Groznjan, Croatia: Discover The Town of Artists

The Story of Groznjan, Croatia

Groznjan is a small medieval village hidden in the hills of Istria, Croatia, with a population of about 160 people. The fortified town has a rich history and dates back to the Middle Ages when it was strategically established on a hilltop overlooking the Mirna River valley.

The village has seen many rulers, but the Venetians left the most significant mark. You can see their influence on the architecture and culture all around Groznjan.

In the 1960s, the village was nearly abandoned, but luckily, many artists and musicians made their way to Groznjan and settled here because of the quiet atmosphere and beautiful scenery. They made Groznjan a true cultural hub in the area — establishing galleries, small boutiques, and cultural events — and we think it’s worth the trip!

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Things to do in Groznjan

The art, the romantic medieval streets of the Old Town, the stunning views, and the rustic cafes make Groznjan a must-see location in Croatia. Though small in size, it was one of the most unique places we visited on our Croatia itinerary! Here are some of our favorite things to do:

1. Wander the Streets of the Old Town

One of the best things to do in Croatia is to explore the historic Old Town of Groznjan on foot! We loved strolling through the narrow, cobblestone streets while immersing ourselves in the town’s medieval charm.

Everywhere you look, you’ll see beautiful architecture and charming squares where locals gather over a cup of coffee. The medieval stone houses are decorated with flowers on the window boxes, you’ll see friendly cats lounging in the sun, and locals relaxing at their doorsteps. We loved the slow pace of living here!

As you wander, you’ll likely come across the church of Sveti Vida. Make a quick stop to admire the 36-meter-high bell tower before entering to see the detailed decorations and beautiful paintings. 

2. Have Lunch with a View

A personal highlight for us was to enjoy lunch with a stunning view! Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. Head to Bastia restaurant near the historic center and enjoy a view of the hills and vineyards while you enjoy a local Istrian dish such as truffle pasta. 

Tip: While most people come to Groznjan for the day, we highly recommend staying the night. We loved how quiet and atmospheric it was, and we also enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the restaurant aModomio. This is an excellent spot for dinner overlooking the valley; we loved the food and the view! If you look closely, you can spot Motovun, the Town of Truffle.

3. Visit a Local Winery

Istria is famous for its delicious wine, and Gronzjan Town is surrounded by local wineries that offer tasting and tours. Take a short drive to one of the scenic vineyards and take a guided tour to learn more about the traditional winemaking techniques. We recommend visiting Kozlović Winery or Kabola Winery — we loved them both.

After the tour, you can sample some of the best wines in the region in a tasting session. Enjoy Malvazija and Teran wines paired with Istrian delicacies such as truffle cheese while enjoying the breathtaking views of the vineyards. 

4. Discover the Artist’s Studios and Galleries

Groznjan is also known as the “Town of Artists”, which means visiting the local galleries is an absolute must. The village is full of artist boutiques where you can find everything from paintings to jewelry and ceramics. You can’t leave Croatia without taking home a unique piece of art or a handmade souvenir from Groznjan! 

5. Explore the Kotli Watermill

Just a short drive from the village of Groznjan, you can find the Kotli Watermill. Nestled in a beautiful valley and surrounded by crystal-clear pools and waterfalls, this old stone watermill is a hidden gem worth visiting.

The mill used to be an essential part of the village but now stands as a reminder of the region’s rich history, offering a unique glimpse into the traditional Istrian way of life.

Besides its historic significance, Kotli Watermill is also a perfect spot for nature lovers. The area around the mill is fantastic for hiking through the lush forests. Afterward, cool off in the natural pools and soak in the stunning views. This was one of our favorite things to do in Croatia.

6. Enjoy a Walk Around the Village

There is a lovely walking path that circles the village and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Admire the rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards while you make your way back to the car. It’s the perfect way to end your visit to Groznjan, Croatia. 

Where to Stay in Groznjan Town

Even though Groznjan is small, there are a few charming accommodation options, including guesthouses and boutique hotels. We recommend staying in the village so you are close to all the highlights of the town. However, you’ll also find some beautiful stays in neighboring towns like Motovun (see all hotels) or Buje (see all hotels).

Our favorite hotels in Groznjan 😴

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Bolara 60: the Guesthouse

Groznjan

Casa Ars Natura II

Groznjan

BB Artegnana 1798

Groznjan

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Groznjan

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How Many Days in Groznjan?

You can explore the entire village in an hour or two, depending on the things you want to do. However, if you want to visit a winery or go hiking by the Kotli Watermill, you’ll need more time to explore. 

If you have more time on your Croatia itinerary, we recommend spending the night in Groznjan Town. The village is at its most magical during the early morning or late afternoon. Around these times, the streets are clear of people who are visiting for the day, so you’ll have the place almost entirely to yourself!

How to Visit Groznjan, Croatia

Groznjan is a tiny village in Croatia, located on a 230-meter high hill and about 70 kilometers from the coastal city of Pula and 30 kilometers from the Slovenian border. You’ll likely fly into Pula Airport, but keep in mind reaching Groznjan by public transport can be very challenging due to its remote location. 

By Car

The best way to visit the village is to go by car and enjoy the scenic views along the way. A car also gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas of Groznjan at your own pace.

There is a large paid parking area at the entrance of the village (location linked here). Park your car and walk right into the center to explore all Groznjan Town has to offer. 

Book a Tour

Another way to visit Groznjan is by booking a guided tour from the nearby cities of Rovinj or Pula. These are usually multi-stop tours that cover Groznjan as well as other key sights in the Istria region.

Best Cafes and Restaurants

Even though Groznjan is a small town, there are plenty of good cafes and restaurants! Make sure to order a dish with truffle, such as a truffle polenta or risotto. The truffle in this region is delicious, the best we’ve ever tasted! Here’s a list of our favorite restaurants in Groznjan:

Tip: You can also explore the food in Groznjan by booking this food tour around inner Istria.

Budget for Groznjan

Your budget needed for visiting Groznjan, Croatia, depends on your preferences. Accommodation prices vary between affordable guesthouses and five-star hotels depending on the season you’re visiting. If you’re visiting during the peak season of a cultural festival, prices can be higher, so we recommend booking well in advance. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit this charming village is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October). During this time, the weather is warm and there aren’t too many crowds. 

These seasons also see some cultural events such as the Jazz is Back Festival and the Ex Tempore Art Festival. In addition, you’ll find many musical and art workshops in the village during the Musical Cultural summer. These events will only add to the magical experience of exploring the medieval town of Groznjan, Croatia.