Even if you don’t make it to the olive harvest this year, don’t miss the chance to go truffle hunting. From September to November, Motovun, Buzet and Livade become the centre of the world for those who still haven’t given up on finding their first white truffle.
Joking aside, we believe that truffle tastings, festivals and truffle hunting are more than enough reason to extend your vacation and head to Istria this autumn. Here’s why.
Istria: Truffle paradise
Motovun Forest, the towns of Livade, Buzet and Motovun along the Mirna River are home to the highest-quality truffles in Croatia, and many say in all of Europe as well (we’re local patriots, so we agree :D). Truffles are a type of edible mushroom that grown underground. Like other mushrooms, they do not contain chlorophyll and cannot produce organic matter through photosynthesis; instead, they obtain nutrients from tree roots. They are most commonly found near oak, beech, poplar, willow and elm trees.
Which types of truffles grow in Istria
The most renowned and most expensive is the white truffle, wit peak season from the end of September to the end of December. It has an extremely intense yet pleasant aroma. During dry periods, its price can be as much as €6,000–7,000 per kilogram. When the soil is dry, truffles are harder to find, so their price also increases.
The black truffle has a darker exterior and a nutty flavour, grows for most of the year and is often found on restaurant menus. We distinguish between the summer black truffle, which grows in summer, and the winter black truffle, which grows from September to spring. You may also come across the red truffle in Istrian forests, but it is not edible.
Truffle hunting
Have we mentioned who deserves the most credit for every truffle we find? Truffle dogs, of course! You don’t go hunting without a truffle dog, most commonly a Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian Water Dog). Truffle hunters like to choose mixed-breed dogs as well because they are more resilient and have a keener sense of smell. When a dog catches the scent of a truffle and starts digging, the handler approaches and digs out the truffle.
Last year, we went truffle hunting as a team and would definitely do it again. The weather was on our side, we found truffles, and the guides were excellent. If you decide to book an organized tour, the hunt usually lasts between two and three hours. You walk through the forest at a moderate pace, and after the hunt, a well-deserved tasting of truffle dishes usually follows. There is plenty to choose from: fuži pasta in truffle sauce, cheese and prosciutto with truffles, truffle spread and olive oil infused with truffles.
Autumn truffle festivals in Istria
Don’t feel like walking through the forest, but would still like to try fresh truffles? You’re in luck, because autumn is the perfect time for food festivals. We recently wrote about the most important autumn festivals and events in Istria, and here we highlight events dedicated to truffles:
- Festival of Teran Wine and Truffles, Motovun: October 17–18, 2026
- Tuber (Food) Fest, Livade: October 24–25, 2026
- Zigante Truffle Days, Livade: Held every Saturday and Sunday from October 3 to November 1, 2026.
- Istrian Truffle Festival, Buzet: November 7–8, 2026
Where to buy truffles
Besides buying them directly at producers and festivals, you can buy fresh truffles and truffle products (truffle spread, olive oil, salt, cheeses and cured meats with truffles) in shops selling Istrian specialties, which can be found in almost every larger town in Istria. When buying fresh truffles, pay attention to their appearance and smell: a truffle should be firm and free of visible damage. A strong but pleasant aroma is a good sign of freshness; if a truffle has no smell or smells like ammonia, it is no longer fresh.
Where to stay
The truffle season lasts until late autumn, so a trip to inland Istria is ideal to combine with a stay in a villa:
Casa Mavretići, Livade: Located in Livade, the heart of truffle country near Motovun, this villa is surrounded by greenery and peaceful countryside, with a distinctly Mediterranean feel throughout. If you’re travelling with family or a small group, you’ll appreciate the modern kitchen, comfortable bedrooms and outdoor area for spending time together.
Villa Pigini, Oprtalj: Surrounded by the rolling hills of inland Istria, this villa features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as a spacious outdoor area where you can relax and socialise after a day of truffle hunting. Pets are welcome upon request.
Casa Nona Anica, Buzet: Set in a peaceful rural area near Buzet, this villa can accommodate four guests in two bedrooms, with two bathrooms. There is also a children’s playground in the garden, so it’s a convenient choice if you’re travelling with family.
People either love truffles or don’t like them at all. If you have so far been in the second category and aren’t a truffle fan, we hope this article has inspired you to become one. You still have time to plan a long weekend or a whole week and set aside a day to visit the truffle valley. Maybe we’ll see you there if we go truffle hunting again this year!
