Buzet is a hilltop town in northern Istria, known as the “City of Truffles.” It’s one of the region’s historic medieval towns, first mentioned more than 1,800 years ago.
The area was inhabited in prehistoric times, and during Roman rule it was called Pinquentum. After the Byzantine period, Croats and Slovenians settled here.
Later, Buzet became part of the Venetian Empire, which ruled until 1797. Much of the town’s architecture still reflects that period, especially monuments and palaces built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
But there’s more than its amazing history that draws travelers in: Buzet is also one of Croatia’s top destinations for truffles (both white and black). So let’s jump in and find out more about this great town!
Where is Buzet and How to Get There?
Buzet sits in northern Istria near the border with Slovenia. Its medieval old town rises on a 150-meter hilltop, overlooking the fertile Mirna River valley.
Distances to major cities:
- Rijeka – 50 km
- Porec – 50 km
- Trieste (Italy) – 50 km
- Koper (Slovenia) – 50 km
- Pula – 90 km
- Zagreb – 211 km
Depending on where you’re coming from, you have various options for getting to Buzet:
By Car
Since January 1, 2023, Croatia is part of the Schengen Area. That means no routine checks at land borders with Slovenia and Hungary, though temporary/random controls may happen every now and then, so make sure to always carry an ID or passport.
Buzet is just a short drive from Slovenia and well connected by Istrian highways, so getting there by car or bus (see below) are the easiest method.
By Bus
Various local companies run buses to Rijeka, Pula, Poreč, Umag, Trieste, Venice, and Zagreb (and more). Tickets can be booked online or directly at bus stations.
By Train
The Buzet railway station sits 4 km north of town. Trains connect Buzet with Pula and Slovenia. Check out ticket prices and routes on the official railway company website.
By Plane
The nearest international airport is Pula (90 km). Other options include Rijeka (Krk Island), Zagreb, Trieste (Ronchi dei Legionari), and Ljubljana. Read my article about all the international airports in Croatia to see all options.
Buzet, the City of Truffles
Despite its medieval charm, truffles are the main thing here, with a yearly festival dedicated to celebrating the tasty, yet expensive mushrooms.
The Giant Omelet with Truffles
Since Buzet was officially named the “City of Truffles” in 1999, the town has celebrated this with a unique tradition every September (usually, in the second weekend of the month).
On Fontana Square, a giant omelet (fritada) made with over 2,000 eggs and around 10 kg of truffles is cooked in a massive 1,000-kg pan, 2.5 meters in diameter. It’s as tasty as it sounds! This marks the start of Truffle Days, which continue through truffle season.
Truffles: When, Where, How
Autumn is the best time to visit Buzet, thanks to the truffle festival and the fact that you will find these goodies everywhere. However, Buzet is the City of Truffles all year round, as its name suggests:
- White truffle season: September – November
- Black truffle season: January – September
Nearby, the village of Livade hosts the Zigante Truffle Days each weekend in autumn. It’s one of the biggest truffle fairs in Europe, with tastings, cooking demos, and a truffle market.
If you want a more hands-on experience, several local farms around Buzet and Motovun organize guided truffle hunts. You’ll join trained dogs in the forest and sample your finds afterward. You must book in advance, as the spots quickly fill up:
- Guided Truffle Hunting Walking Tour (from Livade)
- Truffle Hunt & 3-Course Brunch with Locals (Motovun)
Where to Stay in Buzet
There are a few options available in the city, mostly as private accommodation and house/apartment rentals. There are also some hotels that come with all the bonuses hotels offer – for your first stay, I think it’s best to choose one of my two favorites:
1. Hotel Fontana – Located at the foot of the Old Town, Hotel Fontana is a three-star property right in the town center. It offers easy access to local attractions, and it has been renovated recently to offer a bit more than its modest rating says. Perfect for a budget trip.
2. Boutique Hotel Vela Vrata – if you want luxury and super-high quality service, this is the hotel you should pick for your stay. A great location close to the main attractions, impressive amenities and friendly staff are just a few of the things that make it a top (albeit pricier) choice.
If you prefer to go the private hosting route, there are plenty of good options. As long as you book through a trustworthy website, you will be fine, as all rentals in Croatia, including private ones, are regulated by the government (and even awarded stars, like traditional hotels).
Where to Eat in Buzet & Truffle Tips
Almost every konoba (tavern) or restaurant in Buzet features truffles on the menu. Not all are great, but the truth is that you’ll hardly find a spot that won’t offer good ones. I will help you choose the best spots, as well as recommend what to eat to get the most out of them.
Try These Truffle Dishes in Buzet (and their prices)
- Fritaja with truffles – scrambled eggs with shaved truffles, one of the most traditional Istrian breakfasts. One serving is usually around €15-20.
- Fuži pasta with truffles – handmade Istrian pasta served with truffle cream sauce or topped with fresh truffle shavings. (€15-25 per serving)
- Steak with truffles – usually beef steak, grilled and finished with a truffle sauce. (€30-40 per serving)
- Cheese and truffle spreads – you will find these in local konobas, usually served as starters and paired with local wine.
- Truffle tasting plate: €20–35, depending on type and season.
- You can also buy truffle products in markets: jars of spreads, oils, shavings, with prices starting at €10 per item and going all the way up to €50.
Where to Eat
Restaurant Vela Vrata (located in my hotel recommendation above) is probably the best and safest place to test truffles in Buzet. Great presentation, great taste – you will fall in love with this place, guaranteed! Find it here on Google Maps.
Stara Ostarija, very close to Vela Vrata, is a traditional truffle restaurant that you can also try for various great options. Find it here on Google Maps.
Konoba Most is a bit outside the city, but offers a true, local experience. It’s a local konoba serving delicious dishes. Find it here on Google Maps.
If you head over to Livade (close to Buzet), you will find Zigante Tartufi, the most famous truffle house in Croatia. They offer restaurant meals, a shop with truffle products, and tastings. Make sure to get there too if you can!
Explore Old Town Buzet, too
The town is small and walkable, and in between truffle tastings, you should make sure to visit the Old Town area and all its attractions. You won’t need more than an hour, at a leisurely pace.
Start at the bottom of the hill and follow this short walking route to make sure you cover everything:
- Vela Vrata (Large Gate, 1547) – the main stone gate into the Old Town.
- Main Square & Baroque Well – the heart of town, where locals still gather (and where most of the shops and restaurants are located)
- Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1784) – baroque-style church with a Callido organ (1787), still in use.
- Bell Tower – climb for panoramic views of the Mirna Valley.
- Venetian Storehouse (1514/1796) – once used for grain storage.
- Regional Museum (Bigatto Palace) – displays on Buzet’s history, archaeology, and truffle heritage.
- Viewpoints – finish with sweeping views over vineyards, the Mirna Valley, and nearby hilltop towns. I am marking the location here on Google Maps (just enter Street View mode to see the amazing panoramic views that await!)
Wrapping Up
Buzet may be small, but it offers a lot to its visitors, from amazing views to rich history and, of course, the star of the area: truffles! Whether you come for the famous truffles or as a base to explore inland Istria, it will surely reward you with unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning a longer stay in Istria, don’t miss my guides to Motovun, Groznjan, and the coastal town of Rovinj – all easy day trips from Buzet.