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Things to do in Motovun

Our most recommended things to do in Motovun

Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula

1. Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula

Hum is situated in the center of Istria with barely 20 inhabitants. Turn your trip to Hum into a beautiful story of Istrian small towns. This hidden part of Istria is extremely welcoming to visitors. According to the legend, Hum was built with the stones left over when giants were building towns in the river Mirna valley, an area in central Istria including the wonderful hill towns of Motovun, Roc, and Bale. Despite the small number of residents, Hum has preserved the ritual of Election of the Prefect for a Year. All the men from the parish gather at the Municipal Loggia (Town Hall) to elect the village superior by carving their votes into a wooden stick. Apart from being famous for being the smallest city in the world, Hum has recently become popular for Biska, which a brandy spiced with mistletoe and made according to an old recipe originating in Hum. Every year, at the end of October, the Grappa festival takes place here and hosts brandy producers from all over Istria.  In the north of Istria, located high above the Mirna River, is probably the most attractive and famous medieval town of Istria, Motovun. This fascinating site on top of a hill is a characteristic symbol of the interior of Istria. The bell tower, which is 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic, has a crown that is crenulated and dominates the center of the historic town from its position adjacent to St Stephen’s 17th-century parish church. In the center square stands the Romanesque Municipal Palace, which was Istria’s biggest secular building when it was built. Many other historical buildings surround it. Motovun’s forest which reaches down the Mirna River’s valley is particularly good for finding truffles, the alleged aphrodisiac malodorous fungus that grows underground. These white truffles of Istria, which are in season from September to December, are said to be as good as even the best French and Italian truffles. Vineyards surround the town from all sides and Istria’s finest wines including the red Teran and the white Malvasia are produced from the grapes of these vineyards. The whole locality is sprinkled with superb restaurants serving konobe. The city of Labin is an old medieval town located on a 320-meter hill with the new part of the town below. The Old Labin is the best preserved acropolis in Istria. Apart from many cultural and historical monuments, Labin is a city of artists. There are some 30 artists living and working there as well as several galleries. In nearby Dubrova, there is the Sculpture Par where International Sculptors Symposium have taken place for the past 40 years. In the summer, the old center is taken over by the Art Republic, which is a combination of music, performance, and fine arts. The town gates of St Flor, built in 1587, lead to the old town. There is also a 17th-century tower in the town offering a magnificent view. 

From Rovinj/Bale: Istria in 1 Day Tour with Lunch & Tastings

2. From Rovinj/Bale: Istria in 1 Day Tour with Lunch & Tastings

Discover the wonders of Istria County on this multi-stop, guided tour from your choice of meeting point in Rovinj or Bale. Blend into local life as you explore the towns of Poreč, Grožnjan, and Motovun. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery and join a truffle tasting. The first stop is in Poreč. Here, you can see golden early-Christian mosaics at the Euphresian Basilica, a UNESCO world heritage site (entry fee not included). After a walking tour of Poreč, head to Grožnjan, a village that was abandoned entirely after World War II and has since been revitalized with the help of artists from all around Yugoslavia. Romantic stone-cobbled alleys and colorful workshops around every corner make the tiny town of Grožnjan a must-see location in Istria. Afterward, continue to Motovun, the mightiest hilltop town in Istria. Once in Motovun, try the most expensive mushroom in the world during a truffle tasting. Walk the panoramic city walls and admire Istria in all its glory before arriving at a konoba, the local word for trattoria (Italian-style eatery). You'll return to Rovinj or Bale in the late afternoon.

Istria: Guided Tour of Inner Istria with Food Tasting

3. Istria: Guided Tour of Inner Istria with Food Tasting

Discover some of Istria's most spectacular landscapes and idyllic locations on a guided tour of the peninsula. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and learn about Istria's history from your knowledgeable guide. Start your day with a convenient pickup from a range of locations and get ready to see the best of what Istria has to offer. Your first stop, Lim Fjord on the western coast of Istria. Stop to take photos and capture the beauty of this striking landscape before moving on to your next destination, Groznjan. Join your driver and guide on a walking tour of this small medieval jewel known as the artist village. See the old town and wander down the romantic alleys lined with rustic cafes and konobas, the Dalmatian word for taverns. Hop back into your vehicle and head to Motovun, a scenic hilltop town dominated by Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Enjoy a tasting of some local products before joining your guide on a walking tour of the town and the ancient city walls. Make the most of some free time after the tour and sit down for lunch at one of the local restaurants. The Motovun forest is packed with truffles, making this town one of the best places to get your truffle fix. The last stop on your tour of the Istrian Peninsula is Pazin, where you'll visit the Pazin Abyss, an extraordinary natural attraction that has been declared a protected area. Enjoy a short stop here before heading back to your original starting point.

