This medieval hilltop town in Istria sits 277 meters above sea level, with ancient stone walls from the 13th century and vineyards known for Istrian truffles.
Motovun sits 277 meters above the Mirna Valley in central Istria, Croatia. Medieval stone walls circle its historic center, where you can walk along 15th-century fortifications and watch independent films at the summer festival. In the surrounding forest, locals hunt for black and white truffles, while the hillside vineyards produce Teran and Malvasia wines. From the town walls, you'll see rolling hills, dense woods, and the Mirna River below.
Getting to Motovun
You'll need to park at the base of the hill and walk up the steep cobblestone path to reach the town center, as the walls restrict car access. The closest major towns are Poreč (25km) and Rovinj, with limited bus connections running between them. The walk up takes about 15-20 minutes, so wear comfortable shoes.
Walking the Medieval Walls
The defensive walls date from the 11th and 12th centuries, with expansions during the 15th and 16th centuries under Venetian control. A complete circuit takes about 30 minutes, giving you views across all four corners of Istria. At the summit, you'll find the 12th-century citadel, the oldest structure in town.
Truffles and Local Cuisine
The Motovun Forest covers 10 square kilometers in the Mirna Valley, where black and white truffles grow throughout the year. Restaurants serve these mushrooms with fuži pasta and wild game. You can join guided truffle hunts with trained dogs in the surrounding woods.
Motovun Film Festival
The town hosts Croatia's biggest independent film festival each July. During the five-day event, you can watch movies screened outdoors against medieval backdrops. The festival draws around 40,000 visitors, who often camp in designated areas below the town or stay in nearby villages.
Wine and Vineyards
Winemakers in the hills around Motovun grow Teran grapes for red wines on the south-facing slopes. The white wine grape Malvasia Istriana and sweet Muscat varieties also thrive in this climate. Many local wineries open their cellars for tastings and tours.
Exploring Nearby Villages
Several small medieval towns surround Motovun. Hum, recognized as the world's smallest town, is 40 minutes away by car. Grožnjan, known for its art galleries and craft workshops, makes a good half-day trip. Both towns share similar hilltop locations and stone buildings.
The Parenzana Trail
This former railway line now serves as a hiking and cycling path past Motovun. The trail connects Trieste to Poreč, letting you explore the Istrian countryside. You can walk or cycle the 12-kilometer section from Motovun to Vižinada through vineyards and olive groves.
