Vrbnik

Vrbnik stands on a cliff about 50 metres above the sea on the eastern side of Krk, looking across to the Velebit mountains on the mainland, and the fields behind it grow zlahtina, a white grape that is effectively confined to this one plain and gives the wine the village is known for. Among the lanes is Klancic, which narrows to well under half a metre and is repeatedly described as one of the narrowest streets anywhere - getting through it sideways is the standard photograph. Vrbnik was also a centre of Glagolitic writing, the old Slavic script used in the Croatian church, and important manuscripts came from here.

What you actually see

• A village on a 50 metre cliff - facing Velebit across the water.
• Zlahtina wine - a grape grown essentially only on this plain.
• Klancic - a lane narrow enough to need turning sideways.
• A Glagolitic centre - manuscripts written and kept here.

When to go

May to September, with the harvest in September. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Parking is above the village and the walk down and back up is steep. The lanes are crowded in high summer. Getting to the sea from the village means a long descent. Wine cellars keep their own hours.

Nearby

Krk town is west; Baska is south along the coast.