OLIVE TOURISM

Olive tourism: a new travel trend is born

“Olive tourism” or Oleotourism, is being developed as a new tourism industry focusing on a precious tree: the olive tree and a precious product: olive oil.

Visits to olive mills, harvesting the olive fruit, thematic walks in olive groves and museums, olive oil tasting, olive oil treatments in spas…

The term “olive tourism” was first mentioned in Spain in the 2000s to describe the whole range of travel experiences related to the olive tree and olive oil. It was then that some of the founding members of RECOMED met and collaborated for the first time to carry out a study on this topic in Spain, France, Greece, Portugal and Croatia.

Today, “olive tourism” is charmingly on the agenda of alternative forms of tourism and it is a whole philosophy, aesthetics and idea that is worth discovering and integrating into everyone’s life. Because to a large extent, “olive tourism” is much more than a common sustainability proposition, as it brings about a multidimensional balance between environmental, economic and socio-cultural sustainability.

In this context, the RECOMED network has included the strengthening of olive tourism as one of its priorities, seeks and promotes good practices in its member countries and has recently launched an international olive tourism conference with the participation of the “Citta dell’Olio” in the Italian city of Matera, which will continue in the coming years in other countries participating in the network.

Best practices

GREECE
ITALY
SPAIN
SLOVENIA
MONTENEGRO
TURKIYE
MOROCCO
TUNISIA
CROATIA

The Routes of the Olive Tree, Cultural Route of the Council of Europe

The cultural routes “Routes of the Olive Tree” are an initiative with international recognition that translates into practice an innovative expression of culture and at the same time an alternative proposal for sustainable development: the utilization of the olive tree heritage through the organization of cultural routes and other related activities for its discovery and promotion.

The “Routes of the Olive Tree”, also officially designated by UNESCO (2003) as a “World Cultural Route of Intercultural Dialogue and Sustainable Development”, plan and propose routes in many areas of the olive-producing Mediterranean, while the list of proposed points of interest is constantly growing.

“Routes of the Olive Tree” Itineraries Proposals
“Routes of the Olive Tree” Points of Interest

Good practices in olive oil tourism 

Olive oil producers:

Olea Capris

Zgornje Slofije 73, 6281 Skofije
https://www.oleacapris.si/eng

HOURS: to check

Description

Olea Capris z.o.o. is an agricultural cooperative, founded in 2015, that has received numerous international awards and is comprised of a dozen owners and producers with their own olive groves that cover all 42 kilometers of the coastal area of the Slovenian Istria.

Koper Regional Museum

Kidričeva 19, SI-6000 Koper https://www.pokrajinskimuzejkoper.si/en
info@pokrajinskimuzejkoper.si
+386 41556644
+386 56633571
HOURS:

Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and during the holidays: 10:00 – 16:00
Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1 and December 25

Description

The Belgramoni Tacco palace is one of the most beautiful in Koper. It was built in the 1600s in a mannerist style. Its monumental entrance takes you into its interior spaces which house the Regional Museum, with its collection dedicated to the history of the palace, Koper and Istria.
The permanent exhibition When Hunger and Abundance Meet presents the eating culture from the 18th to the mid-20th century, when eating habits underwent the greatest changes, since in the 1st half of the 20th century the attitude towards food changed on a cultural level. Throughout the centuries, periods of hunger and prosperity alternated as a result of natural disasters, wars, and economic and political circumstances.
Food is considered a cultural good, which is why the diet of previous periods is treated and understood as an important part of cultural heritage. Culinary art and gastronomy are two fields through which we can come to know cultural heritage; the changes, innovations and contemporary creativity of an individual, a family, group, inhabitants of a specific town, region, etc.; and their everyday and holidays.
The ethnological collection presents the Mediterranean bourgeois kitchen and kitchenware for storing, preparing and eating food, whereas the rural Istrian kitchen is presented in the Bardinc House in Lopar. Thus, the objects on display originate from the rural and urban environment, and show the coexistence and influence of one cultural environment on the other. The eating habits and customs from the past and the so-called traditional dishes are an excellent opening topic for discussion, with which we can draw parallels with the modern times and modern topics, such as e.g. traditional dishes in contemporary cuisine or traditional dishes and modern-day diseases (e.g. diabetes and traditional food). In any case, it is a topic that offers a wide range of opportunities for popularising cultural heritage and cooperating with diverse target groups.

