Oprtalj

Introduction

History

What to do

Introduction

Oprtalj, one of the best-kept secrets of inland Istria

If you get tired of people and technology and long for some ‘me time’ in a charmingly peaceful setting of rural Istria… visit Oprtalj!

Oprtalj is a medieval town in Northern Istria, perched on a hilltop at 378 m above sea level. In those turbulent times, it served as a refuge from flooding, pirates and other threats, while today it is ideal for escaping the crowds. Embark on a cycling or a hiking trip along the trail of unique Parenzana, and then refuel your energy with truffles, olive oil, and wine to see what we’re talking about!

There is a colonnade of cypress trees at both its entrance and exit, helping you find your way to the very centre of Oprtalj. You will be thrilled with its paved streets, colourful houses, antique shops, restaurants, tiny stores, religious buildings and galleries popping up all over the town’s courtyards and loggias.

Just like the neighbouring towns of Motovun and Grožnjan, Oprtalj (or Portole, as called by the locals in line with the Italian version of the town’s name) is permeated by a mystical aura. It will be a true source of inspiration to travellers who take their time to discover the intricate history of small towns, value the healing power of nature and simple traditional meals.

Welcome to a place with a thousand stories to tell. Let one of them be yours!

What to do

Things to do in Oprtalj

Visit...

the town loggia with reliefs and inscriptions from the periods of Antiquity, Renaissance and Baroque
the Parish Church of St George and a Baroque bell tower with unique structural features
the antique shop owned by Manuel Sirotić, a dedicated art collector and custodian of local heritage
the Renaissance and Baroque houses of the distinguished Persico family
the Parenzana cycling and hiking trail, unique in the world

Taste...

prosciutto, cheese, olive oil and locally produced wine under the trees of the konoba Oprtalj
truffles from the Motovun forest, on the menu of every local konoba
homemade pasta and gnocchi with delicious stews offered at the farmhouse restaurants in Zrenj
Mouth-watering snails prepared at the konoba Dorjana in Livade

Buy...

rare vintage items at the antique shop in the heart of the town
olive oil and wine at the nearby farm in Ipši
wine from the local winemakers: Vižintin, Basaneže, Visintin, Ipša
honey from the local beekeepers: Vežnaver (Škofi village) and Medea (Livade)
Lina homemade pasta (Škofi village)
a selection of truffle-based products at the Zigante truffle shop in Livade

Stay...

at B&B Palazzo Angelica, a beautifully restored villa with a spa
at the famous Istarske Toplice Health Spa resort
at charming private accommodation facilities in Oprtalj and its surroundings

Outdoor delights...

Visit the picturesque hilltop towns of Motovun, Grožnjan and Završje
Check the view from the walls of the enchanting Pietrapelosa Castle
Climb the crag in the village of Čepići
Discover Piski, the Istrian desert near Šterna, and experience an extraordinary walk through dunes

Best time to visit Oprtalj

Every season brings its own little wonders. If you prefer places that are not swarmed with tourists, and enjoy walking in the nature or sipping a glass of wine in the shade of the trees, Oprtalj is your ideal destination.

During the Chestnut Festival and the spectacular Festival of Fire, it fills to the brim with life, music, and entertainment. The surrounding area calls for outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging or cycling, while the town itself will win you over with many colourful details, perfect for taking pictures.