Municipality of Popovac: Wine Roads, Sanctuaries and Rural Landscapes

Above the village of Popovac, on Zlatno brdo in Baranja in eastern Croatia, lies the OPG Milan Šarić estate. From its terrace, beneath the gazebos and from the pool, there are unobstructed views across the fields of Baranja. The Municipality of Popovac offers a rural touch alongside long trails, wine roads and religious cultural sites.

Hiking Trails, Wine and Cycling

The Baranjska planinarska obilaznica runs through the areas of the municipalities of Popovac, Draž and Kneževi Vinogradi. The route is 28 kilometres long; walking it takes about nine hours, including short breaks. When planning, set aside a longer block of time for it, as it will be a main focus of the day.

From Popovac, you can take one of the wine roads in Baranja. Another option is to choose from the several suggested routes offered by eBike Baranja, with restaurants, wineries, cafés and cultural attractions along the way. The options therefore differ according to the pace you prefer—from a long walk to routes with a variety of stops.

Religious Heritage and Historical Traces

The parish church of sv. Josipa in Popovac dates from 1778. Svetište Marija Lurd is the only Marian sanctuary in Baranja. According to oral tradition, the sanctuary dates back to 1916, during the First World War.

Below the village of Branjina lies Studenac, one of the oldest Orthodox open-air sanctuaries in Croatia. The history of the area around Branjina also goes back a long way: traces of the ancient Brana monastery were found nearby, and its existence is associated with the mid-11th century. These sites bring together different forms of religious and historical heritage.

Rural Character and Local Tradition

The OPG Milan Šarić estate on Zlatno brdo is a rural accommodation above Popovac. It has a tasting room with a capacity of 30 people; tastings are available by prior arrangement. The terrace, gazebos and pool offer unobstructed views across the fields of Baranja. The landscape and tasting room give the estate a distinct rural character.

Karašica has a strong local angling community.

More Nature Experiences in Osijek-Baranja County

In the wider destination of Osijek-Baranja County, Kopački rit Nature Park is a highlight for nature lovers. More than 2,300 species live there, including around 140 breeding bird species. The park’s tourist offerings include boat trips, guided canoeing and cycling tours through the park.

In Osijek-Baranja County, the Zoološki vrt obitelji Bizik in Markovac Našički is home to more than 90 animal species. The zoo also serves as an educational centre for biodiversity, nature conservation and animal protection.

Culture and Events in Osijek-Baranja County

The traditional event Dani slavonske šume takes place every autumn in Perivoj Pejačević in Našice. The programme includes a market for rural Slavonian products and tastings of traditional Slavonian dishes. Around St Martin’s Church in Našice, Našička viteška priča features jousting tournaments, demonstrations of skills and scenes of everyday life in the Middle Ages.

The Zavičajni muzej Našice is located in the protected park of Pejačević Castle and houses valuable historical and art-historical collections. In Darda, Esterhazy Castle is classified as a protected monument of the second category.

Discover more destinations: Popovac, Municipality of Beli Manastir, Municipality of Drenje, Municipality of Bilje, Municipality of Bizovac, Municipality of Kneževi Vinogradi, Municipality of Erdut, Municipality of Draž.

View the wider travel guide: Osijek-Baranja County.