Villa Nostalgia pool & wellness

park view
55 m²
bedrooms: 2
bathrooms: 1
Kitchen
Terrace
Internet
Air conditioning

from 57.50 EUR per person

Explore Slovenian Istria from the Heart of Popetre

Tradition, Olive Groves and Premium Istrian Wines

The Šavrinsko gričevje (Šavrini Hills) are one of Slovenia's best-kept secrets. While most travelers flock straight to the seaside mainstays like Piran, Portorož, or Izola, turning the steering wheel inland reveals an entirely different world just 10 to 15 minutes away.

The landscape transforms into rolling hills terraced with ancient olive groves, sprawling vineyards, and stone villages perched dramatically on ridges.

If you are planning to head up into the hills, a few specific spots and cultural highlights truly define the experience:

Authentic Villages to Explore

Padna: Famously known for its architectural preservation and its historic connection to olive oil and chard (blevš). The village offers stunning panoramic views stretching all the way to the sea.
Krkavče: One of the oldest villages in the region, uniquely built entirely on a solid rock base. It is famous for the Krkavče Stone—a mysterious, ancient megalith standing just outside the village.
Hrastovlje: Home to the Holy Trinity Church, a fortified Romanesque structure hiding the world-renowned 15th-century Dance of Death (Danse Macabre) fresco inside.

Culinary Highlights

Istrian cuisine relies heavily on seasonal, earth-to-table ingredients. When visiting a local osmica (temporary farm-turned-tavern) or a traditional tmina, look out for:

Fuži or Pljukanci: Hand-rolled traditional pastas typically tossed with wild asparagus in the spring or shaved truffles found in the local forests.
Istrian Prosciutto (Pršut): Dry-cured by the fierce burja (bora) wind, paired with indigenous olive oils.
Refošk & Malvazija: The signature local wines. Refošk is a rich, dark red with a touch of pleasant sourness, while Malvazija is a fresh, aromatic white that perfectly mirrors the Mediterranean sun.

Who are the Šavrinke? The hills get their name from the historical women of the region called Šavrinke. In tough economic times, they traveled on foot or with donkeys down to Trieste to sell local produce like eggs, bread, and milk, embodying the resilience and welcoming spirit the local culture is known for today.

The Slovenian coast attracts with its charming seaside towns of Koper, Izola and Piran and unforgettable experiences on and by the sea. But if you take just one step inside, you will also be impressed by the idyllic image of the coastal hinterland. Cute Istrian villages, which hide many cultural treasures, selected delicacies of the Istrian land and friendly locals, will leave a deep impression on your memory.

One of these villages is the village of Popetre, which lies along the side road between Gračišče and Truški, on the ridge of Pičence above the valley of the river Dragonja, which originates just below the village. Because of this special location, people from various surrounding villages traveled through Popetre, some on their way to the municipality, and others in the opposite direction, via Gračišče, Smokvice to Movraž. From here, they continued on foot towards Rakitovec to the railway station, after various errands and in different directions.

The village was first mentioned in 1028, when the Roman emperor Konrad II donated it, like most of the villages with lands along the Dragonja river, to the Ogle patriarchs. Later, Popetre became the property of the manor Filipo di Cosliaco (among other possessions he also owned the fortified Kozjak castle). In 1250, he sold the village to the feudal lord Andrej de Cirlago. The estates later became the property of his successors. Since 1505, the village was owned by the rich noble family Bembi from Koper. In 1602, however, the fief passed into the ownership of the Morati landowners. They settled in Izola at the beginning of the 14th century. In the 17th century. they connected with the nobility in Poreč. In the 19th century. they were granted the noble title by the Austrian Emperor Franz I. During this period, the village of Popetre was known as Cain.

Above the village square, somewhat obscured by the houses, stands the church of St. Apostle. Andrew - the apostle celebrates on November 30. The church is consecrated, covered, with windows that close. It has a bell, a dedicated altar, is moderately decorated and has everything needed for mass, including a chalice. There is a cemetery next to the church.

Resource;https://ks-gracisce.si/popetre/