San Canzian stands in Mužolini Donji, a hillside village near Buje in northern Istria, a few miles inland from the Adriatic and about an hour's drive from Trieste. It is built on the site of a medieval fortification, a cluster of stone buildings in the local manner among rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. The original hotel has been fully reworked into 26 rooms, suites and villas, rustic in material and modern in comfort, shaped by the heritage and architecture of the region. Luciano, the restaurant, is recommended by the MICHELIN Guide and cooks local produce under chef Pavo Klarić, with the Italian influence that runs through this border country. There is an outdoor pool with long views over the countryside, an indoor spa, a gym and yoga. A second phase of villas and residences is being built on the neighbouring hill. The hotel arranges truffle hunts and other outings across Istria, and the hilltop towns of Motovun, with its bell tower, and Grožnjan, a 14th-century town that became an artists' colony, are close by.
- Nearest airport
- Trieste Ronchi dei Legionari Airport (TRS), 30 Miles / 48 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 26 rooms, suites and villas
Insider tip Come in October for the Truffle Days festival in Livade, and pair it with an afternoon in Motovun and Grožnjan.
Why I choose it A small, well-run base for Istria's truffle and wine country, with cooking that justifies the trip on its own.