library preserves the legacy of brothers Ivan Josip and Dinko Vitezić, who were from Vrbnik. It was founded in 1898 and opened to the public in 1910. The Blaž Baromić and Dragutin Parčić Memorial Printing House contains a replica of the printing presses, complete with equipment, used in the 16th century. The house opened in 2003. The Ethnographic Collection of Neda Trinajstić offers another cultural perspective: the objects on display include Vrbnik folk costume.
The “Baćin dvor” Visitor Centre also focuses on the region’s history, traditions and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibitions. Check the current opening hours before visiting. For a look at architectural history, go beyond Vrbnik to the churches in Risika and Garica: the Church of St Jerome in Risika was built in 1940 on the site of an earlier church dating from 1861. The Church of St Peter, built in 1793, stands in the centre of Garica.
Below Garica, a bridge dating from the period of French rule spans the valley of a small river. Walking trails from Garica lead both to the early medieval Church of St Krševan and to Gradec, considered the first Frankopan castle. The landmarks and destinations therefore differ considerably: in Risika and Garica, churches provide specific dates and locations, while the bridge, Church of St Krševan and Gradec offer places to visit on walks around Garica.
Trails and Landscape
Northwest of Vrbnik, Vrbničko polje stretches across a hollow covering 211 hectares. Vrbnik’s hiking trails form part of the marked trail network on the island of Krk and pass through hilly and rocky landscapes with dry stone walls and the remains of small churches. If you would like to combine landscape and culture, these two types of destinations offer different points of reference: the hiking trails described here pass through hills and rocky terrain, while walking trails from Garica lead to specific historical sites. A circular route designated Trekking Route 17 passes through Vrbnik, Risika, Garica and Kampelje before returning to Vrbnik.
Another natural area is the Glavine–Mala luka protected area, which lies partly within Općina Vrbnik. It can only be reached on foot or by boat. Follow the current rules of the protected area. This restriction is important when planning, as access differs clearly from the trails and places described around Vrbnik and Garica.
Beaches with Different Features
The coastal destinations can also be distinguished by their features. Sv. Marek is considered the only sandy beach on the island of Krk. It is near the village of Risika, six kilometres from Vrbnik. It has a car park, sanitary facilities and moorings; pedal boats, sun loungers and parasols are also available for hire. Potovošće, by contrast, is a pebble beach with a sandy seabed. The facilities and services listed there include toilets, a car park, and parasols and sun loungers available for hire.
Zgribnica is Vrbnik’s central beach. It has showers and sanitary facilities; sun loungers, parasols and pedal boats can be hired. Melska differs in its location and character: this pebble cove with a sandy seabed lies between Javna and Sv. Marek bays and can be reached by car from Vrbnik or Sv. Marek. The listed facilities and rental services at Sv. Marek, Potovošće and Zgribnica may vary seasonally; check the current conditions before planning your visit.
Wine from the Region
Vrbnička žlahtina is a white wine made from a grape variety considered native to the Krk wine-growing region. Wine tastings and cellar tours are offered at Ivan Katunar Wine House in Vrbnik. If you would like to include this culinary experience in your explorations, check in advance whether tours and tastings are currently available.
Discover more destinations: Risika, Vrbnik, Garica, Općina Dobrinj, Općina Baška, Općina Punat, Općina Omišalj, Općina Krk.
Return to the main travel overview: Krk.
