Oprtalj: Hotels and accommodations

Oprtalj is situated on a plateau at the top of a hill above the Mirna River, opposite Motovun. From Oprtalj, views extend across Istria to the west coast.

Location and landscape

The town’s special location is also reflected in its views: from Oprtalj, the vista opens across Istria to the western coast.

Culture and history

In the 15th century, Oprtalj was a fortress defending the Venetian border in Istria. The loggia was built in the 16th century and now houses a lapidarium with stone fragments from Roman, medieval and later periods. From the loggia, the view extends to the sea.

The preserved town gate is the only one of three gates within Oprtalj’s town walls and was reconstructed in 1756. The parish church of Saint George in the center of Oprtalj was built in 1526 and contains valuable altars and paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

At the southern entrance to Oprtalj stands the Church of Saint Roch, built in the 16th century. It contains frescoes depicting saints, painted by Anthony of Padua. Below Oprtalj is the Church of Saint Mary, built in the 15th century, with an Annunciation fresco from 1471 by Klerigin from Koper.

Cycling

The Parenzana is used and promoted as a walking and cycling route in the Croatian region of Istria and includes Oprtalj. Cycling Route 4, “Oprtalj and the authentic flavors of rural Istria,” runs between Sv. Lucija and Martinčići through Oprtalj.

Hiking

Route 263 Oprtalj–Čepić is a 19.4-kilometer moderate trail that begins near Oprtalj. It passes through open woodland, fields, grassland and green forest sections.

The former Oprtalj-Portole railway station is connected to Oprtalj by a steep ascent that takes about 40 minutes on foot. Route 261 Toplice–Oprtalj–Toplice reaches Oprtalj via a forest path through an impressive gorge.

Regional cuisine

At Kestenijada, visitors can sample chestnut products, including honey, rakija, cakes, bread and pasta, as well as chestnuts that are boiled or prepared over a fire. Kestenijada also features chestnut-related exhibitions and lectures, as well as music and children’s programs.

Further destinations: Livade, Bencani, Zrenj, Cepic, Žnjidarići, Gradinje. Those wishing to book a hotel in Oprtalj can then continue their accommodation search.

To the higher-level travel overview: Općina Oprtalj.