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.