If you’re exploring the so-called “Green Istria,” the lush heart of the region inland, then you will quickly discover that this is a landscape full of beautiful sights and delicious things to eat and drink. While those who book a villa in Istria are likely to be originally drawn to the famously lovely coastline of the region and the countless charming resorts and seaside towns, this green interior is well worth exploring. Visit vineyards and sample wines, wander around pretty old towns, hike or bike or get out into the great outdoors, devour hearty meals in little family-run restaurants, and savour the slow and delicious pace of life. If you love truffles, in particular, then the town of Buzet is one to make special note of and to add to your itinerary.
Upon approach, Buzet is impossibly picturesque and reminds one of Tuscany. Perched up on a lush hillside covered in trees, with green hills and mountains all around, the pretty town is made up of a historic core dating back to the Middle Ages that is comprised of a cluster of stone buildings with terracotta roofs and a church steeple at the very top. It is famous for two things: as the home of Croatian motorsport, hosting the "Buzetskidani" hill climb race each year, and as the Town of Truffles and Istrian Capital of Truffles. That this little town is the capital of two things is rather extraordinary!
For foodies, in particular, it is the latter accolade that will be of greater interest. The Motovun forest that surrounds Buzet yields a rather special culinary treasure: the tuber magnatum, or Istrian white truffle. This prized ingredient has a distinct and decadent flavour and is a pricey product that is valued by the gram. An array of varieties of the black truffle can also be found in the surrounding area.
Buzet is, in fact, at the centre of the Truffle Zone, an area that stretches across the town of Buzet, the municipality of Oprtalj, and the municipality of Motovun, with Buzet as the capital that was officially named the City of Truffles in 1999. With a season stretching from September to January, these fresh truffles enrich the hearty and wholesome local cuisine, making dining and visiting in the area especially delicious and indulgent in the fall and winter.
Those who find a vacation rental in Buzet and visit at the beginning of September, will not only be able to enjoy the truffles at their freshest and best but they can also experience the town when it becomes the centre of Istria’s main gastronomic event, the Truffle Days festival. During this event, all sorts of sellers will be present with a large selection of incredible truffles and truffle-based products to sample, savour, and shop. There will also be local cheeses, honeys, olive oils, wines, brandies, sweets, and more, providing ample opportunity to dive into even more of the wonderful regional foodie traditions and areas of expertise.
Another major truffle-related event in Buzet each September takes place over the second weekend, just before the celebrations of the Virgin Mary’s birthday. During the event, a massive omelette filled with truffles is made in the town square, using over 2000 eggs and 10kg of truffles, in a pan that weights around 1000kg and measures 2.5m across! This is quite the spectacle and kicks off the Truffle Days festival.
So, if you want to indulge in a little of Istria’s White Gold and eat well while on vacation in Istria, book a villa in Buzet this fall!