Municipality of Smokvica – Wine, Trails and Cultural Heritage

The Municipality of Smokvica brings together winegrowing, historic buildings and trails through a varied landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in the Municipality of Smokvica, first consider what you want to shape your stay: walks among vineyards and olive groves, the history of Pošip, cultural sites in Smokvica, or trails leading down to Istruga Bay. Brna is also part of the destination, with its own coastal trail and a history closely connected with transporting wine.

Walking trails between Smokvica, Brna and the coast

There are numerous hiking and walking trails through olive groves and vineyards in the Smokvica and Brna area. The Smokvica panoramic trail starts in front of the main church, Gospa od Kandelora, and climbs towards St. Rok. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of vineyards and the sea. From Smokvica, you can reach the church of Sveti Mihovil via a short climb; from there, the view stretches across vineyards, olive groves and the sea.

Another trail leads from Smokvica to Brna and then on to Istruga Bay. There, a sandy beach is surrounded by rushes, while Aleppo pines and holm oaks line the bay. In Brna, the five-kilometre Lungo-Mare trail leads to the Veliki Zaglav viewpoint. From there, you can see Brna Bay and nearby islets. The two trails offer different experiences: the trail to Istruga leads to a bay, while the Lungo-Mare trail has a clearly defined destination, with its stated length and viewpoint.

Cycling routes of different lengths

There are also specific route details to help you plan a cycling trip. The Trail of Pošip is 12.2 kilometres long and takes 1.5 hours. The Roman Era cycling route starts in Smokvica and is 61 kilometres long. This lets you compare a shorter route with a stated duration against a considerably longer one. The figures describe different route lengths; they should not be read as the same time estimate for both routes.

Churches, old walls and living traditions

The area’s architectural and local history can be traced through several specific sites. The church of Sveti Mihovil was built in 1372 on a hill above Smokvica. Sveti Ivan dates from 1391 and stands above the Siknica (Sitnica) field, near the Studenac pond. The church of Sveti Vid was built in 1420 on the summit of Marca Vrh hill near Siknica. Sveti Ciprijan, located in the village cemetery, dates from the fifth or sixth century. There is also a 17th-century Venetian loggia next to Smokvica’s parish church.

Other historic traces include the remains of the walls of the Illyrian fortress of Gradina and ancient Greek wine presses in the Smokvica area. Major battles against Turkish conquerors took place at the site known as “Krvava ropa” in Smokvica. Kumpanija, an old knightly sword dance recalling battles against invaders, is part of the local tradition. These themes give a cultural itinerary its own direction, from archaeological remains and architectural history to a tradition passed down through generations.

Pošip, vineyards and the history of Brna

Pošip is closely connected with Smokvica: the grape variety was discovered more than 150 years ago in the fields below the village on Pinćaluš hill. It is considered Croatia’s first legally protected white wine and originated in the hills of Smokvica. Together with neighbouring Čara, Smokvica forms the most important winegrowing area for Pošip. A traditional feature of the work there is that most of the vineyard work is done by hand.

Numerous local wineries in Smokvica offer wine tastings. If you are planning a tasting, check the specific dates in advance. Brna is also part of the wine story: in the 19th century, it developed into a port through which wine from Smokvica was transported to other coastal destinations. This historic connection adds to today’s wine and coastal-trail experiences without combining them into a single activity.

This makes it easier to choose a destination that suits your planned trip.

Discover more destinations: Smokvica, Municipality of Župa Dubrovačka, Municipality of Opuzen, Municipality of Ploče, Municipality of Dubrovnik, Municipality of Dubrovačko Primorje, Municipality of Pojezerje, Municipality of Lastovo

See the overview of the wider region: Dubrovnik-Neretva County.