Author: villasborghetto Date: 26.09.25 Category: Blog

As the forests of Istria become shrouded in autumn mist, a distinct aroma fills the air, signaling the start of one of the most exciting periods of the year – the white truffle season. This rare and highly prized delicacy attracts gourmets, flavor collectors, and lovers of luxurious experiences from around the world every autumn. For guests staying in Istrian villas, white truffle hunting is more than a culinary moment – it is a journey through tradition, nature, and exclusivity.

When is White Truffle Season in Istria?

White truffles, known by their Latin name Tuber Magnatum Pico, ripen from September to the end of November. During this period, the forests in the heart of Istria become the stage for one of Europe’s most mysterious and thrilling hunts.

Truffle hunters with long family traditions, together with their specially trained dogs, set out at dawn in search of this hidden treasure. Truffle hunting is not just a gastronomic adventure – it is also an opportunity to peek into a world that has shaped local culture and lifestyle for centuries.

Photo: karlictartufi.hr

Where to Hunt White Truffles

The most renowned destinations for truffle adventures are located in Istria’s green heart:

• Motovun Forest – the richest and most famous truffle habitat, home to some of the largest specimens ever found.

Photo: www.coloursofistria.com

• Livade – a tiny village often called the “world capital of truffles.”

• Buzet – the truffle town, with a tradition nurtured over decades.

What the Experience Looks Like – From Hunting to Tasting

Truffle hunting in Istria is not merely a walk through the forest – it is a story of tradition, family, and connection to nature. Accompanied by an experienced guide and specially trained dogs, guests embark on a search for these hidden treasures. The moment a dog finds a truffle is thrilling and emotional, as if you have discovered your very own little treasure.

Beyond the hunt, tours always include tastings: local cheeses, olive oils, pasta, and dishes enriched with freshly found truffles. Often, cooking sessions with truffles are organized, where guests learn how to properly use this delicacy in culinary creations. All of this is perfectly complemented by a glass of Istrian wine – Malvazija or Teran.

Photo: karlictartufi.hr

Where to Experience the Best Truffle Tours

Beyond numerous organized tours in Motovun Forest, such as those offered by Miro Tartufi or Tartufi Istra, guests can choose from several renowned operators that elevate the experience to a luxurious level, including:

• Karlić Truffles near Buzet – a family that has cultivated this tradition for generations, offering unforgettable hunts with dogs, tastings, and workshops.

• Pietro & Pietro Truffles near Buzet – perfect for those seeking discretion and exclusivity, with private tours, cooking sessions, and tastings in an elegant setting.

• Zigante Truffles in Livade – offering both private and group tours, combining truffle hunting with exclusive tastings and workshops. Their tours provide an authentic experience, ideal for guests who want a blend of tradition and top-level gastronomy.

These hosts offer much more than a simple tour – they provide the chance to experience the Istrian way of life, connect with locals, and feel the warmth of family tradition. Both locations allow visitors to experience a genuine connection with nature while enjoying the finest delicacies in settings that exude Istrian hospitality.

Zigante Truffle Days: The Peak of the Season

When talking about truffles in Istria, the Zigante Truffle Days festival is a must. Held every autumn in Livade, from late September to the end of October, this small village becomes the epicenter of the global truffle scene.
Visitors can enjoy:

• The largest market of fresh truffles
• Cooking shows and workshops with renowned chefs
• Tastings of wine, olive oil, and other delicacies
• Opportunities to taste the rarest white truffles

Tips for Luxury Guests:

• The best time to visit is in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Book VIP tastings and private tables in advance.
• Combine the festival with a villa stay, private transfers, and personalized tours.

Photo: www.coloursofistria.com

Luxury Add-Ons: When Tradition Meets Exclusivity

White truffle hunting in Istria can be transformed into a fully personalized experience. For villa guests, numerous services ensure the perfect combination of nature and luxury:

• Private guides and transfers – tours starting directly from your villa doorstep.
• Wellness & gourmet combinations – morning truffle hunt followed by afternoon relaxation in a spa.
• Gourmet dinners in the villa – a private chef preparing a menu where truffles take center stage.
• Yachting arrangements – for those looking to elevate the experience to an entirely new level.

Photo: karlictartufi.hr

An Experience That Lasts Forever

White truffle hunting in Istria is more than a culinary journey. It is a story of tradition, nature, and luxury – enriched by the warm hospitality of families like Karlić and Natura Truffles.

For guests seeking more than a typical vacation, this experience offers the perfect blend of authenticity and exclusivity. And when the day ends in the comfort of a luxury villa, with a glass of Malvazija and a plate of fresh truffles, it becomes clear why Istria remains a must-visit destination for gourmets worldwide.

Photo: karlictartufi.hr