Buie (Buje) is a picturesque medieval town located on a hill in the Istrian hinterland, Croatia, and is rightly nicknamed the 'Balcony of Istria' thanks to its breathtaking panoramic position spanning from vine and olive-covered hills to the Adriatic Sea. This region is the heart of Gourmet Croatia, renowned for its highest quality olive oil, truffles, and indigenous wines. Buie offers a charming stay, immersed in the tranquility and authentic flavors of Istrian tradition with a strong Venetian imprint.

What Our Travel Designers Recommend: Villages, Towers, and Tastings

• St. Martin's Tower (Torre di San Martino) – The highest point in the city, offering the full panoramic view extending to the Alps and the sea. Ideal for photography.
• Church of St. Servulus (Chiesa di San Servolo) – The main church, with an isolated bell tower and a facade that mixes different architectural styles, a testament to its long history.
• Historic Center – Stroll through the narrow streets (calli) and stone passages, discovering traces of Venetian architecture.
• Wine and Oil Tastings – The true luxury of Buie is agro-tourism and wine and food. We recommend visiting wineries like the nearby Veralda or multi-award-winning olive oil producers.

Gastronomy and Typical Products: The Treasure of Istria

• White and Black Truffle – Istria is one of the best truffle regions in the world. Taste fuži (local pasta) with freshly grated truffle.
• Istrian Extra Virgin Olive Oil – One of the most globally awarded. A guided tasting is an essential experience.
• Indigenous Wines – Taste Istrian Malvasia (aromatic white) and Teran (robust red), wines that express the local terroir.
• Istrian Prosciutto Crudo – A uniquely flavored cured ham, aged with the air currents of the area.

Unmissable Experiences and Surroundings

• Cycle Tourism – The Buie region is crossed by panoramic cycling paths, ideal for exploring vineyards and olive groves (like the former Parenzana railway).
• Excursion to Medieval Villages – Visiting the nearby Grožnjan (city of artists) and Motovun (famous for truffles) is a cultural and scenic enrichment.
• Adriatic Sea – The beaches of the western Istrian coast (like Umag or Novigrad) are easily reachable by car for a day at the seaside.

Institutional Links

• Official Buie Tourism Website
• Official Tourism Website in Istria

Top 3 Charming and Luxury Hotels/Agritourism

• San Canzian Village & Hotel – (Near Buie) Luxurious boutique village with a panoramic pool, focused on an authentic and design-led Istrian experience.
• Wine Residence Cattunar – (A short distance) Offers a charming stay immersed among the vineyards, with excellent wine tastings.
• Hotel Mulino – (In Buje) Elegant structure with a casino and an excellent gastronomic offering.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants (High-Level Cuisine)

• Konoba Buščina – (Near Buie) Known for its excellent traditional Istrian cuisine, featuring meat, fish, and, in season, truffle dishes.
• Restoran San Servolo – Offers a refined gastronomic experience, specializing in craft beer and sophisticated dishes with local products.
• Restaurant Rino – (In Momjan, near Buie) One of the area's references for fish and meat cuisine, with great attention to local ingredients.