Towns in Istria worth visiting, such as Motovun, Grožnjan and Hum

Motovun: a medieval town with a view to remember
Motovun rises above misty meadows and vineyards, with circular walls that hug the old town core. Narrow streets lead to the town loggia and viewpoints from which a wide view of the valley and the Motovun Forest, famous for its truffles, opens up. In the town's cafes and taverns, it is easy to feel the life of the local community, and history lovers will enjoy the sacred details and well-preserved architecture. A walk along the walls reveals layers of stories, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Grožnjan: a town of artists and galleries
Grožnjan is a town that lives to the rhythm of studios and galleries. The cobblestone streets and squares are transformed into an open stage where music, painting and sculpture take turns. Every step leads to new details: old windows with flowers, small courtyards, intimate galleries with works by local artists. Here, nature and culture meet – olive groves and vineyards surround the town centre, and the peaceful vistas encourage leisurely strolls and observations.

Hum: the smallest town and guardian of the Glagolitic heritage
Hum is known as one of the smallest towns in the world, but its history is great. Stone houses, town gates and preserved town centre create an atmosphere of antiquity. Nearby passes the Glagolitic Alley, which connects Roč and Hum, reminding us of the rich literacy and tradition of this region. A walk here means taking a step back in time: the modest but impressive sacral heritage and the tranquility of the town arouse curiosity and respect for past centuries.

Poreč: Old Town Centre and the Euphrasian Basilica
Poreč is a destination where sea and history meet in every respect. The old town centre hides a Roman grid of streets and stone houses, and the Euphrasian Basilica, a jewel of early Christian art and a place from which an impressive view of the town and the blue sea is offered. If you’re staying in the area, comfort and style are offered by accommodations like those offered by Luxistria.com – such as apartments in Poreč and villas in Poreč with private pools, gardens and attentive hosts. Such a choice allows for a peaceful morning by the sea and quick trips to hilly places inland.

Rovinj: a romantic town and the Church of St. Euphemia
Rovinj enchants with the vivid colors of its facades, narrow streets climbing to the top of the peninsula and the energy of its artists. The church of St. Euphemia dominates the town, and the climb to the bell tower rewards you with panoramic views of the sea and the archipelago. The scent of pine trees, the whisper of the waves and galleries hidden in the alleys make this town ideal for lovers of photography, walks and relaxed time by the coast.

Pula: an ancient scene and living history
Pula is a city of impressive monuments. The amphitheater, the Arch of the Sergi and the remains of the Roman forum bear witness to its rich history. A walk through the old town reveals a mix of ancient traces and modern life, which is well summarized by the guide to Pula. It is easy to plan a day here: dedicate the morning to sightseeing historical sites, and spend the afternoon on nearby beaches or in the nature of forests and bays.

Flavors of Istria: homemade pasta, gnocchi and fuži
Istrian cuisine accompanies travelers through every city and town. Homemade pasta, soft gnocchi and handmade fuži stand out on the menus, often served with truffles, Istrian beef stew or rich mushroom sauces. Fragrant olive oil, Istrian prosciutto and cheeses whet the appetite, and a glass of Malvasia or Teran rounds off the experience. In the taverns, you can easily feel the connection with nature: the ingredients come from the surrounding gardens, vineyards and forests, so each dish seems like a story about the landscape.

Tips for planning your visit and stay
Spring and early autumn are ideal for sightseeing, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while summer brings lively streets and a rich program of events.
For nature lovers, walks on the trails around Motovun, cycling routes between olive groves and visits to the viewpoints above the Mirna Valley are recommended.
In urban centers such as Poreč, Rovinj and Pula, it is easy to combine culture, history and the sea in one day, and the old town centers are best explored on foot.
Luxurious vacation in Istria with comfort and privacy
For a relaxing stay near the sea or in the green interior, Luxistria.com offers carefully selected apartments and villas with pools. The interiors are thoughtfully decorated, and private gardens and terraces invite you to have breakfast outdoors and taste local wines in the evening. With the support of your host and proven recommendations for restaurants and excursions, it's easy to plan your day: explore the city of artists Grožnjan in the morning, have fuži with truffles for lunch in the afternoon, and return to a quiet, comfortable accommodation with a view of the sea or vineyards in the evening.

The journey between the hilly towns and the coast is best experienced slowly, with tasting stops, short walks through cobblestone streets, and moments at viewpoints where Istria opens up in a wide view.

Photo by Patrik Marcan/Pjacer