This website unforgettablecroatia.co.uk/top-picks/a-guide-to-the-medieval-hilltop-towns-of-istria/ is currently offline. Cloudflare's Always Online™ shows a snapshot of this web page from the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. To check for the live version, click Refresh.

Motovun

Nestled atop a hill in the heart of Istria, Croatia, Motovun is a picturesque medieval town steeped in history and charm, and is one of the most famous in the region. Its ancient cobblestone streets wind their way through well-preserved stone buildings adorned with rustic shutters and terracotta rooftops. The town’s iconic bell tower punctuates the skyline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding lush countryside and vineyards. Motovun’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its bustling town square, where locals gather amidst quaint cafes and artisan shops. The surrounding countryside is famous for the black and white truffles that you can hunt in the local forests, with many truffle dishes featured in restaurants in the town. In the summer it hosts the popular annual film festival.

Beram

Nestled in the heart of Istria, Croatia, Beram is a quaint village with a rich historical legacy and stunning natural surroundings. Its narrow cobblestone streets wind through ancient stone houses adorned with colorful facades, creating a charming ambiance that harkens back to a simpler time. Beram is perhaps most famous for the Church of St. Mary of the Rocks, a medieval gem adorned with magnificent frescoes painted by the renowned Istrian artist Vincent of Kastav. These intricate frescoes, dating back to the 15th century, depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and are considered among the finest examples of Istrian medieval art. Beyond its cultural treasures, Beram is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and vineyards, offering ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and scenic walks.

Boljun

The quaint fortified town of Boljun is located in Central Istria, in the valley below Mount Ucka. The town has a well-preserved historic medieval castle that offers fabulous views over the Boljuncica valley and of Ucka Mountain, serving as a reminder of Boljun’s strategic importance throughout the centuries. As visitors wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, they encounter charming stone houses adorned with vibrant flowers, reflecting the warmth of the local community. Boljun’s tranquil ambience is complemented by its natural beauty, with nearby forests and rolling hills inviting exploration and outdoor adventures.

Gracisce

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Istria, Croatia, Gracisce is a picturesque hilltop town that captivates visitors with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its charming cobblestone streets wind through the heart of the village, flanked by ancient stone houses adorned with colourful shutters and blooming flowers. At the town’s centre stands the Church of St. Vitus, a stunning example of Istrian Gothic architecture, boasting intricate details and a serene atmosphere. Gracisce is also renowned for its annual cultural events, including the popular Gracisce Cultural Summer, where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate music, art, and traditional cuisine. Surrounded by lush vineyards and olive groves, Gracisce offers breathtaking views of the Istrian countryside, inviting travellers to explore its scenic trails and immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.

Oprtalj

Located high above Mirna Valley is the charming town of Oprtalj. At the town’s centre stands the majestic Church of St. George, a striking example of Istrian Gothic architecture, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its lofty vantage point. Oprtalj’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated through its vibrant local festivals, where traditional music, dance, and cuisine bring the streets to life. Situated outside of the town walls, there is a Venetian loggia that offers stunning views of the neighbouring hills and olive groves. For an authentic flavour of Oprtalj, visit the famous local olive oil producers in the region.

Groznjan

The enchanting medieval town of Groznjan sits on the hilltop, 228m above sea level. From this vantage point you can feast your eyes on the Mirna Valley, and the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. You can also enjoy spectacular vistas of the sea and the coastline, from Novigrad to Umag. The houses and buildings in Groznjan are built from stone that is different in shape and colour to the stone that is used in other regions of Istria. The town has a typical medieval layout, with houses that are built very close together for protection. The streets are cobbled and winding, with little alleys that lead you to interesting discoveries. There are also plenty of art galleries to visit in this art town. In the summer, Groznjan hosts the popular jazz festival.

Zavrsje

Zavrsje is the most interesting and picturesque hilltop town of Istria. Its cobbled streets wind through a maze of stone houses adorned with vibrant flowers, evoking a sense of timeless tranquillity. Although the town is quite big in comparison to other towns, it’s mostly abandoned. The majority of the houses are covered in wall climbing ivy. There is also a leaning bell tower, and a local inn where you can enjoy tasty homemade Croatian delicacies.

Discover Istria

The Best Cruises in Croatia

Embarking on a small ship cruise is one of the best and easiest ways to explore Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. With different routes and cruising options available, you will be able to discover secluded bays, medieval cities, and vast national parks, all on the same holiday. We have rounded up the best cruises so that you can start planning your next trip to Croatia.

The 5 Best Luxury Croatia Cruise Ships

With an expansive coastline, Croatia is the perfect destination for small ship cruising, allowing travellers to enjoy a more intimate experience whilst sailing along the Adriatic Sea. Accessing places larger ships can’t quite reach, our Croatia small ship cruises can take guests to hidden gems in secluded locations whilst offering a personalised, attentive service. With plenty of time off the ship, travellers can immerse themselves fully in the destination, enjoying a wealth of excursions ranging from wine tasting to Jeep tours. With so many luxury vessels to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to begin. We have rounded up the best luxury Croatia cruise ships for you to start planning your next holiday.

10 of Croatia’s Most Beautiful Islands

Croatia was made for island-hopping, best enjoyed on a luxury cruise from Split or Dubrovnik. There are multiple hidden treasures and popular gems that can be uncovered on a Croatia holiday, whether you're looking for idyllic beaches and tranquillity, rich history, wineries and vineyards for tasting and touring, or a foodie's paradise. With more than a thousand islands to choose from, each offering a unique allure of its own, it can be difficult to decide where to go. But if you're looking for the ultimate in fjaka, a Dalmatian word that has no direct English translation, referring to a state of relaxation and bliss, you'll want to put at least one of Croatia's most beautiful islands on your must-visit list.

Best Things to Do in Istria

A wine, foodie, and history enthusiast's dream in Croatia's northwest corner, Istria is home to stunning medieval hilltop towns, coastal cities, ancient sites, and family-run wineries. Many cultures have left traces of the past, including the Greeks, Celts, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Austrians, Slovenians, and Croats. In Pula, the largest city, you'll find a maze of pedestrianised alleyways to wander, with Pula Arena, a dramatic 1st century AD Roman amphitheatre, being the crown jewel. Your options are nearly endless throughout the region. To help narrow them down, we've put together this guide to the best things to do in Istria.

Split Island Hopping Guide

Whilst Split boasts numerous impressive attractions, from Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace to the popular Green Market, there are many islands within easy reach of this ancient city, ideal for day trips or for visiting on a cruise. Nature or outdoor adventure lover? You'll find many spectacular isles for everything from snorkelling among crystal-clear blue waters to hiking through lush greenery. Ancient sites and historic landmarks more your thing? You'll find islands with plenty of that too. Of course, foodies and wine enthusiasts will appreciate the mouthwatering cuisine and tasty wines found throughout. If you want to know the best islands to visit from Split and how to make the most of your time, this Split island-hopping guide is a must-read.

Interesting Things To See & Do In Brac

Brac not only boasts unspoiled nature but it has a very interesting history. The island is mostly made up of limestone, something that's shaped the economy and history. It's world famous for its stone quarries, some of which were used to build the White House in Washington, DC, the Parliament House in Budapest and Vienna, and Diocletian's Palace in Split. Most visitors come to enjoy the mouthwatering cuisine and timeless beauty, including one of the most beautiful beaches not only in the country but all of Europe. But we'll reveal all the details to help you make the most of your Croatia holiday, and your time here, in this guide to the most interesting things to see and do in Brac.