Motovun is a medieval hilltop village in interior Istria, perched 277 metres above the Mirna river valley. It's one of the most photogenic villages in Croatia: a tight cluster of stone buildings behind fortified walls, ringed by vineyards and truffle-hunting forests below. The village hosts a respected film festival in late July, which brings a burst of energy to an otherwise tranquil place. We recommend it for visitors who want to experience Istria's inland character, which has more in common with rural Tuscany than with the Adriatic beach resorts.
Why Stay in Motovun
- Hilltop setting — the views from the town walls stretch across the Mirna valley to the surrounding hills. On clear days, the panorama is genuinely memorable.
- Truffle territory — the forests below Motovun produce both black and white truffles. Several restaurants and shops specialise in truffle dishes and products.
- Film festival, the Motovun Film Festival (late July) screens independent films in open-air venues, creating a lively, atmospheric few days in the village.
- Honest caveat. Motovun is very small and entirely inland. The coast is 30-40 minutes away. The steep access road discourages casual visitors but also makes parking a challenge. Dining options are limited to a handful of restaurants.
Things to Do in Motovun
Walk the town walls. The circuit takes about 15 minutes and offers views in every direction. The walls are well-preserved and the path is easy to follow. The main gate and the crenellated tower add drama.
Eat truffles. The restaurants in and around Motovun serve truffle-shaved pasta, truffle omelettes, and truffle-infused local dishes. For a deeper experience, book a truffle-hunting excursion with a local guide and their trained dog. The Mirna valley forests are the richest truffle grounds in Istria.
Visit the other inland hill towns. Grožnjan (20 minutes), a former artists' colony with galleries and music workshops, and Oprtalj (25 minutes), quieter and less visited, are both worth the drive. The road between them passes through some of Istria's most attractive countryside.
For the coast, drive to Poreč (30 minutes) for its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and seaside promenade, or to Rovinj (40 minutes) for one of the Adriatic's most attractive harbour towns.