Društvo oljkarjev Slovenske istre

Ulica 15. maja 17, 6000 KOPER – CAPODISTRIA
http://www.dosi.si/index.php
info@dosi.si
+386 31442352
+386 056630723
HOURS: to check

Description

The Slovenian Olive Society of Istria is a civil society organization established in the Mediterranean part of Slovenia, where the olive tree thrives. The association brings together producers and olive lovers.
With a climate so positive for olive trees, the Association of Olive Growers of Slovenian Istria (DOSI) was created in 1992. During these twenty good years, it participated in the increase of plantations from 400 ha to 2000 ha. During this period, the association, in collaboration with other professional institutions (KGZS GO Institute, Olivetry Experimental Center, UP and Labs), has done a lot in the education of individual olive growers, especially in terms of cultivation, pest control, fertilization, cutting, cultivation of olives, storage of olives and olive oil and method of treatment.

Med oljkami B&B

Semedela 68, 6000 Koper – Capodistria

https://www.booking.com/hotel/si/med-oljkami-b-amp-b.fr.html
+386 41860707

+386 41 284 384

HOURS: to check

Description

It is a very beautiful olive farm, located high up in the city of Koper with a beautiful view of Koper Bay. It is a much appreciated guesthouse thanks to the quality of its local products.
This point is interesting for its touristic activity (hiking, biking, close to touristic sites), the surrounding landscape and the olive oil culture promoted. 

Kmetija Karlonga

Potok 4, 6276 Pobegi
https://www.facebook.com/Karlonga-491791224336502
jakomind.karlonga@gmail.com
+386 04904842

HOURS: to check

Description

The ecological farm KARLONGA, a small local production located in the village of Potok, in the hinterland of Koper, produces 5 types of indigenous grape varieties, from which excellent wines come, and also sells fruits and vegetables. Proud of its “SLIMENIAN ISTRA EXTRA SWEET OLIVE OIL” labeled PDO (protected designation of origin), it offers tastings to visitors.

Lisjak property /Domačija Lisjak

Šalara 28b, 6000 Koper
matej@lisjak.com
+386 40294248
HOURS: Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (to check)

Description

Olive oil production site offering sale and tasting of its range of olive oils, in addition to a visit to the oil mill and discovery of the pressing process. Also, the farm organizes the Vintage Gourmet Tour, an educational journey through the tracks of old autochthonous varieties of olives, which grow on the most beautiful viewing points of the Slovenian coast and the Istrian countryside (Recommended by Slovenian Tourist Board).
TOUR GOURMET TARIF DU VINTAGE : from 300€

The House of Bardinca

Lopar 10, 6273 Marezige
https://lopar.webnode.com/
drustvo.lopar@gmail.com
+386 41833768

HOURS: to check

Description

Located in Lopar, Bardinca House is a typicial Istrian house, a cultural and historical testimony of the lifestyle of the inhabitants living 100 years ago and of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, thanks to its collections. Various folk and cultural events take place in this house built 200 years ago, where there is a tourist information point for Slovenian Istria too.
The village of Lopar has a cultural and natural heritage offering tourist activities such as hiking, donkey riding and visits to historic monuments.

Oljarna Krožera Franka Marzi s.p.

