The prestigious American daily The New York Times highlights Istria as one of Europe’s leading regions for exciting autumn gastronomic festivals, with special emphasis on the white truffle season.

The New York Times describes Istria as a peninsula with a rich agricultural and culinary tradition, where from late August to December numerous festivals celebrate extra virgin olive oil, cheese, prosciutto, wine, and seafood. At the heart of it all, however, are the rare and coveted white truffles, found in the forests along the Mirna River and fetching exceptionally high prices on the market.

The article written by Alex Crevar spotlights some of the season’s most notable events, including the NOVA Eroica Istria Truffle Tour cycling event on September 21 in north-western Istria, the Teran and Truffle Festival in Motovun on October 18 and 19, and the Buzet Truffle Festival on November 8 and 9.

Particular attention is given to the Zigante Truffle Days in Livade, a five-weekend event that draws international enthusiasts and experts with tastings, auctions, workshops, and guided truffle-hunting tours. Organizer Adriano Zigante underscores the deep-rooted role of truffles in local culture and identity, encapsulated in the message: “Through the taste of truffles, one tastes Istria.” The article further reinforces Istria’s image as an authentic and prestigious gastronomic destination, attracting a global audience in search of the ultimate autumn experience.

The article is available in the digital edition at the following link: 
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/10/travel/europe-fall-harvest-festivals.html

Alex Crevar is a journalist, editor, and consultant from Atlanta with a focus on responsible tourism, as well as a passionate hiker and cyclist. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Adventure Cyclist, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He is also a frequent media guest and conference speaker on sustainable travel.

The New York Times (NYT) is one of the world’s most respected and influential daily newspapers. Founded in 1851, it is renowned for its serious, analytical, and investigative journalism. Over its history, the NYT has won more than 130 Pulitzer Prizes, making it the most highly awarded newspaper in the United States.

»» Set off in search of the precious Istrian truffle