Motovun, a small town in the heart of Istria, is one of the places I visit most often in the fall. It is one of those places that looks its best at that time. This autumn, it was confirmed once again. The beautiful colors of the vineyards, winding rivers, dense forests, endless green valleys, and meadows shining into the horizon… the view from every side of this hilltop town takes your breath away. 

Walking through the narrow alleys, you can feel the past breathing through the stone walls, but upon reaching the town’s walls, the view captivates me, leaving me speechless every time. There’s nothing more beautiful than stopping and simply observing the landscape below you, enjoying the silence while the wind softly rustles in the background. This time, we added another little detail that completed the whole experience of enjoying the Motovun walls – a glass of homemade rosé. 

Here, watching the sunset is particularly magical, and we arrived just before sunset, admiring the colors that changed through the valleys and above them. The sky above Motovun transitions from orange to purple, creating a perfect backdrop for nature lovers and anyone wishing to capture their visit to the town with a beautiful photograph. Perhaps you, like me, will want to stay a little longer and soak in every detail – from the vineyards in the distance to the small villages. 

The view from Motovun reveals endless green hills and fertile valleys dotted with vineyards and olive groves. On the left side, the tower of the church stands out as the sun descends towards the horizon, illuminating the landscape with golden tones. The sky, with gentle clouds, is totally clear. 

The View of Istrian Treasures – Truffles

From the heights of Motovun, a vast view opens up to the immense Istrian forests that hide one of the region’s most precious treasures – truffles. These aromatic fungi, hidden beneath the earth, represent a true gastronomic jewel, and their discovery requires special skills and trained dogs or pigs. Truffles are of exceptional importance to Istria, not only due to their rarity and high market price but also because of the cultural and gastronomic heritage that shapes the identity of this region.

Istria, particularly the valley of the Mirna River and the surrounding forests, is known as one of the richest European sites for white and black truffles. Truffle hunting has become a tradition passed down through generations, and numerous festivals and events dedicated to this delicacy attract gourmets from all over the world.

The Winding Mirna River Emerging from Ancient Rooftops

Beneath the walls of the old town, where the echoes of the past still resonate in the narrow streets, the Mirna River winds through the landscape. Beneath the old rooftops, its calm surface sparkles in the sun. From the Motovun walls, the view of the Mirna valley seems like a scene from a fairy tale – fields stretching to the horizon while the river gently meanders through the fertile land. If you look closely into the distance, you can actually feel the tranquility this sight brings.

Sunset Over the Istrian Vineyards

From the Motovun walls, a magnificent view of the vineyards extends across the rolling hills, like green nets intertwined with the soil that faithfully yields its produce to this place. The yellow and red rows of vines shows up, telling the story of the hard work and dedication of generations who have transformed this land into a paradise for winemakers and those who enjoy good wines. In the late afternoon hours, golden rays of sunlight gently sweep across the vineyards, illuminating them with a warm light that creates an almost dreamy scene.

Each vineyard here not only bears fruit but also carries the soul of Istria, shaped over the centuries by the tradition of winemaking. In this wonderful setting, Istrian wines, especially those from the Motovun vineyards, become symbols of authenticity of the land. The greenery of the vines that give rise to the renowned Teran and Malvasia radiates character and a special note, making each sip a moment of enjoyment and togetherness.

As the sun sets, the sky shifts into shades of gold, orange, and purple, creating a perfect backdrop for this view. 

The Dance of Valleys, Forests, and Skies

Lush, green-covered valleys and hills of Istria blending with the blue sky reveal all their massiveness and vastness. Bright green meadows stand out among the shady parts of the forest, while the hills stretch into the distance, creating a perfect contrast between nature and the blue of the sky. In this idyllic landscape, every detail tells its own story – the chirping of crickets, the rustling of leaves, and the scent of wildflowers mingling with the smell of freshly cut grass. 

The stone walls of Motovun are illuminated by the warm sunset, while massive trees create pleasant shade along the pathway. The view from this height stretches over the hills and roads winding through the valley, as the distant horizon is bathed in golden hues of late afternoon. Below, the Mirna River flows quietly. Sunlight slowly fades, and the sky breaks into shades of orange and pink, creating a perfect conclusion to the day. 

Motovun is not just a place with beautiful views; it is also a place where you can connect with nature and feel that special energy of Istria. If you are looking for a destination that will fill you with peace and beauty, this is the right choice.