♡LoveMyCroatia
Motovun Truffle Hills Ride
Back

Istria · Mirna Valley

Motovun Truffle Hills Ride

CycleModerateIstria
36.5 km
Distance
480 m
Elevation
3.5 h
Duration

A short but intense loop through the Mirna valley's truffle forests, linking Motovun, Livade and Oprtalj. Steep punchy climbs reward with long ridge descents and panoramic vineyard views.

The route on the map

Start: Motovun (lower car park) Finish: Motovun (loop) Best time: April–June, September–November

Why this route is special

  • Truffle-hunting forest of Motovun
  • Climb to Oprtalj for 360° hilltop views
  • Vineyards of Kabola and Kozlović
  • Picnic stop along the Mirna river

Step-by-step highlights

  1. 1

    Motovun

    Park below the walls. Coffee at the gate before the descent.

  2. 2

    Mirna river crossing

    Flat warm-up through poplar groves.

  3. 3

    Livade

    Heart of the truffle country. Quick stop at Zigante.

  4. 4

    Oprtalj climb

    12% ramps for 3 km — the hardest part of the day.

  5. 5

    Ridge traverse

    Easy rolling along the karst plateau.

  6. 6

    Vineyard descent

    Through Malvazija vines back into the valley.

  7. 7

    Mirna riverside

    Picnic spot under olive trees.

  8. 8

    Motovun return

    Final climb back to the walled town.