Colours of Goriška Brda, Slovenia
Goriška Brda is a beautiful region in Slovenia that is situated between the Alps and the Adriatic. It boasts an array of vibrant colours that are a treat for the eyes. While riding ebikes through the hilly terrain adorned with flowers and fruit trees, we frequently stopped to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Goriška Brda, I would describe as a “Tidy Tuscany”, with its meticulously cared for homes and gardens. The rolling hills are steep-sided and covered with vineyards and cypress trees, giving the whole “Tuscan” feel. Plus, you are a hop, skip, and jump from the Italian border, from which you can see the influences making their way here.
Cherry Season in Goriška Brda
Fruit cultivation flourishes in Goriška Brda, with cherries taking centre stage during our visit. The abundance of cherries was awe-inspiring, with tables and small stands proudly displaying mountains of these delectable fruits for sale.
The cherry season started late this year due to excessive rain in April and May. We learned from a cherry grower that the rain had reduced the number of bees, resulting in fewer pollinated flowers and, subsequently, fewer cherries. However, the taste of the cherries remained unaffected, and we ate our body weight in this delicious fruit throughout our stay.
Additionally, the region is known for growing peaches, figs, apricots, plums, pears, chestnuts, olives, and a unique fruit called Persimmon, which resembles a pale tomato.
What to see
One notable attraction is the Gonjače Tower, standing at an impressive height of 23 meters. It offers a panoramic view stretching from the Alps to the sparkling Adriatic Sea on a clear day. It’s not one to tackle if you are frightened of heights, but the view from the top is incredible; I managed to get to the top by clinging to the central point all the way up.
Close by, you will find the medieval walled village of Šmartno with its charming narrow streets and echoes of a bygone era. It was severely damaged during an earthquake in 1976, after which the reconstruction was carefully focused on historic preservation with excellent results.
Honey & Wine
Honey production is another notable industry in the area, with honey finding its way into various products ranging from culinary delights to spirits, soaps, and lotions. Or simply on toast or your morning cereal – it’s delicious.
Wine is also on the menu in this area. The steep hillsides of Goriška Brda are blanketed with vineyards, contributing to the rich viticultural heritage of Slovenia. The local Rebula has gained a place on the international stage, and I am told, as I am not a wine drinker, that the taste of Rebula wine is often mild with hints of green apple and grapefruit. I thought it was a light flavour which was lovely on a hot afternoon, enjoying the beautiful vista of the Goriška Brda.
We visited the corporative winery of Klet Brda, in which 200 farms supply their harvest for Rebula production, including a sparkling variety. For more information, click the link: Klet Brda.
Ebike routes in Goriška Brda
While the ebike rides in this area are leisurely, it’s essential to note that the terrain features numerous steep and sharp climbs. This is where the convenience of using an ebike truly shines, making it an ideal companion for exploring this picturesque region at a relaxed pace.
There are plenty of routes in the area to explore. The directional signage is limited, but by using a GPX file or a bike app such as Komoot, you can easily find a variety of tried and tested routes. Pick a shorter route to start with and ensure you know what the profile looks like; otherwise, you can easily rack up 500-700 metres of uphill quickly. There are suggested routes on the website: Cycling in Brda.
Summary
My summary of this area is full of adjectives too numerous to include here. Take it from someone who travels a lot and has seen some of the world’s most beautiful regions; this is definitely worth a visit.
5 things I loved about this area:
- The views for miles, from the Alps to the Sea.
- Cherries – mountains of them
- Cycling is interesting and varied.
- Šmartno is a pretty village and is worth a visit
- Tidy Tuscany!!
For more information https://brda.si/eng/
