A day trip to Istria's hilltop towns from Poreč
By the Enjoy Istria team Published 2 min read
In short
For a classic day inland from Poreč, drive to Motovun in the morning, cross the Mirna valley to Oprtalj and Grožnjan, and return via Buje to the coast. The loop is roughly 100 km and about two and a half hours of driving, leaving plenty of time to walk, eat and look at the views.
On this page
The interior of Istria is a world away from the beaches: green hills, vineyards, olive groves and old towns perched on hilltops, each with a bell tower visible for miles. You can see several in one day from Poreč. This loop is the one we suggest to our guests.
The route at a glance
| Stop | Why go | Time there |
|---|---|---|
| Motovun | Walls, views, truffles | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Oprtalj | Quiet lanes, frescoed churches, loggia | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Grožnjan | Galleries, music, lunch | 2 hours |
| Buje | Hilltop old town on the way home | 30 minutes |
Total driving: about 100 km. Leave around 9:00 and you will be back for a late swim.
Morning: Motovun
Drive inland from Poreč towards Pazin and turn off for the Mirna valley. Motovun sits on a cone-shaped hill above the valley and the famous Motovun forest, where truffles grow. Park below and walk up to the old town, then walk the town walls for the views. Read our full Motovun guide.
If it is truffle season (autumn), consider a mid-morning stop in Livade at the foot of the hill.
Late morning: Oprtalj
Cross the valley and climb to Oprtalj (Portole in Italian). It is smaller and much quieter than Motovun, with a Venetian-era loggia, narrow lanes and views back across the valley. Several of its churches have old frescoes; doors are often closed, so enjoy the walk.
Lunch and afternoon: Grožnjan
A short drive on brings you to Grožnjan, the town of artists. Wander the galleries, then have lunch on a terrace: fuži pasta, pršut and cheese, and in autumn, truffles. See our Grožnjan guide.
Late afternoon: Buje and back to the coast
On the way back, stop at Buje, a larger hilltop town with a church square on the top of the hill and views over the vineyards to the sea. From Buje it is about 30 minutes back to Poreč via Novigrad or the motorway.
Variations
- Add Hum and the Glagolitic Alley. For a longer day, go further east. See our guide to Hum.
- Wine stops. The hills around Buje and Momjan are wine country. Book a tasting; see Istrian wine.
- With children. Swap Oprtalj for a stop at Baredine Cave on the way out.
Tips
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons: comfortable for walking, with clear views.
- Shoes with grip: hill towns are cobbled and steep.
- Parking is outside the walls in every town, usually paid in summer.
- Fuel up before heading inland; petrol stations are fewer away from the coast.
Where to stay
From Villa Bina and Villa Cvita Domenica in Labinci, the hill towns are a little closer than from the coast. Villa Duga, north of Poreč, is close to the coast road towards Novigrad and Buje for the return leg.
Opening times, timetables and prices change from year to year, so check them with the venue before you go.
Questions and answers
Which is the best hilltop town in Istria?
Motovun is the most famous, with its intact walls and views over the Mirna valley. Grožnjan is the most artistic, and Hum the smallest. If you only have one day, Motovun and Grožnjan together make a great pair.
Do I need a car to visit Istria's hill towns?
In practice yes. Buses between the hill towns are infrequent, and the best part of the day is stopping where you like.
How long is the hill town loop from Poreč?
About 100 km in total, with roughly two and a half hours at the wheel. Plan a full day with stops.
Stay nearby
Three private pool villas near Poreč, booked directly with the owners for 10% less than on Booking.com.
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Villa Duga Špadići, Poreč From €459 / night -
Villa Bina Labinci, Poreč From €459 / night -
Villa Cvita Domenica Labinci, Poreč From €309 / night