About Hum
Hum has less than 20 inhabitants but is considered the smallest town in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. They care about tradition, so the old ritual called ‘Election of the prefect for a year’ is still held every year on the 11th of June (The day of Hum). All the men gather at the Municipal Loggia (town hall) to elect the village superior by carving their votes into a wooden stick.
Biska – Hum’s specialty
Hum is also known for biska – a brandy spiced with mistletoe. Biska is unique because they are making it by an old recipe originating from Hum. The recipe is more than 2 000 years old. That’s why Hum is a host to the Grappa festival where brandy producers from all over Istria present their homemade products. It is held each year at the end of October.
When to visit Hum?
Although it doesn’t take long to explore it, it’s worth visiting Hum. During September there are no crowds at all so I suggest visiting then as you’ll be able to experience the town better. You almost have it all for yourself. You can also spend a night in one of the apartments here and enjoy the peacefulness.
At the end of the town, there is a viewpoint with a bench. The only thing you can see is woods all around the town. And sitting there, in that small hilltop town, you do feel so little in comparison with nature. All types of travelers will enjoy this town.
Stays in Hum
How to get to Hum?
Hum is a perfect place for a one day trip. It is easy to reach it from any part of Istria. For all the explorers out there, you can enter the town taking the Glagolitic Alley path which is 3 km long and connects Hum to a small village of Roč. The path is decorated with big stone sculptures presenting the Croatian Glagolitic script.
You can combine Hum with visiting other hilltop towns nearby like Motovun, Grožnjan, Buzet, or the small abandoned but picturesque village of Kotli.
