Villa Rupena

Welcome to Buzet

Tucked away in northern Istria near the Slovenian border, Buzet is a charming hilltop town known as the “City of Truffles.” With its medieval old town, rich traditions, and breathtaking views of the Mirna River Valley, Buzet offers a peaceful escape into Istria’s authentic interior.

What Awaits You in Buzet?

Whether you're exploring stone-paved streets, tasting world-class truffles, or hiking through unspoiled nature, Buzet promises a deeply local and memorable Istrian experience.

Step into the Past

• Old Town Buzet: Wander through the fortified historic core, filled with centuries-old houses, churches, and narrow alleys. The town’s medieval layout and peaceful atmosphere transport you to a slower time.
• Town Gate and Parish Church: Enter through the grand town gate and visit the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with its baroque interior and tall bell tower that dominates the skyline.

Capital of Istrian Truffles

• Gastronomy: Buzet is internationally recognized for its white and black truffles. Enjoy dishes infused with this delicacy at local konobas (taverns), where traditional recipes meet gourmet flavors.
• Truffle Hunting: Join guided truffle-hunting experiences in nearby forests — a unique opportunity to learn about this culinary treasure and the specially trained dogs that find them.

Discover Istrian Culture

• Traditional Festivals: Don’t miss Subotina, Buzet’s biggest annual celebration in September, when the town comes alive with old crafts, folk music, local food, and a giant truffle omelet cooked in the main square.
• Art and Heritage: Local museums and galleries showcase Istrian heritage, from traditional tools and clothing to contemporary art by regional artists.

Embrace the Outdoors

• Hiking and Cycling Trails: The surrounding area is a paradise for outdoor lovers. The Parenzana Trail, once a narrow-gauge railway, is now a scenic cycling and hiking route that passes through tunnels, bridges, and vineyards.
• Climbing and Adventure: Buzet’s limestone cliffs and hills make it a popular destination for rock climbing, while the nearby Mirna River Valley offers peaceful kayaking and nature walks.

Relax in Nature

Stay in a cozy villa or countryside home surrounded by olive groves, forests, and rolling hills. Whether you're sipping wine on a terrace or enjoying a wellness retreat, Buzet invites you to disconnect and recharge.

Your Buzet Escape Awaits

For those seeking authenticity, nature, and the best of Istrian tradition, Buzet is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its truffle-rich forests, cultural depth, and serene landscapes, it offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of inland Istria.

Welcome to Istria! To ensure a safe and pleasant stay, here’s a quick guide to essential services and emergency contacts.

Emergency phone numbers

• 112 – General Emergency Assistance (24/7, multilingual)
• 192 – Police
• 193 – Fire Department
• 194 – Ambulance

Lost or Stolen Documents

If you lose your documents or suspect theft, notify the local police department. If navigating the town’s charming streets leaves you disoriented, online maps can help you locate the nearest police station.

Embassy and Consular Services

Most embassies in Croatia are in Zagreb, and some of them are also closer to Istria region. Here are a few embasies in Croatia and consulates closest to the Istrian region:

• Austria - Consulate of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Croatia, Rijeka. e-mail: konzulat.republike.austrije@ri.t-com.hr, phone: +385 51 338 554
• Czech Republic - Embassy of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Croatia, email: zagreb@embassy.mzv.cz, phone: +385 1 617 72-46
• Denmark - Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: zagamb@um.dk, phone: +385 1 49 24 530
• Germany – Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Croatia Pula, e-mail pula@hk-diplo.de, phone: +385 52 520 240
• Hungary - Embassy of Hungary to the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, e-mail: mission.zgb@mfa.gov.hu, phone: +385 1 48 90 900
• Italy – Consulate General of Italy in Rijeka: Assistance for Italian nationals and other consular services. e-mail: cons.fiume@esteri.it, phone +38551355201
• Poland - Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: hrzagamb@msz.gov.pl, phone: +385 1 48 99 444
• Slovakia - Embassy of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: emb.zagreb@mzv.sk, phone: +385 1 48 77 070
• Slovenia - Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: consular.zagreb@gov.si, phone: +385 1 631 10 00
• Switzerland - Embassy of the Swiss Confederation to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: zagreb@eda.admin.ch, phone: +385 1 48 78 800

For a comprehensive list of diplomatic missions in Croatia, visit Embassy Worldwide.

Hospitals and Pharmacies

For medical emergencies, head to:

• General Hospital Pula (Opća bolnica Pula) – The main hospital in the Istrian region, located about 40 km from Rovinj.
• Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka (Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka) – A large hospital in Rijeka, providing advanced care and specialized medical treatments.

Both facilities have 24/7 emergency departments. For non-urgent medical needs, pharmacies (Ljekarne) are widely available across Istria.

Roadside Assistance

If your vehicle breaks down or you encounter a road issue, contact HAK (Croatian Automobile Club) at 1987 .

How to Move Around

Istria is filled with countless transportation ways that let you discover its quaint towns, striking countryside, and picturesque coastlines:

• Buses: You'll find intercity buses linking significant locations like Rovinj, Poreč, and Umag. Buses in Istria are both cheap and dependable, making them a favored option for intra-city travel.
• Car rentals: If you're keen on sniffing out the rural beauty of Istria, trailing through vineyards or visiting hilltop hamlets like Motovun and Grožnjan, renting a car is your best bet. The roads are well-kept and distances manageable.
• Cycling: Istria is a heaven for cyclists! Witness lovely landscapes and age-old sites on marked trails such as the Parenzana route.
• Taxis and ride-sharing apps: Taxis are in larger towns while ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt service certain regions ensuring an easy commute.
• Walking: Breathe in the simplicity and cultural richness of compact areas particularly within Rovinj  and Poreč – best viewed at a walker's pace.

Useful Tips

• Currency: Croatia uses the Euro (EUR).
• Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn are ideal for enjoying Istria’s charm without peak-season crowds.
• Tap water: Safe and drinkable! Feel free to refill your bottle.
• Tipping: While not mandatory, a 5-10% tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated.
• Quiet hours: From 10 pm to 6 am, Istria follows a tranquility rule. Please respect the peace.