Parenzana: Guided Old Railway Bike Tour with Lunch

4. Parenzana: Guided Old Railway Bike Tour with Lunch

Parenzana was a narrow gauge railway which connected Trieste with Porec, operating from 1902 until 1935. It was eliminated due to not being profitable and because cheaper and faster road transportation existed.  Today the Parenzana route attracts many visitors during the year. With its nine tunnels, six bridges, viaducts and stations the route is ideal for everyone who wants to discover and get to know Istria. Enjoy a hotel pick-up, and then head to Groznjan, a small Istrian town of great cultural heritage, in more recent history known as the “Town of Artists”. Then start your ride along Grožnjan’s narrow and cobbled streets. Continue your route on Parenzana with a beautiful view over the Mirna valley. Through tunnels and bridges, the road will take you to Livade. Then cross the Mirna River to reach the other side of the valley and climb towards Motovun, one of the most popular Istrian medieval towns. Here you will enjoy lunch in a beautiful local tavern. Then enjoy a return transfer to your hotel.

From Zadar: Full Day Private Tour of Medieval Motovun & Senj

5. From Zadar: Full Day Private Tour of Medieval Motovun & Senj

Take a ride to the medieval destinations of Senj and Motovun from the romantic city of Zadar. Make stops at the Vratnik Fortress, Nehaj Castle, and the Parenzana Tunnel for sightseeing, at-your-own-pace exploration, and photo opportunities. Enjoy pickup from your accommodation and depart for your adventure early in the morning. Make your first stop at the Viewpoint Maruna for quick sightseeing and taking photographs of the stunning view. Then, arrive at the Vratnik Fortress for a quick history lesson and photo op. Up next, take your time for an hour at Nehaj Castle, with a guide included in the experience. Walk through the castle's walls and learn important facts about the building's history. Find yourself next at the Gates of the Adriatic, a rest stop that includes options for food, drinks, and washrooms. Take as many photos as you like and enjoy the ambiance of the environment. Then, explore Motovun on your own, an Istrian Village that was once occupied by both the Celts and the Illyrians. Take the option to discover the town in the hills with a guide if you want the full experience. Afterward, spend some time at the Parenzana Tunnel. Admire the beautiful stonework as you walk through the arched passway and learn its historical importance. Afterward, make a final rest stop at Macola, where you can eat and pose with the stuffed animals.

Other Sightseeing Options in Motovun

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What people are saying about Motovun

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 25 reviews

Very well designed route because it takes us directly to the most interesting villages and areas of Parenzana. What we couldn't have done on our own. Great idea to provide the e-bikes. Finishing the hike in Motovun with a good meal on a beautiful terrace with a magnificent view is top. Round trip transportation directly from our accommodation makes things much easier. Daniel, our guide, knew the area very well. We really enjoyed chatting with him. I believe this is the best way to discover the Parenzana.

A wonderful day with The best guide! We had both historical, cultural and excellent food experiences. We bought truffles and good wine and met lovely people. We had some heavy rain at one point, but with Ivana behind The wheels that didn’t cause any problems. Recommended! Ps There seems to be some problems with their bookings, so make s phone call snd make sure The booking has come through and The trip is on. We had one day ‘delay’ but as long as they fix it, its okay by me.

This is the perfect way to explore green Istria. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with our guide. The route was breathtaking. We visited all the places we wanted to see - Groznjan and Motovun, before stopping for a lovely lunch on top of Motovun. The ebikes make this journey so much more enjoyable. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves nature, outdoors and adventure.

For us, the tour ended up being a personal and private tour of Inner Istria with Sini, and what an exceptional and personable guide he is. He is proud of his country, and rightly so. Spectacular. His area and historical knowledge knows no end, a truly wonderful day, capped off with a wonderful lunch in Montovun.

Very relaxed and informative tour! Everything was well planned by our guide Sini, who also speaks perfect German. Thanks for that!