Motovun Motovun & Hill Towns Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Restaurants & Experiences

Stone buildings rise from the foundations of a medieval fortification in Mužolini Donji, their contemporary interiors a striking counterpoint to the surrounding olive groves and San Canzian vineyards. The property draws food-focused travelers with daily olive oil tastings, truffle hunts in nearby Istrian forests, and Luciano restaurant's Italian-inflected cuisine. An infinity pool surveys the bucolic countryside, while an indoor spa with sauna and jacuzzi provides retreat.

Perched atop medieval Motovun, Hotel Kaštel commands panoramic views across Istria's truffle-rich valleys. The boutique property pairs intimate scale with genuine family welcome—children accommodated without fuss. Tranquil gardens offer retreat from the cobblestone lanes, while the restaurant terrace becomes the prime evening destination, serving regional cuisine as the hill town's ancient walls catch the last light.

Named for the farmer who supplies its vegetables, Luciano operates within a hotel complex just outside medieval Buje, its terrace surveying the Istrian hills. The kitchen applies contemporary technique to regional meat and fish, available à la carte or through tasting menus of varying lengths. An extensive local wine list reinforces the commitment to terroir-driven dining.