Central Istria

By the way, Motovun is like no other place on the Riviera combining all the amenities and characteristics which makes the center of Istria so lovable and worth seeing. No wonder that every year in July, the renowned international film festival is held here! The medieval, well-preserved town, whose cityscape is dominated by a bell tower with a serrated crown from the 13th century sits on a hill above the Mirna Valley. Alongside its carefully restored palaces and romantic winding old streets, there is its great view of the wide, green countryside that thrill guests. The particular micro-climate around Motovun makes the city not only a Mecca for balloonists who find ideal conditions year-round. Motovun is known together with Buzet as the "truffle-city" of Croatia. Our tip: Do not miss the truffle days between early September and late November! At this time, there is also the festival of the new wine, an internationally renowned wine fair in Svetincenat. The black and white precious mushrooms are of excellent quality and blend perfectly with the aromatic cuisine and the delicious wines of the region- attracting gourmets from around the world.

Speaking of Buzet: It is only about an hour's drive away from other popular resorts on the Adriatic coast and this charming town, located between rocks and the Mirna Valley, is an attract place for both food lovers and active holidaymakers alike. For those who want to explore the Glagolitic trail outside of the city, be prepared to automatically land in Hum, the smallest city in the world which is, among other things, known for its liquor produced with the help of pitchforks and the annual booze-day in late October.

The Mirna Valley, however, also offers wonderful conditions for recreational athletes of different ages and fitness levels. The sometimes adventurous and challenging and in some parts tranquil tours goes through town gems such as Vizinada which is famous for its dialect, the Italian looking Oprtalj or the historically interesting (and fantastically well-located) town of Roc. By the way: In September the Parenzana always takes place. It is a leisurely cycling marathon for everyone which goes through Vizinada, Motovun and other towns. Fantastic opportunities to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle can be found, as elsewhere, in Visnjan with its wine cellars and restaurants, agricultural tourism and its wonderful views to the sea. Enough of sports activities and culinary delights?

Then don't let the Summer Jazz Academy in Groznjan and the centrally located Zminj with its defiant bulwarks; or even the festival of Bartulja and the idyllic Kanfanara marked by numerous churches escape you. Even a side trip to Pazin is something tourists in Central Istria should not miss. The "Heart of Istria" is perched near the lovely Pazin Cave directly above a deep gorge and charms its visitors with its carefully maintained medieval heritage.