Exploring the Enchanting Hilltop Villages of Grožnjan and Motovun in Istria, Croatia Posted on June 5, 2024July 12, 2024 By Travelworldwide Join us on our summer trip to Istria, the northernmost province of Croatia. We drove inland from the coast to visit the charming hill towns of Grožnjan and Motovun. It’s easy to spend a day driving between these hill-top towns. You can explore Buzet, Draguac, Hum, and Boljun, as well as the more famous Grožnjan and Motovun. These towns began as fortified settlements on hilltops centuries ago. They were rebuilt in the Middle Ages and further strengthened during Austrian or Venetian rule. After World War II, most of the Italian inhabitants left Grožnjan. However, in the 1960s, the town experienced a revival and was designated as a ‘City of Artists.’ Now, visitors can park on the edge of the town and wander through the church square and pedestrian lanes. Many old stone buildings have been converted into art galleries selling ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and gifts. There are also stalls selling honey and other local products. When we visited, we had just missed the summer Jazz festival, Jazz is Back. A stage was set up in the local square, and performances occurred every night throughout July. I would have loved to sit in the warm air at a café, listening to the music. Instead, I enjoyed lunch at one of the main tavernas, Bastia, savoring a plate of pasta in creamy sauce with local truffles shaved over it. When you reach this old hill-top town in Istria, Croatia, you have two parking options: park for free at the bottom of the hill or pay a small fee to park higher up near the pedestrian area. Walk up through a stone gateway with carved Venetian stonework inside the archway. The old medieval town still has fortified walls encircling it. You can walk around them and enjoy fantastic views over the valley and the terracotta-tiled roofs below. Motovun is known for its local food and wine specialties, sold in many shops with tasting opportunities. There are also many restaurants serving local dishes and a pleasant Kastel Hotel with a garden where I wouldn’t have minded staying. By the time we finished our walk, it was late afternoon, and we heard thunder in the distance, so we hurried back to our car before the storm arrived. Even if you’re staying by Istria’s beautiful coastline for sea and swimming, I highly recommend renting a car for a day or two to explore these beautiful hill-top towns. This is the gourmet heartland of Istria, so plan your visit to enjoy a good lunch and taste the local specialties. Destinations
Destinations 10 Exciting Activities to Experience in Halifax – Nova Scotia, Canada Posted on April 28, 2024July 12, 2024 The water sparkled in the sunshine as we walked along the waterfront in Halifax, a city deeply connected to the sea. We were there for a couple of days as part of a week-long road trip around Nova Scotia. Halifax’s downtown area is compact and walkable, making it easy to… Read More
Destinations Exploring Thailand’s Premier Snorkeling Destinations Posted on April 28, 2024July 12, 2024 When I told people I was heading to Thailand for some traveling, the most common advice I got was to check out the marine life. My dad, an avid diver, suggested scuba diving, but once we arrived, it was clear that scuba diving wasn’t feasible for budget travelers with tight… Read More
Destinations Here Are the Top 5 Summer Destinations in the UK, Loved by Locals Posted on March 11, 2024July 12, 2024 The UK has recently experienced a surge in tourism, becoming more popular than ever. While it’s always been a top destination, the current level of interest is unprecedented. However, this increased popularity means that some favorite spots, especially London, are becoming overcrowded. For those seeking a more relaxing and authentic… Read More