Motovun Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Motovun is a historic hilltop town in Istria, a peninsula of Croatia. Motovun is about 25 km northeast of Poreč. Motovun has become the most touristy of all Istrian hilltop towns, and is sometimes called the king of the hilltop villages.

The town was fortified in the 14th century by the Venetians, with two thick walls that surrounded the town.

In recent times, the surrounding countryside has become renowned for truffles.

It is difficult to enter the village by car, as parking is extremely limited. There are, however, large parking lots located at the bottom of the hill, where you can walk uphill to the village in 15-30 minutes, or take a shuttle bus.

There are about 5 buses daily to Motovun from Porec. The drive takes 35 minutes but remember to plan your return carefully and check the schedule in advance.

The fortified village is at the top of a steep hill, which you may need to hike up partway, depending on where you parked or were dropped off. Once within the fortifications, the village is small and pedestrianized.

• The spectacular views from the town over the surrounding countryside.

• St Stephen Church. (updated Jun 2017)
• Ramparts. (updated Jun 2017)
• Secret Garden. Small museum and recreation space. Donations encouraged. 
• Mario Andretti birthplace. The famous Formula 1 driver was born in Motovun in 1940. 

• Truffle hunting

• Motovun Film Festival: July. Late July.  (date needs updating)

There are various little artisan shops scattered within the town.

Truffles are prominently featured at every restaurant in the town. The truffles are somewhat seasonal; black truffles are in during the summer, and white truffles are in towards the fall and winter.

• West, to the ancient seaside town Poreč
• East, to the regional hub Rijeka