Oprtalj is a picturesque town on a hill in north-western Istria between Buje and Buzet. In the Middle Ages, it was a centre for many feudal lords and church estate. The twenty churches in the region have carefully looked after the sacred treasures (churches of Sv Juraj [St. George] and Sv. Roko [St. Rocco]).
Vineyards and olive groves lie on the sunny slopes, while the surrounding forests are rich in mushrooms and truffles (Livada - a world centre for truffles), and there is game that can be hunted. Below cliffs that are 85 m high and at the source of the healing waters of sv. Stjepan [St. Stephen] there is the renowned thermal resort Istarske toplice.
