Villa Horto

Welcome to Motovun

Perched atop a hill in the heart of Istria, Motovun is a medieval town that captivates with its timeless charm, panoramic views, and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and truffle-rich forests, it’s a destination that offers peace, tradition, and a touch of magic.

What Awaits You in Motovun?

From strolling ancient cobblestone streets to savoring local delicacies, Motovun invites you to slow down and enjoy its unique atmosphere. Here's what makes it so special:

Step Into the Past

• Medieval Town Walls: Walk along the well-preserved town walls and take in breathtaking views of the Mirna River Valley and surrounding countryside. The vistas are especially stunning at sunset.
• Gothic and Romanesque Architecture: Explore narrow alleys lined with stone houses, historic churches, and quaint squares. The Church of St. Stephen, designed by a student of Michelangelo, stands as a testament to the town’s rich past.

Feel the Spirit of Istria

• Truffle Country: Motovun is famed for its truffles. Join a guided truffle hunt in nearby forests or savor dishes infused with this prized delicacy at local taverns.
• Wine and Olive Oil: Visit nearby family-run wineries and olive oil producers to taste some of the finest Istrian products, often accompanied by warm local hospitality.

Immerse in Culture

• Motovun Film Festival: Every summer, this internationally recognized event transforms the town into a hub of indie cinema, attracting filmmakers and film lovers from around the world.
• Local Traditions: From folklore performances to artisan fairs, Motovun celebrates Istrian culture in its most authentic form.

Explore the Great Outdoors

• Hiking and Cycling: Surrounded by scenic trails, Motovun is ideal for nature lovers. The popular Parenzana Trail, a former railway line, winds through vineyards, forests, and tunnels offering a memorable journey.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies and admire the Istrian landscape from above.

Relax and Wander

Slow down and enjoy a coffee in one of the small cafés, browse through local craft shops, or simply admire the serene beauty of the surroundings. The peaceful rhythm of life in Motovun is part of its lasting appeal.

Your Motovun Escape Awaits

Whether you come for the views, the cuisine, the history, or the culture, Motovun offers a uniquely Istrian experience unlike any other. Discover a town where time stands still — and where every moment invites you to connect with the soul of 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.