BEST 5 THINGS TO DO IN GROZNJAN, CROATIA

If you’re exploring Istria, you have to add Groznjan to your itinerary. Here are the best things to do in Groznjan in half a day!

Groznjan is a really small town, so you won’t need long to visit, but trust me, you’ll be glad you did. As a local Croatian, I’ve been to Istria many times, and Groznjan is always part of my itinerary. It’s magical in its own way and the perfect place to combine with other stops for a fun day in Istria.

You’ll definitely need a car to visit Groznjan, but having one in Istria is a must anyway. Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Groznjan!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN GROZNJAN

EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

This is the first and main thing to do. Groznjan is really small, and everything important is in just a few streets, but trust me, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The narrow, cobbled streets, old buildings, and beautiful views of the surrounding area are truly breathtaking. You can easily see the town in about 30 minutes, so make sure you take your time and explore it properly!

BROWSE THROUGH ART GALLERIES

Groznjan is known as the town of artists, so you’ll see lots of galleries and art shops all around. You can browse and buy some of the best souvenirs from Croatia — local, handmade ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and more. The art shops are open the majority of the year, so you’ll definitely get to see plenty of them. You can also check out the popular Fonticus Gallery right in the centre of Groznjan.

ENJOY THE MUSIC 

If you’re visiting in summer, you might be just in time for one of the most special festivals in Croatia. During the last two weeks of July, Groznjan hosts the longest-running jazz festival in the country, which started in 1999. During this time, there are daily performances from both well-known jazz artists and talented students. Spending an evening in this medieval town while listening to live jazz is an experience you definitely won’t forget.

SIT DOWN FOR A DRINK AT TRUBA BAR

Truba Bar is one of the most iconic bars in Groznjan, mainly because of its amazing views over the rolling hills. The prices are very reasonable, and it has great reviews, so it’s definitely worth a visit. In summer, it can be hard to find a seat, but if you’re visiting outside peak season, make sure to sit down and enjoy a drink or two!

VISIT NEARBY TOWNS

Groznjan is a tiny town, so a great idea is to combine it with a few other small towns and turn it into a day trip. I’d highly recommend Motovun, a famous hilltop town known for truffles, and Hum, the smallest town in the world. Visiting these together with Groznjan really feels like stepping back in time and gives you that true medieval atmosphere!

WHERE TO STAY IN GROZNJAN?

Groznjan isn’t very well known for accommodation since it’s such a small town. There are a few studios if you really want to experience staying in a place like this, but don’t expect too many options. That said, there are plenty of great places to stay all around inland Istria, and you can easily take day trips to towns across the peninsula. Here are some of my favourite recommendations:

• Ponte Porton Dining & lodging
• B&B Artegnana 1798
• L’Abbraccio della Quercia – Suites
• Rooms Sara

CONCLUSION: WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GROZNJAN?

In short, the best thing to do in Groznjan is explore the old town, which is one of the most beautiful and impressive parts of Istria. If you have more time, sit down at Truba Bar and enjoy the view, and definitely visit the nearby towns as well!