Spotlight on: Zigante Truffle Days, Istria

Istria is a gastronome’s delight, with so many wonderful delicacies for foodies to enjoy. As well as some truly excellent restaurants – including Michelin-starred ones – the region is renowned for its products, such as pršut (similar to prosciutto), olive oil and wine. One ingredient that goes hand in hand with Istria, which isn’t particularly found in other parts of Croatia, is the not-so-humble truffle. Although you can enjoy sampling truffle dishes any time of year, the best time of year to enjoy this fungus is in early autumn during the month-long festival that is Zigante Truffle Days. Find out all about it here!

About Zigante Truffle Days

Zigante Truffle Days is essentially a weekend-only festival that stretches out for a whole month. Taking place each Saturday and Sunday starting from 3rd and 4th October 2026, until the weekend of 31st October and 1st November, the fair welcomes guests to its base in Livade in the Istrian countryside.

The truffle festival is brought to you by the Zigante family, who have done much to establish Istria as one of the main truffle bases in the world. It was in November 1999 that Giancarlo Zigante discovered a 1.31-kilogram truffle in the Motovun forest – with a little help from his dog Diana. This amazing truffle was recognised by Guinness Book of World Records as the largest truffle ever found (at the time) and would have been worth around €1 million had Giancarlo decided to sell it.

Even more amazingly, he didn’t. He instead invited 200 guests to a feast and shared the truffle out amongst them all. (If you want to read the full story, take a look at Experience: I found the largest truffle in the world.) Giancarlo may not have cashed in on his amazing find, but he’s clearly brought a different level of appreciation and wonder to this part of Istria, which in some ways matters so much more.

Truffles at Zigante Truffle Days — A plate of truffles – nowhere near the size of that 1.31kg one! (*Credit: Zigante Truffle Days*)

Getting There & Accommodation

Livade is right in the heart of the Istrian countryside, around 35 kilometres northeast of Porec and 27 kilometres east of Novigrad, both on the Istrian coast. Realistically, it is easiest to reach Livade and the truffle fair using a rental car and to drive yourself there from your chosen destination in Istria. Reaching this part of the Istrian interior is difficult by public transport.

Livade is only a short hop from the exceedingly pretty hilltop town of Motovun, so combining the truffle fair with a visit to (or even a stay in) Motovun would be ideal.

The truffle fair has its own suggestions for nearby accommodation and do also take a look at some options using this map:

Experiencing Zigante Truffle Days

The festival – as you may expect – is all about the truffle. Many exhibitors will be present, showcasing their wonderful truffle-based products. It’s the ideal place to take home a truffle-based souvenir and – remember now – don’t be shy; share these with family and friends back home! You will also find many Istrian (and Croatian) products on show here, from wines to olive oil, brandy, cheese and salami, so it’s an excellent event to attend to pick up all manner of food items.

The fair will also see a number of culinary demonstrations take place by expert chefs. Dishes that are truffle-based or that have truffle as an accompaniment will be cooked right in front of you, so you can really taste this Istrian delicacy in the best way. If you try only one dish the whole weekend, make it fuzi with truffles. Fuzi is a very traditional Istrian pasta, rolled out and folded over into a kind of diamond shape.

Wine tastings will also take place during the fair – what better pairing with truffle than a crisp white Istrian wine?

A real highlight is the “train” (a motorised train) that takes you from the fair into the Motovun forest, where the truffles are found in the ground. This is a lovely opportunity to see the setting of the magic, and to experience demonstrations of truffle hunting by the experts – human and canine. (As dogs are an essential part of truffle hunting!) Should you wish to level up the whole truffle experience, you can book yourself onto a truffle hunting tour.

Hunting for truffles in the Motovun Forest — Hunting for truffles in Motovun Forest (*Credit: Zigante Truffle Days*)

Opening Hours and Price

The truffle fair runs each Saturday and Sunday (3rd October to 1st November 2026) from 10am to 7pm. Entry into the fair is free.

Other ways of enjoying truffles

If you aren’t able to make it to the truffle fair over the next few weekends, you can visit the Zigante Tartufi restaurant or shop any time of year. Or simply head to their website and order some of their delicious products to be delivered directly to your door!

Truffle hunting opportunities are also available outside of the fair. One-hour group hunting trips take place every Saturday from late June to late September, whilst private hunting trips can be arranged for any time of year, by prior appointment.

Otherwise, you’ll find truffle dishes or embellishments in many dishes at restaurants throughout Istria and elsewhere in Croatia. If you’ve never tasted truffle before, give it a go!