Srgasi 40, Smarje 6274 Pri Kopru, Bohinj
https://www.facebook.com/Oljarna-Kro%C5%BEera-405143223010932/
info@oleacapris.si
+386 31420771
+386 41520239 

HOURS: to check

Description

This is a family company that deals with the production and processing of olive oil. Her plantations are placed in the hinterland of the Slovenian coast and comprise 750 trees of different types of olives. Different high-quality olive oils are offered. The high slopes surrounded by the sun allow to produce top quality and international award-winning oil. Since 1995 the family has her own mill for processing olives. Many of the local farmers are using the service of oil processing of this company for their olives. Because nature protection is extremely important to the family, she upgraded the mill with additional technology that allows her to use olive pits as a fuel to heat her own home. After prior announcement, she invites visitors to see the oil mill and try her olive oil.

Kmetija Marima

Trebeše 24, 6272 Gračišče
http://www.marima.si/en
info@marima.si
+386 41904693
HOURS: to check

Description

The Marima farm cultivates and produces olive oil and dried fruits following the principles of organic farming, having earned it the eco-certification label. On its website and in its articles, the Marima farm defends the idea of good health linked to a diet and the consumption of healthy products.

Breda Pucer – Turistična kmetija Tonin

Puče 48, 6274 Ε marje pri Kopru
http://www.kmetija-tonin.com/index.php/sl/
onin.pucer@gmail.com
+386 31559094
+386 56567098
HOURS: restaurant: every day, noon and evening, only for groups.

Description

The tourist farm Tonin is a singular place surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, mulberry and almond trees. In add to producing its own olive oil, it proposes a traditional cuisine, accommodation for travelers, and a reception room.
This is an interesting point for its cuisine, but also thanks to its history and its evolution. Initially made of stone, mud and reed by the nicknamed “TOMAŽEL”, after his return from the war in Russia, this farm was restored by his grandchild in order to carry on the tradition. 

Terra Viva

Avenue Peter 115, 6333 Secovlje
https://www.ekoforteang.net/
+386 31844554

HOURS: to check

Description

The farm offers ecology learning for everyone, about nature protection and environmental management, biodiversity in the olive tree, varieties of olive trees in the olive grove, tasting of olive oil and olives produced naturally (certificate Organic production), about herbs and other useful plants. The research day can be enriched with hikes along the marked rural path. Designed for people interested in the Istrian landscape and living in a small Istrian hamlet, to all who would like to know more about nature, the environment, species variety in olive groves, workshops, on which participants will measure, research, identify, observe …
Place near villages with notable cultural heritage (the ethnological museum “Tonina hiša” in Sv. Peter, “Kapelučina hiša” in Nova vas, the museum of the living in Krkavče, the gallery of Božidar Jakac in Padna…)
Tasting: duration 2h, Price: from 35 €/person (variable)
Field research day: duration 4-5h – price to be defined
Public: children, primary or secondary school, extracurricular activities, students, or other interested persons.

Oljčno olje Ronkaldo – Olive Oil Ronkaldo

Baredi 5g, 6310 Izola
http://roncaldo.com/ronkaldo/?lang=en
info@roncaldo.si
+386 41624639
HOURS: visits from March to November with prior arrangement (call + 386 41 624 639.) Olive oil tasting, guided tours etc. also available.

Description

The olive grove Ronkaldo extends on the natural amphitheatre called Ronkaldo, situated to the south-est of the locality of Baredi near the town of Izola, approximately 140 m above sea level. Its cooperative products an olive oil which boasts the Eurepan tag “Protected Designation of Origin” – P.D.O, with modern technics which relies on today’s scientific findings, continuous professional training, experiments in the groves. It also proposes visits to discover its olive oil production process.
The “RONKALDO” top quality extra virgin olive oil comes from love for the olive trees abandoned on the Istrian slopes.

