Open the gate of Vrbnik’s medieval castle and step into the past

This road trail starts in Vrbnik, the birthplace of Croatian literacy. It was as early as 1388 that the counts of Krk commissioned Vrbnik’s Statute Book, an important document written in Croatian, in the Glagolitic script.

After taking a tour of the town’s narrow streets with houses packed close together, it is time to explore picturesque villages at the very heart of the island. Starting off with a mild uphill ride along vineyards, the trail will first take you to Dobrinj, a museum town. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere of the days long gone. They say that good people live in Dobrinj, so have a chat with some of them or try to play ‘sopele’, a native wind instrument. If you appreciate visual arts, you will be more than happy to visit the Infeld Gallery, while the exhibits in the Ethnographic Museum will show you what life was like in Dobrinj many years ago. The trail will then take you through Kras and the villages of Lakmartin, Muraj, and Kornić to the Dunat beach in Punat Cove with a church dedicated to St Donatus.

The tradition of sheep breeding and olive growing has been well preserved in this area, so make sure to take some sheep cheese and olive oil as a delicious souvenir. Before taking the last ride uphill on your return to Vrbnik, take a break in the shades of the largest and oldest tree on the ‘hackberry island’. The Misučajnica pond across the road is also worth taking a look. Back in time it was a source of water for thirsty cattle, and legend has it that fairies would often gather there. The scent of grapes from the nearby vineyards will follow you on your way back to Vrbnik. Treat yourself to šurlice, delicious homemade pasta with žgvacet lamb sauce, a local pastry known as presnac and finish with a glass of golden Žlahtina.