Motovun
Classic Istrian hilltop town
Most famous of Istria’s hilltop towns is Motovun, an ancient stone settlement perched on a conical hill 20km inland from the peninsula’s west coast.
It was a predominantly Italian-speaking town until the aftermath of World War II, when its inhabitants were pressured to emigrate. Artists subsequently moved into the empty properties, creating a town of ateliers and craft shops which soon became a regular fixture on tourist itineraries.
It is in any case a delightful town in which to stroll, with a perfectly preserved Renaissance town square, and a walkable circle of battlements offering expansive views.
Truffles & wine
The town lies at the centre of Istria’s truffle-hunting region, and dishes seasoned with the smelly fungoid delicacy are available in all the local restaurants. Some of Istria’s best malvazija wine (a medium-dry white) comes from the surrounding fields.
Motovun Film Festival
This self-contained town makes the ideal location for the Motovun Film Festival, when films are shown on the main square and the surrounding streets become the scene of impromptu before- and after-parties.
There is a tourist office on the main square at Trg Andrea Antico 1 (this entry’s map location).
By car: Drivers have to park at the bottom of Motovun’s hill, after which it is a 20-minute uphill walk to reach the Old Town.