The view of Vrbnik and the Podvelebit Channel from the Ivan Katunar Wine House, at the entrance to this picturesque town on the island of Krk, is magnificent. The winery is renowned for its long tradition of making wine from Žlahtina, the most important native white variety of Krk, and also for the red Sansigot — or Sušćan — which, as its name suggests, hails from the island of Susak. The door is opened by Egle Katunar, a member of the European Order of Wine Knights, who with knowledge and a passion for Žlahtina and the other wines beautifully enriches the visitor’s experience. The tasting takes in seven wines, among them Chardonnay, rosé, Muškat Žuti (Yellow Muscat) and Prošek. They are accompanied by local delicacies such as cheese, olives, bread and olive oil, and to close the tasting the traditional island pastry presnec is served with a drop of rakija. Vrbnik’s other wineries offer tastings too, and this singular little town has far more than wine to offer.
The first written mention dates from 1100, in the Glagolitic Charter of Dragoslav, while archaeological finds confirm the area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic. Vrbnik’s history is closely bound to the powerful Frankopan princes of Krk, who ruled the island between 1118 and 1480. Under their reign the town flourished economically and culturally, and to this day
the people of Vrbnik describe it as a place of prosperity that visitors from all over the world fall in love with at first sight.
A unique attraction is Klančić Street, officially the narrowest in the world: between 40 and 50 centimetres wide. Today more than 10,000 tourists a year pass through the charming lane, whose narrowest stretch two people cannot pass each other and where most must turn their shoulders to get through. The stone houses seem to lean toward one another and perfectly capture the charm and authenticity of Vrbnik. And summer in Vrbnik is marked by numerous events celebrating local tradition, wine and culture.
Best known are the Wine Days. This year’s jubilee 20th edition will, on 29 and 30 August, bring together winemakers and musicians in celebration of Žlahtina and Vrbnik’s heritage. The Vrbenske Užance are growing ever more popular too. Held for the 10th time last year, this year on 23 August around a hundred enthusiasts of all generations will, through song, dance and re-enactments of old customs, bring to life for visitors the way of life before electricity on the streets and squares of the old town core. Since 2001 the Parapet Association has also organised the Vrbnik–Risika Swimming Marathon.
Charm is added to summer by folk feasts such as Ivanje, Petrovo and Jerolimje, which gather locals and guests in celebrations of music, homemade delicacies and togetherness. In late July, for the eleventh consecutive year, the Summer School of Glagolitic Script is held, bringing this valuable cultural heritage closer to younger generations and to all lovers of the Old Slavonic alphabet through workshops, lectures and fieldwork. Throughout the season there is also the “Wednesdays in Vrbnik” programme, with concerts, performances, workshops and other cultural offerings for all generations.
Vrbnik also offers an experience of local heritage in the Desetinec collection and the newly opened Baćin Dvor Visitor Centre in the historic Glavača lane. The restored late-Gothic building proudly preserves the town’s rich cultural heritage. It is part of the Frankopan legacy — once the palace of Ivan VII, Prince of Krk. Today the exhibition spans three thematic sections: folk costumes and folklore customs; the 700-year-old confraternity of the capers, devotees of Saint John the Baptist; and Glagolitic culture, whose centre for centuries was Vrbnik itself.
At Baćin Dvor, artistic workshops in drawing and wool felting are held regularly throughout the summer for children and adults, encouraging creative expression through traditional techniques. Around the town lie the beautiful beaches of Zgribnica, Potovošće, Javna and Sv. Marek, whose crystal-clear sea offers peace, natural beauty and a perfect place to unwind.
Text: Modni almanah
Photographs: Nikola Zoko
25.07.2025.
Written by: Vinskiklub.hr
