Villa Barin

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!

Istria is often most popular as a seaside getaway destination as its beautiful coastline boasts lots of pretty coastal towns but, in addition to this part of the region in Croatia, there is the inland, “Green Istria.” This part of Istria is lush and green and scenic, with a landscape dotted by exceptionally pretty little villages, orchards, olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills. It is also well-known for its incredible gastronomic heritage and, therefore, there are lots of delicious things to snack on as you explore this gorgeous part of the world. However, if you have found a villa in Istria and you are taking time to venture into Green Istria, whether you are staying on the coast or inland in the midst of it, then we recommend that you make a point to plan a day-trip to the unbelievably picturesque town of Motovun.

Motovun is a picture-perfect gem of a 14th century walled town that was fortified by the Venetians and rises up on a hillside that overlooks green pastures and hills all around in the Mirna River Valley. With the deep green Motovun forest at its base and the old walls, church tower, and pretty houses with terracotta roofs crowning the town, Motovun truly looks like something that has been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale and that has been frozen in time. Throughout the streets of the town, once you have climbed the little road that stretches up the hill and passes through the houses and business on the outskirts into the wall historic core of the town, you will find an elegant and atmospheric cluster of astounding Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings that house restaurants, coffee houses, artists’ studios, and little shops. 

In October and November in many destinations, it is harvest season and as temperatures begin to drop, hearty foods become standard. This combination means that those who love rich and comforting foods, those who travel to eat well and try new dishes, should definitely plan a vacation and book a holiday rental in Istria in particular. With its Italian influences and distinct local flavours, the cuisine of Istria is seriously tasty and satisfying at this time of the year. In particular, Istria is a perfect spot for truffle-lovers to come and enjoy incredible meals incorporating this beloved ingredient.

Are you dreaming of a perfectly scenic getaway this autumn? Think charming historic towns, lots of orange and rust-coloured leaves, golden sunsets like dripping honey, days enjoying hearty seasonal dishes and sampling local wines... Sounds pretty dreamy, right? Well, Istria delivers all of this and more!