Municipality of Smokvica: Pošip, trails and cultural heritage

• Smokvica lies 130 metres above sea level, with views stretching over hills and vineyards to the sea.
• Pošip was discovered more than 150 years ago in fields below Smokvica, on the hill of Pinćaluš.
• The Lungo-Mare trail in Brna is 5 kilometres long. The Trail of Pošip covers 12.2 kilometres and takes 1.5 hours.
• The Roman Era cycling route starts in Smokvica and is 61 kilometres long.

Pošip is closely connected with Smokvica’s wine-growing history: the grape variety was discovered more than 150 years ago in fields below the village, on the hill of Pinćaluš. It is regarded as Croatia’s first legally protected white wine and originated in the hills of Smokvica. Together with neighbouring Čara, Smokvica forms the most important wine-growing area for Pošip.

Most of the work in the vineyards is traditionally done by hand. Local wineries in Smokvica offer wine tastings; check specific dates for your trip with them in advance. Brna is also part of the history of wine: in the 19th century, it developed into a port from which wine from Smokvica was transported to other coastal destinations.

The Smokvica and Brna area offers numerous hiking and walking trails through olive groves and vineyards. The Smokvica Panorama Trail begins in front of the main church, Gospa od Kandelora, and climbs towards St. Rok. Along the way, there are panoramic views of vineyards and the sea. Sveti Mihovil Church is also accessible from Smokvica via a short climb; from there, views extend over vineyards, olive groves and the sea.

In Brna, the 5-kilometre Lungo-Mare trail leads to the Veliki Zaglav viewpoint. From there, you can see Brna Bay and nearby islets. Another route to the coast runs from Smokvica to Brna and onwards to Istruga Bay. Cyclists comparing routes will find different distances: the Trail of Pošip is 12.2 kilometres long and takes 1.5 hours; the Roman Era cycling route starts in Smokvica and covers 61 kilometres.

The churches mark different periods and locations. Sveti Mihovil was built in 1372 on a hill above Smokvica. Sveti Ivan Krstitelj was built in 1391 above the Siknica (Sitnica) field, near the Studenac pond. Sveti Vid was built in 1420 on the summit of Marca Vrh hill near Siknica. Sveti Ciprijan Church dates from the 5th or 6th century and is located in the village cemetery. A Venetian loggia dating from the 17th century stands next to the parish church.

Other traces include the remains of the walls of the Illyrian fortress of Gradina in Smokvica and the remains of ancient Greek wine presses in the area around the village. Major battles against Turkish conquerors took place at the square called “Krvava ropa”. The old custom of Kumpanija also recalls battles against attackers: it is a knightly sword dance from Smokvica.

Smokvica offers views of the surrounding hills, vineyards and sea. By contrast, Istruga Bay has a sandy beach surrounded by rushes, and its shores are lined with Aleppo pine and holm oak forest. These different landscapes complement the choice of trails: you will encounter vineyards and olive groves along the way, while Istruga combines coastal scenery and forest.

If you prioritise culture and wine-growing or walks by the bay, these features of the area can guide your choice of location.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Župa Dubrovačka, Municipality of Pojezerje, Municipality of Opuzen, Municipality of Kula Norinska, Municipality of Metković, Municipality of Dubrovačko Primorje and Municipality of Konavle.

Which cycling routes start in Smokvica?

The 61-kilometre Roman Era cycling route starts in Smokvica. The Trail of Pošip is 12.2 kilometres long and is listed as taking 1.5 hours.

Where can you find Istruga’s sandy beach?

The sandy beach is on Istruga Bay and is surrounded by rushes. The bay is lined with Aleppo pine and holm oak forest.

What is Kumpanija?

Kumpanija is an old custom from Smokvica, a knightly sword dance that recalls battles against attackers.

For the broader travel overview: Dubrovnik-Neretva County.