Završje lies in northwestern Istria, not too far from Motovun. Also perched scenically atop a hill, this is a real architectural gem. Built with wood and stone, Završje is one of the most off-the-beaten-path places in Istria.
In the same area as Završje, also near Motovun, Oprtalj is another of the Istrian hilltop towns worth visiting. This small town also features fortified town walls, a bell tower, and winding alleyways. It’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Istria’s rich history.
Livade is small, but it is an excellent base for central Istria. There is a market, several coffee spots, and several excellent restaurants. I totally recommend Konoba Dorjana.
Situated deep in the center of Istria, far away from the crowds along the coastal towns, Hum is self-proclaimed as the smallest town in the world—but not officially, as in the Guinness Book of World Records that we can see.
It is situated in the southwestern corner of the Istrian peninsula, about twenty kilometers from Pula. This medieval town, its origins in the Roman stronghold known as Castrum Vallis, is sometimes regarded as the best-kept secret in Istria.
One of three towns in Croatia with the same name, Istria’s Novigrad is sometimes called Novigrad Istarski to avoid confusion. This beautiful town lies on a small peninsula on the northern coast of Istria, roughly in the middle between Umag and Poreč.