The hilltop towns of Istria are one of our favorite places on this peninsula. We live in Dalmatia, and we don’t visit Istria as much as some other regions in Croatia, so every time we visit, we try to make the most of our stay. Because we work in the wedding photography industry in Croatia, we travel a lot, and on some of these travels, we go to Istria to document weddings in some of the most beautiful locations in Croatia. In this article, we’re going to discuss are Istria hilltop towns are worth visiting and why the answer is the one you can read in the headline.
If you’re going to visit Istria after you have visited other parts of Croatia, like Dalmatia, for example, you might think that you have entered another country. It’s interesting how much difference different historical influences can have. Seeing the hilltop towns in Istria might feel more like Tuscany in Italy then Croatia. But it’s not Tuscany, it’s Istria, and for us, it’s one of the best sides of the Istrian peninsula. Here are a of things to know about these picturesque towns before you visit them.
Why Istria Hilltop Towns Are Worth Visiting For us, the answer is loud and clear: “Yes, totally!”. We are going to include some images from Grožnjan, one of the first hilltop towns in Istria we have ever visited, and a place that will always have a special place in our hearts. All of Istria is beautiful, there’s no doubt about that, but you won’t find such picturesque towns anywhere else in Croatia.
Here’s what makes Istria hilltop towns so special:
Stunning Scenery: These towns have breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, olive groves, and inland parts of Istria.Rich History: Many of the Istria hilltop towns date back to Roman and medieval times , and they have well-preserved architecture, ancient walls, and stone streets.Culinary Delights: The Istrian Peninsula is famous for its truffles, wine, and olive oil. . Dining in these towns is an authentic gastronomic experience with a great view.Art and Culture: These towns are also famous for their art galleries, festivals, and cultural events that celebrate the heritage of Istria.Peaceful Atmosphere: Finally, they are way more peaceful than coastal areas, so if you need a break from crowded and noisy places, you know where to find it.
Best Istria Day Trips Featuring Hilltop Towns :
Best Istria Hilltop Towns to Visit So what do you think by now, are Istria hilltop towns worth visiting? If you visit any of them, you’re going to enjoy a completely new world, different from the rest of Istria. Here are the most famous among these picturesque oases:
1. Motovun
Probably the most famous hilltop town in Istria, famous for its stone walls and beautiful views of the Mirna River Valley.
Famous for its annual film festival and proximity to the truffle forests of Istria .
Enjoy exploring its streets, medieval architecture, and try truffle-based dishes in local restaurants.
2. Grožnjan
Known as the “Town of Artists” , Grožnjan is full of art galleries, studios, and famous music festivals are organized here . It’s basically an open gallery.
Walk through narrow stone streets of this town full of flowers and sculptures.
Grožnjan has great views of the surrounding vineyards.
3. Buje
A small but picturesque town famous for its wine and olive oil production .
Buje has a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere compared to more popular towns like Motovun.
Perfect place for a peaceful walk and wine tasting at local wineries.
4. Oprtalj
Oprtalj is less touristy place but equally beautiful. This hilltop town offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys .
famous for its authentic Istrian cuisine and traditional way of life.
Oprtalj is a great place to enjoy the serenity of rural Istria.
5. Završje
A hidden gem among the hilltop towns of Istria. A place that feels like a journey back in time with its abandoned stone houses and rustic vibe .
Perfect place to visit for anyone who loves photography and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Tips for Visiting Istria Hilltop Towns We believe that by now you have already decided to visit at least one of these towns. Motovun is the most famous one, so you can start with it. We’re sure you’ll love the experience. You can maybe even make a tour de hilltop towns of Istria. Here are some tips before you leave:
Rent a car: Public transport to these towns is limited, so renting a car is the best way to explore. The bus will also leave you at the bottom of the hill so you would need to hike a bit to reach your destination. Joining a guided tour that visits these is also a good option.Visit During Spring or Autumn: The weather is pleasant during these seasons, and the crowds are smaller compared to hot summer months.Combine Visits: Istria hilltop towns are close to each other and you can easily visit a few of them in one day.
Before You Venture to Explore Hilltop Towns of Istria So the answer to ‘Are Istria hilltop towns worth visiting?’ would be: “Absolutely!”. But we have already written that in the main headline. We hope that the images we attached to this article made you want to visit these picturesque places with rich history and stunning medieval architecture. Istria is a beautiful part of Croatia. Explore it and make sure you enjoy some of its gastronomic delights.
Enjoy your stay in Istria!
