Truffle Hunting in Istria: Motovun, Truffle Season and Tips for Your Trip

A dog sniffs the forest floor, suddenly gets very excited and starts to dig – and moments later the truffle hunter is holding an unassuming, knobbly treasure in his hand. A truffle hunt in Istria is one of those experiences guests talk about for a long time afterwards. The centre of it all is inland: around the hill town of Motovun and the forest in the Mirna valley.

Why Istria is truffle country

The Motovun forest stretches along the Mirna valley and is considered one of the best-known truffle areas anywhere. Clay soil and a special microclimate create ideal conditions here. Both black and the highly prized white truffles are found. In Istria’s restaurants you will come across truffles everywhere: shaved over fresh pasta such as fuži, in scrambled eggs or on carpaccio.

When is truffle season?

• White truffle: main season in autumn, roughly from September into January.
• Black truffle: found all year round.

For you, that means a truffle hunt is generally possible on a summer holiday too – you will just be looking for black truffles. If you want to experience the white truffle, come in autumn. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Istria anyway, with the wine and olive harvests. More in our guide to the best time to visit Istria.

How a truffle hunt works

Around Motovun, several family businesses offer guided truffle tours – according to one regional portal, there are three family firms. Well-known operators that can be booked online include Tartufi Istra and Miro Tartufi; hotel chains in the region also arrange tours.

The typical itinerary:

1. Meeting point at the operator’s, with a short introduction to truffles.
2. A walk into the forest with the truffle hunter and their trained dogs.
3. The hunt: the dogs pick up the scent and start digging, and the hunter carefully takes over the rest.
4. Tasting: many tours end with a tasting where the truffles are prepared fresh.

Duration, prices and content vary by operator. It is best to book in advance and ask whether the tour is guided in English or German (as of 2026, please check with the operator).

What to bring

• Closed shoes, as the forest floor can be damp and muddy
• Long trousers to protect against undergrowth and ticks
• A weatherproof jacket in autumn
• A little space in your suitcase for truffle oil, pastes or salt as souvenirs

Motovun: the little town on the hill

Motovun sits on a hill around 277 metres above sea level, crowning the Mirna valley. If you still have energy after the truffle hunt, you should definitely head up.

Town wall

The historic town wall completely encircles the upper town. On a walk around it you get sweeping views over the valley, the forest where you were just hunting truffles, and the surrounding vineyards.

Old town, wine and truffle shops

In the lanes you will find small shops selling truffle products, olive oil and wine, plus konobas with views over the valley. The region is known for the Teran and Malvazija grape varieties. The Motovun Film Festival takes place every year at the end of July – the little town is especially lively then, but also crowded.

Parking in Motovun

The historic centre is car-free. Below the hill there are large paid car parks, from where you walk uphill; according to guidebooks, shuttle buses also run to the old town. The path is steep – with a pushchair or in great heat, the shuttle is worth it. Prices change; please check locally.

Combining Motovun: Grožnjan and Hum

If you are already inland, a detour to the artists’ town of Grožnjan, according to guidebooks about 15 km from Motovun, with galleries and studios in medieval lanes, is well worthwhile. If you want to go further, you can also visit tiny Hum. Allow a whole day for the combination, though.

Tips for your truffle day

• Book early: in autumn especially, tours with the family businesses are in demand.
• Bring an appetite: the tasting after the hunt is often generous – plan your lunch accordingly.
• Children: the hunt with the dogs thrills children too; ask the operator how long the walks in the forest are.
• Shopping: you can buy truffle products directly from the operator or in Motovun’s shops. Fresh truffles should be kept cool and used as soon as possible.
• Choose a driver: there is often a glass of wine with the tasting – decide beforehand who is driving back.

Enjoying truffles on the coast too

You do not have to go to Motovun to eat truffles: many restaurants on the southern tip also have truffle dishes on the menu, especially in autumn. You will find ideas for good places nearby in our guide to konobas & restaurants in Medulin and Pula.

A trip for any weather

The truffle hunt takes place in the forest, and the shops, konobas and wine cellars inland are worth a visit even under cloudy skies. That makes the trip a nice option when the weather isn’t right for a beach day – more ideas are in our guide to a rainy day in Pula & Istria. In heavy rain, check with the operator whether the tour is going ahead.

From Little Dream

Motovun is in the heart of Istria, according to guidebooks around 66 km from Pula Airport – from Little Dream in Pomer, add a few more kilometres. Drive via Pula onto the expressway (the Istrian Y) heading north, then turn off inland towards the Mirna valley. Expect a longer drive and set off early, especially if you have booked a morning truffle tour. That leaves time in the afternoon for Motovun and perhaps Grožnjan before you head back to the coast for dinner.

Mornings in the truffle forest, evenings back by the sea in the south of Istria: if that is how you would like to plan your holiday, send an enquiry for Little Dream.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you go truffle hunting in Istria?

The best-known area is the Motovun forest in the Mirna river valley below Motovun. Several family businesses there offer guided truffle hunts with trained dogs, usually followed by a tasting.

When is truffle season in Istria?

The main season for white truffles is in autumn, roughly from September into January. Black truffles are found all year round, so tours are possible in summer too.

How much does a truffle cost in Istria?

That depends very much on the variety, size, quality and season – white truffles are considerably more expensive than black ones. It is best to ask a producer directly or after a tour, where you can also buy truffle products such as oil or pastes.

What is there to see in Motovun?

Above all the fully preserved town wall, which you can walk around the upper town – with sweeping views over the Mirna valley and the vineyards. Add to that the car-free old town, small truffle shops and konobas.

How far is Motovun from the sea?

Motovun is in inland Istria, according to guidebooks around 30 kilometres from the coast. From the southern tip near Pomer it is a longer drive that works well as a day trip.