Believe it or not, there’s more to Croatia than stunning beach towns and seaside relaxation! Motovun is one prime example of what the country has to offer. It is one of the most striking hilltop towns here, sometimes compared to the iconic villages of Tuscany.
Located in Istria (check my 7-day Istria itinerary here for more amazing things to discover), a region that offers both coastal delights and rustic hill villages – ready to visit in a single day thanks to the compact size – Motovun stands out as a picture-perfect spot that also combines history with local culture and breathtaking scenery.
Note: If you decide that seaside relaxation is better for you, check out my guide to the Best FKK Naturist Resorts in Istria.
Where Is Motovun?
Motovun (Montona in Italian) sits at 227 meters above sea level in central Istria, overlooking the Mirna River valley.
You’ll find it just 20 km northeast of the city of Poreč and 25 km from the Slovenian border. It’s around 71 km from Trieste, Italy, and only 29 km from Novigrad.
Driving from Umag takes about 40 minutes. Also, its central location means you can reach Motovun from any Istrian coastal town in under an hour.
Where to Stay in Motovun
Boutique Hotel Kastel is the only true hotel in Motovun. Rated at 3 stars and ideally located at the hilltop center of the medieval town, it’s a perfect choice for travelers looking for relaxation and great views.
Its terrace, shaded by centuries-old chestnut trees, is perfect for morning coffee or dinner. Rooms offer sweeping views of Motovun’s main square, the streets, the Istrian landscape, the Mirna River valley, and the surrounding vineyards.
Hotel Kastel also features a wellness and spa center, indoor pool with hydro-massage and waterfalls, Finnish and Turkish saunas, and a range of spa treatments.
As an alternative, you have Casa Histria – a private 4-star villa that looks absolutely amazing! It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious terrace.
The villa offers mountain and garden views, a well-equipped kitchen, and family-friendly amenities. Located on a quiet street, it’s close to local attractions, but keeps you inside with its outdoor sauna with amazing views!
Also read: Best Hotels in Sibenik, Croatia
Top Things to See in Motovun
Motovun is famous for its medieval walls, which form a ring around the old town and offer panoramic views over vineyards and the Motovun Forest. It’s as beautiful when you’re inside as it is when you’re getting close to Motovun itself (just see the top photo!)
Motovun’s Bell Tower
The town’s landmark is the 27-meter-high bell tower, built in the 13th century as an observation post. Later, it was converted into a bell tower and now dominates the Mirna valley landscape.
Town Walls
Motovun was once protected by two rings of walls. The inner ring, dating to the 13th and 14th centuries, surrounds the oldest part of town and can be entered through the inner gate. The outer wall, built in the 15th century, sits on the southern slope and features historic emblems above the gate.
Rich History
Motovun was first mentioned in 804, but its importance dates back to the Byzantine and Roman eras. During the Byzantine Empire, Motovun was one of the region’s wealthiest areas, paying a significant portion of Istria’s taxes. Under Roman rule, the area produced olive oil exported across the Empire.
The biggest influence, though, came from the Venetian Republic, which ruled from 1276 to 1797. Venetian touches are everywhere – from the city gates and squares to the Renaissance-era Church of St. Stephen and the Municipal Palace.
If you’re passionate about history, you should also read about the Elafiti Islands.
Events and Festivals in Motovun
Despite its small size, the town has plenty of fun events and festivals that you can check out. Here are my top recommendations:
Days of Giant Veli Jože – Motovun celebrates its legendary gentle giant, Veli Jože, a figure from Croatian folklore made famous by author Vladimir Nazor in 1908.
The Days of Veli Jože festival, held in early June, transforms the town with street performances, activities for children, and evening theater. It’s a family-friendly event that gets better and better each year – so definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Motovun International Film Festival – If you visit Istria in late July or early August, don’t miss the Motovun Film Festival. It also features exhibitions, concerts and attracts over 30,000 visitors each year.
But the main attraction is the movie projections: indoors during the day and on outdoor screens for the evening projections.
Truffle and Wine Festival – In October, Motovun hosts its Truffle and Wine Festival, showcasing Teran wines and local truffles, some weighing up to 500 grams. The festival includes tastings, truffle exhibitions, and local food stalls.
Walking and Hiking
Motovun is ideal for walking and hiking, with routes passing through forests and meadows. Two popular walking trails are:
- 661 Motovun–Zamask
- 662 Zamask–Motovun
Cycling
Cyclists can choose from three marked bike trails:
- 602 Voćni Put (Fruit Trail)
- 603 Stara Ferata (Old Railway)
- 601 Veli Jože
Paragliding
Paragliding is available from May to November, with options for solo flights or tandem rides with instructors. The scenery from above is unforgettable.
Best things to do and see around Motovun
With the town being walkable, you can easily check out all the things it has to offer in a day, walking leisurely around. But there’s more for you to see”
Kaldir
A small hilltop village just 5 km southeast of Motovun, Kaldir is surrounded by orchards and supplies two-thirds of Istria’s fruit production.
Parenzana
The Parenzana was a narrow-gauge railway opened in 1902, now transformed into a popular cycling route and hiking spot featuring tunnels, viaducts, and bridges.
Motovun Forest
Along the Mirna River valley, this forest is famous for its oak trees and is the world’s largest habitat for the prized white truffle.
Livade
A few kilometers from Motovun, the village of Livade is now a world truffle center. Each autumn, it hosts events like Zigante Truffle Days, drawing local producers and tourists for truffle tastings and regional food festivals.
If you liked Motovun and you want to explore more of Istria’s hidden gems, I recommend you consider Visiting Pazin, Croatia.
Wrapping up
I’m sure you’re now both ready and in the mood to discover Motovun. So start planning your visit and let this remarkable hill town surprise you at every turn!
Have you visited the city already? Share your experiences, travel tips, or questions in the comments below! Your insights can help fellow travelers make the most of their upcoming adventure.