Autumn in Istria has its own unmistakable flavour. From September to November, Motovun, Livade and Buzet celebrate the season of one of the world’s most prized delicacies – the Istrian white truffle. Truffle hunts, gourmet festivals, local wines and traditional flavours make this the perfect time to discover inland Istria at its most delicious.
An Autumn Scented with Truffles
There is something special about Istria in autumn. Vineyards turn shades of gold and copper, forests take on the earthy scent of the season, tables at traditional konobas become sought-after once again, and freshly harvested white truffles begin to appear on menus across the region.
Among the most highly prized truffles in the world, the Istrian white truffle is intensely aromatic, delicate and best enjoyed as fresh as possible – ideally just a short distance from the forest where it was found. And that is precisely what makes northern and central Istria so special at this time of year. Here, truffles are more than a seasonal delicacy; they are part of a long-standing local tradition.
Experienced truffle hunters and their specially trained dogs head into the forests in search of these precious underground treasures, while nearby towns and villages celebrate the season with festivals, tastings and gourmet events.
In 2026, the white truffle season begins in the Motovun Forest, marking the start of two months filled with gourmet events and celebrations across the region. From Motovun and Livade to Buzet, the story of the truffle unfolds from forest to table, creating one of Istria’s most distinctive gourmet experiences of the season.
September Welcomes the First Truffles
The Motovun Forest is one of Istria’s most important white truffle areas, making it the perfect place to begin the season. On 5 September, the Opening of the White Truffle Season offers a chance to discover the world of truffle hunting right where it all begins – in the forest, searching for the first white truffles of the season.
Just one week later, on 12 and 13 September, the celebration moves to Buzet for Subotina and Subotina po starinski. One of Buzet’s best-known traditional festivities brings together truffles, gastronomy and the atmosphere of Istria as it once was.
One of Subotina’s highlights is an enormous truffle frittata, prepared in 2026 with a symbolic 2,026 eggs in a 2.5-metre-wide pan.
On Sunday, Subotina po starinski turns Buzet’s old town into a journey back in time, bringing traditional crafts, costumes, music and local culinary customs back to life.
October Marks the Peak of Truffle Season
After September’s opening events, October brings the richest part of the truffle season.
The days grow cooler, the Istrian countryside takes on shades of gold and copper, and Livade and Motovun become essential weekend destinations for lovers of truffles, wine and good food.
From 3 October to 1 November, Zigante Truffle Days take place every Saturday and Sunday, with tastings of truffles and other Istrian delicacies. The event runs from 10 am to 7 pm and admission is free.
In the middle of the month, the gourmet trail leads back to Motovun and its main square. On 17 and 18 October, the Teran and Truffle Festival brings together two stars of Istrian gastronomy.
Istrian winemakers gather for tastings of Teran alongside truffle dishes, with a special focus on pairings that showcase just how beautifully these two distinctive flavours complement each other.
The final weekend of October takes us back to Livade. On 24 and 25 October, Tuber (Food) Fest offers a more relaxed take on truffle gastronomy, combining popular street food with traditional Istrian cuisine.
In a village that has held the title of Centre of the World of Truffles since 1993, chefs prepare truffle dishes in front of visitors, while the programme also features culinary workshops, activities for children and sporting events.
A November Finale in Buzet
After almost two months of truffle festivals, tastings and gourmet weekends, the season heads back to Buzet for its grand finale.
On 7 and 8 November, the Istrian Truffle Festival rounds off the autumn season with a truffle exhibition, tastings and the opportunity to buy fresh truffles and truffle products, alongside other Istrian delicacies – from prosciutto, cheese and olive oil to wine, honey and homemade pasta.
The programme also includes the Buzet na pjatu culinary show, live music, activities for children and the “Truffle Hunt” race, which combines mountain biking and trekking.
Time for an Autumn Road Trip Through Istria!
Istria’s Truffle Days are the perfect excuse to discover the peninsula in perhaps its most delicious season – and to turn a day trip into a full autumn weekend. After a truffle hunt and a taste of seasonal delicacies, continue your journey through Istria’s wineries, where a glass of Teran or Malvazija comes with views of vineyards glowing in warm autumn colours.
And because Istria is best discovered slowly, explore our recommended places to stay in Istria and make a weekend of it.
If you prefer to leave the details to local experts, our specialised agencies for premium experiences can help you plan the perfect route and create a tailor-made Istrian escape.
Ready to hunt for Istria’s most precious treasure?
