Motovun (Montona in Italian) sits like a crown on a 277-metre hill above the Mirna valley. The town wall can be walked all the way round, with views over vineyards, villages and Motovun forest – Croatia's most important white-truffle territory. Motovun is the best-known destination in inland Istria and a must for anyone wanting to see Istria beyond the coast.
At a glance
Region
inland Istria
To the coast
Poreč approx. 30 km, Rovinj approx. 45 km
Altitude
277 m
Best time to visit
May, June, September, October
Ideal for
foodies, photographers, cyclists, day trips
Speciality
white truffles, Teran red wine
The hilltop town
Two gates lead into the upper town with its main square, St Stephen's Church (17th century), a free-standing bell tower and the Venetian loggia. The walk along the town wall costs a small fee and is best in the late afternoon when the light over the valley softens. On autumn mornings fog often fills the Mirna valley, with the hill rising out of it like an island.
Truffles, wine and olive oil
Motovun forest in the valley is damp and rich in oaks – ideal conditions for the white truffle (Tuber magnatum). In the village of Livade at the foot of the hill, truffle days are held in autumn; several family businesses take guests on hunts with dogs. The slopes around Motovun are among the best sites for Teran, a powerful, high-acid red wine, and for Malvazija.
Film festival and cycling
At the end of July the Motovun Film Festival takes place – the town is then full, loud and young. For cyclists, the former Parenzana narrow-gauge railway runs just below; the stretch from Motovun towards Grožnjan with viaducts and tunnels is one of the most beautiful.
Getting there, parking, verdict
Cars must stay in the paid car parks on the slope; from there it's a steep walk of about 15 minutes (shuttle in season). Accommodation in the upper town is scarce. In summer Motovun is a popular coach-trip destination during the day – if you prefer it quiet, stay overnight or come in the evening. Autumn with truffles and colourful vineyards is the loveliest time.
Note: To protect the personal rights of people shown and to respect third-party copyright, some images on this page are AI-generated. They show typical impressions and may differ in detail from how the places actually look.
Motovun (Montona in Italian) sits like a crown on a 277-metre hill above the Mirna valley. The town wall can be walked all the way round, with views over vineyards, villages and Motovun forest – Croatia's most important white-truffle territory. Motovun is the best-known destination in inland Istria and a must for anyone wanting to see Istria beyond the coast.
At a glance
Region
inland Istria
To the coast
Poreč approx. 30 km, Rovinj approx. 45 km
Altitude
277 m
Best time to visit
May, June, September, October
Ideal for
foodies, photographers, cyclists, day trips
Speciality
white truffles, Teran red wine
The hilltop town
Two gates lead into the upper town with its main square, St Stephen's Church (17th century), a free-standing bell tower and the Venetian loggia. The walk along the town wall costs a small fee and is best in the late afternoon when the light over the valley softens. On autumn mornings fog often fills the Mirna valley, with the hill rising out of it like an island.
Truffles, wine and olive oil
Motovun forest in the valley is damp and rich in oaks – ideal conditions for the white truffle (Tuber magnatum). In the village of Livade at the foot of the hill, truffle days are held in autumn; several family businesses take guests on hunts with dogs. The slopes around Motovun are among the best sites for Teran, a powerful, high-acid red wine, and for Malvazija.
Film festival and cycling
At the end of July the Motovun Film Festival takes place – the town is then full, loud and young. For cyclists, the former Parenzana narrow-gauge railway runs just below; the stretch from Motovun towards Grožnjan with viaducts and tunnels is one of the most beautiful.
Getting there, parking, verdict
Cars must stay in the paid car parks on the slope; from there it's a steep walk of about 15 minutes (shuttle in season). Accommodation in the upper town is scarce. In summer Motovun is a popular coach-trip destination during the day – if you prefer it quiet, stay overnight or come in the evening. Autumn with truffles and colourful vineyards is the loveliest time.
Note: To protect the personal rights of people shown and to respect third-party copyright, some images on this page are AI-generated. They show typical impressions and may differ in detail from how the places actually look.