Zdenko Hrvatin Farm

Korte 144, Izola
https://www.visitizola.com/en/map/hrvatin-zdenko
Zdenko.hrvatin1@siol.net
+386 41584676

HOURS: to check

Description

In 1991, Zdenko took over his father’s farm to become a specialist in olive growing and winemaking. He received the title of champion in 2008 and vice-champion in 2018 of the “Golden Olive Branch” competition.
Its extra virgin olive oil is of superior quality and labeled AOP (Protected Designation of Origin). The olives are harvested at the optimal time, pressed and filtered the same day. The next day, the oil is bottled and ready for sale.
Several types of olive oil are produced: white Istria, Leccino, Maurino, small quantities of the old Bug variety, as well as a combination of these oils.
Wine production: Malvasia, Refosk and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Druzina Bajda – Bajda Family

Torkla d.o.o., Obrtna ulica 11, 6310 Izola-Isola
http://www.torkla.com/en/
info@torkla.com
+386 41742659
+386 41964428
+386 040689015
HOURS: to check

Description

Bajda family lives in since 1990 in the hinterlands of Izola since 1990. She owns 3 hectares of olive groves and a family mill. To produce its olive oil, the Bajda family uses a cold pressing process, with ultrasound, and won national and international awards thanks to it.
Tours and tastings of their olive-made products are possible.

Gramona Farm – Ecological Olive Farm

Seča 179a, 6320 Portorož – Portorose
http://www.gramonafarm.com/
info@gramonafarm.com
+386 40235595
HOURS: to check

Description

The Gramona ecological olive farm is nestled in the hills of Istra in coastal Slovenia. It offers educational and family activities such as summer camps and outdoor school for children, as well as tastings of their products.
Four generations live and work on Gramona. Building on traditions of the past they integrate modern sustainable practices into their production, creating award-winning extra virgin olive oils and a unique range of organic gourmet produce. A blend of sun and sea breeze, along with the microclimate of the Sečovlje salt pans add a distinctly unique flavour to their olives.

Maritime Museum “Sergej Mašera” Piran

Sv. Peter 84, 6333 Secovlje
https://pomorskimuzej.si/en/ethnological-collection-tona-s-house-at-sv-peter
muzej@pommuz-pi.si
+386 56710040
HOURS:
April, May, June: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
July, August: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
September, October, November: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.From December 1st to March 31st: CLOSED
TARIFS: Entrance without guide: free
Entrance with guide: Students, retirees: € 2.50 Adults: € 3

Description

The Tona’s House – St Peter’s Ethnological Collection, installed in an old Istrian dwelling in the village of Sv. Peter on the Dragonja in 1981, is a unique ethnological monument. Both the building and the picturesque village are declared as cultural monuments.
The ground floor demonstrates the procedure of oil making, while the upper floor displays the domestic artefacts in the rural kitchen and bedroom. Tona’s House also incorporates a former outhouse, which is today used as a washroom and depository for various

Terra Viva

Avenue Peter 115, 6333 Secovlje
https://www.ekoforteang.net/
+386 31844554

HOURS: to check

Description

The farm offers ecology learning for everyone, about nature protection and environmental management, biodiversity in the olive tree, varieties of olive trees in the olive grove, tasting of olive oil and olives produced naturally (certificate Organic production), about herbs and other useful plants. The research day can be enriched with hikes along the marked rural path. Designed for people interested in the Istrian landscape and living in a small Istrian hamlet, to all who would like to know more about nature, the environment, species variety in olive groves, workshops, on which participants will measure, research, identify, observe …
Place near villages with notable cultural heritage (the ethnological museum “Tonina hiša” in Sv. Peter, “Kapelučina hiša” in Nova vas, the museum of the living in Krkavče, the gallery of Božidar Jakac in Padna…)
Tasting: duration 2h, Price: from 

Family farm Drnovšček « Kovačevi »

Vedrijan 2A, 5211 Kojsko GORIŠKA BRDA
http://www.drnovscek.si/
drnovscek.kmetija@gmail.com
+386 031 847 343 – Alenka,
+386 041 513 773 – Jordan,
+386 031 573 070 – Matej

HOURS: to check
Description

Family farm involved in fruit production, viticulture and olive growing for generations. Guided by traditions, experience, modern approach of the young generation, and in particular respect for the natural calendar, in order to offer fruits, vegetables and extra virgin olive oils of different varieties, recognized nationally and internationally. All this in a very short consumer production chain.

