Smokvica: Pošip, Churches and Routes Through Vineyards

Stone houses, idyllic streets, centuries-old vineyards and olive groves define Smokvica. The town offers views across the surrounding hills, vineyards and sea. About two million grapevines grow in the fields, along with 176,000 olive trees. The townscape, wine production and landscape are therefore distinct but closely interconnected themes. When planning your trip, you can get to know Smokvica through its architecture as well as its surroundings and wine production.

Pošip and Local Cuisine

Smokvica and neighbouring Čara form the main Pošip wine-growing area. The grape variety was discovered more than 150 years ago in the fields below Smokvica on the hill of Pinćaluš; it originated in the hills of Smokvica. Pošip is Croatia’s first legally protected white wine. Numerous local wineries offer wine tastings. If you plan to attend a tasting, it is best to arrange a time in advance. Local food is also part of the town’s culinary scene.

Churches, Squares and Stonework

The parish church of Očišćenja Marijina is a three-nave church in the neo-Romanesque style. Construction began in 1902 and continued until 1920. The stone façades, steps and streets of Smokvica showcase the local stoneworking tradition. A Venetian loggia dating from the 17th century stands at the Great and Small Piazzas.

The Smokvica panoramic trail combines landscape views with further historic sites. It starts in front of the church of Gospa od Kandelora, climbs towards St. Rok, and offers views across Smokvica, the vineyards and the sea. The route passes the church of St. Cyprian, first mentioned in 1329. It then leads to the church of St. Vid, which dates to 1420 and features a stone relief.

Routes Through Vineyards and Olive Groves

Cycling and hiking routes run through the vineyards in Smokvica. The wider destination of Općina Smokvica also has numerous hiking and walking trails in the Smokvica and Brna area, passing through olive groves and vineyards. The Lungo-Mare trail from Brna is five kilometres long and leads to the Veliki Zaglav viewpoint. From there, panoramic views stretch across Brna Bay and nearby islets. 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. You can compare these routes by their different lengths and, for the Trail of Pošip, by the stated duration as well.

Other Historic Places in Općina Smokvica

The wider destination of Općina Smokvica also has a historic connection to the church of Sveti Mihovil. It was built in 1372 on a hill above Smokvica and can be reached from the town via a short climb. The view from there extends across vineyards, olive groves and the sea. Major battles against Turkish conquerors took place at the site known as “Krvava ropa” in Smokvica. Smokvica is also home to the remains of the walls of the Illyrian fortress of Gradina.

For the wider travel overview: Općina Smokvica.