Four Must-Visit Towns in the Interior of Istria

Istria, Croatia’s largest peninsula, is known for its coastline and pristine sea. However, the interior of Istria also offers incredible natural beauty and a rich culture. In this text, we present just four of the many charming towns in the interior of Istria that you should visit to fully experience the spirit of this region.

Pazin: The Heart of Istria
Pazin is the “capital” of central Istria and an important cultural and administrative center for the region. Its most famous feature is Pazin Cave, an impressive natural cave that, among other things, served as an inspiration to Jules Verne for part of his novel Mathias Sandorf. The cave is open to visitors and offers a spectacular glimpse into Istria’s underground karst world.
In Pazin, you can also admire Pazin Castle, an imposing medieval fortress perched on a rock above the cave. Here, you’ll find the Ethnographic Museum of Istria and the Pazin City Museum, which provide insights into Istria’s history, tradition, and culture. Pazin is also home to numerous cultural events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

Motovun: A Medieval Gem on a Hill
Motovun is a picturesque medieval town of acropolis type perched on a hill, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape, especially the Mirna River valley, which stands out with its beauty. The town is surrounded by walls and stone houses that give it its characteristic appearance.
When visiting Motovun, be sure to stroll through its narrow streets and explore the town square, where you’ll find restaurants and shops offering local products, including wine, olive oil, and truffle dishes. It’s worth noting that Motovun is most famous for the Motovun Film Festival, which has attracted film enthusiasts from around the world. However, in the summer of 2023, it held its final edition in this Istrian town.

Grožnjan: The Town of Artists
Grožnjan, also known as the town of artists, is located on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. This picturesque town is home to numerous galleries, studios, and artistic events. During the summer, Grožnjan becomes a center of artistic creativity, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
As you walk through the streets of Grožnjan, you’ll feel the unique atmosphere of this town, which attracts artists from all over the world. When visiting this beautiful artistic town, don’t forget to explore the town’s landmarks, including the Town Loggia, the Church of St. Vitus, and the Town Gates.

Buzet: The Town of Truffles and Sports
Buzet is another beautiful acropolis-type town located in the interior of Istria. The town boasts a rich history and culture, with a focus on truffle culture and sports.
Although the entire interior of Istria is known for truffles, the Mirna River valley, which flows past Buzet, stands out as the home of white and black truffles. Throughout the year, you can taste truffle dishes in Buzet and visit numerous shops selling these precious fungi and truffle-related products. This is especially true during autumn, the peak of the truffle season. In Buzet, the traditional Istrian Truffle Festival takes place, and you can visit it on November 4th and 5th this year.
Apart from the gastronomic offerings, Buzet is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that are ideal for hiking, cycling, and paragliding. Buzet is also a regular host of rallies.

These are just a few of the many charming towns in the interior of Istria that preserve Istrian tradition and culture. No matter which one you visit, you’re sure to be captivated by the scents, flavors, landscapes, culture, and history. When exploring Istria, start from the best accommodation in the region, which you can find on the Molo Longo agency’s website.