Vrbnik
From CruisersWiki
Vrnbik, Krk Island, Croatia
 (Click links for more information)
| |
 | 45°04.9′N, 14°40.7′E |
|---|---|
 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
Vrbnik is a charming mediaeval village with a small harbour, situated on the E coast of the island of Krk in Croatia, six miles S of the mainland harbour and town of Crikvenica. The harbour is relatively shallow, with maximum depths of little more than 3.0 metres, and has a narrow entrance open to the NE. With care, it is an attractive port of call for shallower draft yachts in settled weather. Entry should not be attempted, however, in strong winds with anything N or E in them. The village itself is a center of wine production and the local white wine, zlahtina, is renowned throughout Croatia.
Click for larger view
Charts
British Admiralty 2719
Croatian charts MK 5 (Rijeka Bay)
Imray M24 (Gulf of Trieste to Losinj and Rab)
Local Weather
Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.
Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
A conspicuous church belfry in the village of Vrbnik on the hill above the harbour is a good landmark from seaward. Closer in, the curved breakwater that protects the harbour is easily identified. There are no dangers in the approach, although the entrance is narrow and should not be attempted in onshore winds. Depths in the entrance are only 3.5 - 4.0 metres, shallowing to under 2.0 metres at the head of the harbour.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Vrbnik is not a port of entry. The nearest port of entry is Rijeka.
Berthing options
There is a short pier and a long pontoon extending from the E side of the harbour, but these are normally filled with local craft. In any event, depths are under 2.0 metres in this part of the harbour. The best berth for a visiting yacht is bows or stern-to using an anchor (or, at quiet times, alongside) on the outer, curved breakwater at the entrance to the harbour. Depths here are 3.0 - 3.5 metres at the outer end, shelving to under 2.0 metres towards the root. The breakwater is equipped with mooring bollards along its length, although they are set back from the edge of the quay. Shelter here is good from most directions, although strong NE to E winds would probably make it untenable.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
None. The harbour is filled with small craft moorings.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
None.
Repairs/Yards
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
None.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Vrbnik is a delightful mediaeval village, set high above the sea and formerly ringed with defensive walls. It was once an important centre of the Glagolitic script (an ancient Slavic alphabet originating in the 9th century) and the parish church still holds a collection of ancient manuscripts. Apart from the charm of the village’s mediaeval streets, its other claim to fame is its delicious locally produced white wine, zlahtina.
Click for larger view
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Small supermarket and other provisions shops in the village.
Eateries
- Cafes, bars and restaurants in the village.
- The Konoba Nada wine bar serves an excellent zlahtina white wine with smoked ham and cheese --Athene of Lymington 15:04, 21 April 2012 (BST)
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the harbour.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
- Local buses to Krk Town.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- List of all Croatian marinas
- List of government-owned ACI marinas
- Croatian National Tourist Board
- Find Croatia travel guide
- Wikipedia - Croatia
References & Publications
- Adriatic Pilot (Imray) - Trevor & Dinah Thompson 5th edition 2008
- 777 Harbours & Anchorages - Karl-H. Bestandig 4th edition 2010-11
- Croatia Cruising Companion (Wiley Nautical) - Jane Cody and John Nash
- Adriatic Sea Pilots Volume 1 and 2 (Croatian Hydrographic Office)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- May 2005 --Athene of Lymington 16:24, 24 April 2012 (BST)
|
|---|
|
Names: Athene of Lymington |
| |
|---|
| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Croatia | Krk | Vrbnik |