Društvo Oljkarjev Brda

Trg 25. maja 2, Dobrov

https://www.obcina-brda.si/obcina_brda/kmetijske_dejavnosti/oljkarstvo/2014022708421890/

+386 41682452

HOURS: to check

Description

The Brda Olive Farmers Association was founded in 1998 and is responsible for the resurgence and extension of olive growing in Brda and Gorizia.

Today, around 120 hectares of olive groves are located in Brda and the association has more than 200 members: from amateur breeders to olive growers exclusively engaged in the production of oil. The latter regularly attend international evaluations of extra virgin olive oil, and in 2013, they achieved great success at Split Olives, Nočnjak and Verona.

The company is a major national and international promoter of extra virgin olive oil thanks to its presence in numerous events, through tastings and the organization of various conferences and training for a professional excursion. As part of the EU LI project, she obtained, with European funds, an oil mill located today in the wine cellar of Goriška Brda.

BOSE oil

Ceglo 15, 5212 Dobrovo
https://www.facebook.com/BOSEoil/
+386 05 30 45 666
+386 041413 531
HOURS : Monday 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. (or by appointment)

Description

The Bose Oil production is made in family, in a domain of 320 olive trees, of 25 different varieties, where oil tasting is possible. Bose oils received ratings and numerous awards for quality won at prominent global exhibitions. . The extra virgin olive oil “Bose” has a green-yellow colour, a very intense taste and a scent of freshly cut grass, green cherries, olive fruits, artichokes and tomatoes. This oil is distinguished by its harmonic coordination, distinctive fruitiness, refined bitterness and pungency.

Oljčno olje RONKI / Oljkarstvo Ronki

Prvacina 39a, 5297 Prvacina
http://god.si/oljcno-olje-ronki/
oljkarstvo.ronki@gmail.com
+386 41484519
+386 40280106
HOURS: Visits and tasting by appointment at: oljkarstvo.ronki@gmail.com 

Description

In add to win several prices during national and international competitions, Ronki virgin olive oil is attractive for its sunny taste, between bitterness and spicy. It attracts many tourists in addition to being a real interest for connoisseurs.

Oljčno olje Skrlin – Extra Virgin Olive Oil Skrlin

http://www.skrlin.si/

+386 31 571 261

skrlin.olje@gmail.com

Podrobnosti iz Google Zemljevidov

Skrilje 71d, 5263 Dobravlje

Agencija Oljka, Tatjana Šundovski Bašin s.p.

Cankarjeva ulica 42, Nova Gorica, 5000
tatjana.basin200@gmail.com
+386 41341149

Goriško Oljkarsko društvo / Gorizia Olive Society

Ulica Padlih borcev 26, 5290 Šempeter pri Gorici
https://god.si/
gorisko.oljkarskod@gmail.com
HOURS: to check

Description

Goriško oljkarsko društvo is an association created in 2001, in Šempeter pri Gorici School of Agriculture and Food. It helps its members to acquire knowledge about planting olive trees: time and way to plant, olive tree varieties, treatment, fertilization, disease and pest protection, time and mod of harvest, olive transformation, oil storage, commercialisation and more. The society also organises professional conferences, professional excursions, meetings, visits, oil tasting and competitions; in add to participate in contests.

OleotourJaén

Jaén, the world’s leading producer of olive oil, offers visitors the best setting for the practice of “oleotourism”, through a varied offer related to the olive grove and the oil: museums, oil mills, specialized restaurants, rural accommodation, farmhouses, parties, tastings and oil tastings, etc. A journey begins here towards the essence of the olive culture where the visitor can learn in situ the oil production process, from the cultivation of the olive grove, through the collection of the olives in the field, until reaching their extraction and packaging in the oil mill. A journey through multiple possibilities designed to make oil tourism a unique experience.

https://www.jaenparaisointerior.es/es/oleotour/inicio