Motovun Vacation Rentals
Tips on renting in Motovun
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Motovun, perched high above the Mirna River valley in Istria, Croatia, is a medieval hilltop town perfect for family adventures. Begin your visit with a stroll along the ancient Motovun City Walls for panoramic views. Explore the cobbled streets and visit the Church of St. Stephen, a 17th-century landmark. For a unique experience, join a truffle hunting tour with Karlić Tartufi, where families can search for Istria’s famous truffles and sample local specialties. The Motovun Forest is ideal for nature walks and picnics. Stop by the Motovun Film Festival if your visit coincides, offering family-friendly screenings. Enjoy local cuisine at Konoba Mondo, known for its truffle dishes. Cycle enthusiasts can rent bikes at Parenzana Bike Tours and ride the scenic Parenzana Trail. Don’t miss tasting wines at Benvenuti Winery, where parents can sample Malvasia while kids enjoy fresh juices. Motovun offers a memorable blend of culture, history, and outdoor fun.
Nearby cities
Oprtalj
Discover Oprtalj, Istria—a family haven with sunny trails, hilltop views, and fresh air. Let your kids explore nature, picnic, and play in Croatia’s heart.
Vižinada
Bring your family to Vižinada in Istria—explore sunny vineyards, bike scenic trails, and picnic under olive trees for a perfect kid-friendly Croatian escape.
Grožnjan
Bring your family to Grožnjan, Istria for sunlit strolls, music-filled squares, art workshops, and biking through olive groves—your perfect Croatian adventure awaits.
Buzet
Discover Buzet in Istria, Croatia—where your family can wander cobbled streets, hike green hills, and savor fresh air and local flavors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Motovun has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Make the most of a family weekend in Motovun, Croatia, by wandering its cobbled streets and soaking in panoramic views from the ancient city walls. Savor truffle-infused dishes at a terrace restaurant as the Istrian hills unfurl below, and let the kids marvel at the medieval Motovun Gate. Explore the Motovun Forest, famed for truffle hunting, or cycle along the Parenzana trail, then unwind with local wines while the sunset bathes the hilltop town in golden light.
-
To create a balanced itinerary in Motovun, start your day exploring the medieval hilltop town, wandering its cobbled streets and visiting the iconic Motovun Town Walls for panoramic views of the Mirna River valley. Take time to admire the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s Church before heading into the lush Motovun Forest for a truffle-hunting adventure or a scenic hike along the Parenzana Trail, ensuring you experience both the rich cultural heritage and the stunning Istrian countryside.
-
Motovun offers a charming selection of family-friendly properties, from rustic stone villas surrounded by vineyards to cozy guesthouses with panoramic views of the Mirna River valley. Many accommodations feature spacious gardens and pools, perfect for children to play while adults relax. Staying in a traditional Istrian house allows families to experience local culture firsthand, while nearby attractions like the Motovun Forest, famous for truffle hunting, and the medieval town walls provide memorable adventures for all ages.
-
A romantic weekend in Motovun invites couples to stroll hand in hand through its medieval hilltop streets, marveling at panoramic views of the Mirna River valley. Begin with a wine tasting at a local vineyard, savoring Istrian Malvasia, then dine in a cozy konoba overlooking the terracotta rooftops. Explore the ancient city walls and lose yourselves in the charm of Motovun’s stone alleys before unwinding together at a boutique spa with truffle-infused treatments.
-
Motovun itself is perched on a hilltop and doesn’t have its own beaches, but visitors seeking clean and safe swimming spots should head to the nearby Mirna River, where the water is refreshingly clear and the surroundings are tranquil. For a full seaside experience, the Adriatic coast is just a short drive away, with the beaches of Novigrad and Poreč offering beautifully maintained shores, gentle waves, and lifeguard-patrolled areas perfect for families and swimmers of all levels.
-
The closest ski resort to Motovun is Platak, located in the Gorski Kotar region of Croatia, about two hours by car. Platak offers beautiful views of both the Adriatic Sea and surrounding mountains, making it unique among Croatian ski destinations. Visitors can enjoy a variety of slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers, as well as cozy mountain lodges. Its proximity to Rijeka means you can combine a day on the slopes with a visit to the vibrant coastal city.
-
In Motovun, a picturesque hilltop town in Istria, Croatia, transportation costs are minimal since the village is compact and best explored on foot. If you arrive by car, expect to pay around 20 to 30 kuna for parking at the base of the hill, with a shuttle bus running up to the old town for about 10 kuna per person. Most attractions, such as the medieval city walls and the Church of St. Stephen, are easily accessible by walking.