What's umami, smelly sort of garlicky taste that grows 25cm underground and is one of the most expensive foods in the world? The answer is white winter truffle, the most valuabale type of truffle in the world. This highly-prized tuber has a high price tag because it grows in very few regions of Europe, Alba and Piedmont being the most known. However, not many people are aware of the white truffle region in Istra, a nothern part of Croatian Adriatic. 

White truffle hunting in Istria is a popular activity during the autumn months when the truffle season is at its peak. Istria is known for its high-quality white truffles which grow in the wooded areas of the region. Truffle hunting in Istria is usually conducted by experienced hunters and their trained dogs that are specialized in locating truffles. The hunters scour the forests for truffles, and once they are found, they carefully extract them from the soil. The white truffles of Istria are highly prized and can fetch high prices, making truffle hunting a lucrative business.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest white truffle was found in Istria in 1999, weighing 1.31 kg and valued at over $5000 at the time. The record holder, Giancarlo Zigante, runs a well-known truffle restaurant in the village of Livade, as well as a shop where truffles and all kinds of truffle products can be sampled and purchased. 

A yacht charter in Istra can provide you an excellent opportunity to explore the region's coastline, islands, and hidden coves. Along with that, you can also enjoy white truffle hunting, which is a popular activity in the area. Our 30m fully crewed luxury ketch is based in Pula and offers several local truffle hunting tours and experiences available for our guests to enjoy. 

Overall, combining a yacht charter with white truffle hunting in Istra can be an incredible way to immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.