The stone-built old town of Novi Vinodolski sits on a hill above the sea bay and the mouth of the Ričina, at the entrance to the Vinodol Valley. Narrow streets, a 13th-century castle and the Statute of Vinodol tell the story of the town in different ways; at the central Lišanj Beach and on the island of San Marino, the focus shifts to coastal activities and walking trails.
Old Town, Castle and the History of Writing
The compact stone houses and narrow streets of the historic quarter lead to the parish church of St. Philip and St. James. The old town is also home to the Frankopan Castle, built in the 13th century during the rule of the Dukes of Krk. The Church of the Holy Trinity is also in the old town; it is a well-preserved Gothic church.
The castle is also linked to an important chapter in the history of writing: on 6 January 1288, the Statute of Vinodol was written there in Croatian using the Glagolitic script. The history of the building and the history of writing thus meet at a precisely identified place and date.
Museum and Churches
The National Museum and Gallery of Novi Vinodolski opened to visitors in 1951. Since 1973, the museum has been housed in the Frankopan Castle and the Turnac Tower. Its permanent exhibition comprises archaeological, underwater archaeological, numismatic, ethnographic, historical, sacred and art collections. Individual exhibits may change.
The churches offer further, distinct perspectives on the cultural heritage: the Church of the Holy Trinity is notable for its Gothic architecture and state of preservation; the parish church of St. Philip and St. James serves as a landmark in the narrow streets of the old quarter. On the island of San Marino, the Church of St. Marin dates back to the Gothic period.
Beach, Island and Coastal Culture
At central Lišanj Beach, visitors can enjoy water sports and sand sports, tennis courts, a children’s playground, food and drink, sun lounger and parasol rental, and a diving centre. This offers a different focus from the old town and museum: here, beach activities, sports and refreshments take centre stage.
San Marino lies around 205 metres off the coast of Novi Vinodolski. The island has walking trails and eight benches named after local winds. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is also worth a visit: it stands on a hill and offers views over Novi Vinodolski.
The Fishermen’s Stories educational trail connects nature, culture and fishing traditions. Information boards introduce visitors to local fishing history and marine conservation. Unlike the castle and museum, this trail explores the maritime theme through nature, fishing traditions and marine conservation.
Wine and Living Traditions
At the heart of the vineyard, Pavlomir Wine House offers a wine cellar with a tasting room where visitors can enjoy wine experiences. Tastings feature Žlahtina, other wines from the estate, and the sparkling wines 1288 and San Marino. The selection may change.
Another cultural tradition is Novljanski Mesopust, which was declared an intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia in 2011. Its customs traditionally run from the Thursday three weeks before Ash Wednesday through to Ash Wednesday. They include events, dances, and specially prepared food and drinks; the specific programme may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around this tradition, check the dates for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Smokvica Krmpotska, Bribir, Donji Zagon, Luka Krmpotska, Ledenice, Klenovica, Gornji Zagon, Povile.
For the wider travel overview: Općina Novi Vinodolski.
