Šmarje reveals itself through its architectural history, wine and olive growing, and hilly landscape. When planning your trip, consider whether you would like to focus on tastings at Santomas, historic churches, or views and routes. Two routes pass through the village, while the surrounding regional landscape offers a broader perspective beyond Šmarje.

Wine and Olives in Šmarje

The wine and olive-growing estate of Ludvika Nazarija Glavine is located in Šmarje pri Kopru. Its wines and distinctive Šmarje olive oil are marketed under the Santomas brand.

The Santomas estate includes almost 24 hectares of vineyards and 5 hectares of olive groves, a winery with a tasting room, and a modern olive mill. The areas are weighted very differently: vineyards occupy more space than olive groves. Wine tastings are held in the tasting room. Lunches or dinners with guided wine tastings are organised at the Santomas estate; Santomas also offers a guided tour of the estate as part of a tasting. It is advisable to arrange these experiences in advance.

Churches and Architectural History

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most important buildings in Šmarje. Its interior was renovated in the 1960s. The parish church in Šmarje was built on the ruins of an old pre-Romanesque building, probably as early as the 11th century. The village’s architectural history therefore encompasses both an earlier origin and a 20th-century renovation.

Hilly Landscape and Views

The Šmarje-Mareziško gričevje offers views across the entire hinterland of Koper. From Šmarje, you can also see the surrounding hills and villages, as well as the Bay of Koper and the Bay of Trieste. The views of the hinterland convey the broad landscape setting, while the views from the village take in specific hills, villages and bays.

Šmarje is one of the landscape’s characteristic settlements in the Šmarje-Mareziško gričevje. At the edges of settlements in this landscape area, a cultural landscape is preserved, with a mosaic made up mainly of olive groves and vineyards. This description refers to the wider hilly area, not only the immediate surroundings of the village. Šmarje also plays an important role in the development of the Dragonja tourist and recreational area.

Routes Through the Village

The “Across Šmarje down the Dragonja Valley” route passes through Šmarje. The Koprski “mare e monti” cycling route also runs through the village. Most of this cycling route follows asphalt, gravel and agricultural roads; it is considered mostly easy. If you are considering a bike ride, these details about the surfaces and the general level of difficulty provide an initial guide.

Different themes can shape your stay: Santomas offers tastings and guided experiences, while the church’s architectural history, landscape views and cycling route appeal to other interests. This lets you tailor your trip to what you most want to explore in Šmarje.

Discover more destinations: Boršt, Tinjan, Črni Kal, Truške, Zgornje Škofije, Pobegi, Koštabona, Koper

Go to the main travel overview: Koper.