I’m guessing you’ve found your way here because you’re planning a visit to the Istria region of Croatia and in your research, you’ve come across the town of Hum…
Famously known as the smallest town in the world, Hum prides itself on this fact and despite its tiny size, has become one of the top places to visit in Istria thanks to its status as the smallest town in the world.
But how big is it? And is Hum worth visiting? - I visited Hum for the first time this year after having lived in Croatia for a year and a half and I’m going to keep it real here.
If you want to say “I’ve officially visited the smallest town in the world” - then go for it, I think you’ll be pleased you visited Hum. However if you’re going there expecting things to see and do, it’s too small for that!
I think the most important thing to say when answering this question is: manage your expectations.
Is it cool to visit the smallest town in the world? Yes. Would it be worth visiting if it didn’t hold this title and was just a random village? Probably not.
Oooft, sounds harsh I know, but if you want to know about why I think that, then read on.
Hum, Croata
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How to get to Hum, Croatia
The best way to get to Hum is by having your own car. Public transport in Istria is unreliable at best and non-existent at worst so having your own car really gives you the most freedom and flexibility.
If you’d prefer not to hire a car, there are some day tours into Central Istria like this one from Pula which will take you to Hum.
Hum village
How small is Hum in Croatia?
Hum village centre
The town of Hum is approximately 50 metres long, has one street that runs in a circle and in the last census it was home to around 50 people.
I know you’re thinking that there’s definitely villages smaller than that (I thought that too) but I think the important thing is that Hum is categorised as a town because it has a large church and was intended to be a town when it started out.
Is Hum worth visiting when you’re in Istria?
Hum streets
Hum streets
Honestly if you’re in the area, sure why not! You’re already there, it’s cool to say you’ve been to the smallest town in the world.
If you’re going to go out of your way to visit Hum though, I would probably reconsider. Of course this is all my personal opinion but there are other beautiful towns in Istria which are tiny and untouristy and beautiful and I think are more worthy of visiting. For example, Gračišće, Grožnjan, Oprtalj or Tinjan.
Even Motovun, which is definitely a more popular place to visit in Istria I think is worthy of the tourism it gets; it’s beautiful and there’s plenty to do there.
Restaurant in Hum
In Hum, you are charged a flat rate day fee for parking which is 3 euros. Which is fine, I’m not disputing that, but we only spent about 20 minutes in the town (unless you’re going to eat a meal or have a drink there, you don’t need longer!) so it felt like quite a steep fee for a short stop. Not to mention the car park is a gravel square full of potholes with no marked parking spaces and without ample space for the huge tours and minibuses that come in - where does all that money go to, I wondered?
Now don’t get me wrong, Hum is pretty and the famous street view (pictured below) is charming and very aesthetic if you’re into that sort of thing.
The views are lovely and the cobbled streets are charming. As are the views and streets in Motovun. As are the views and the streets in Gračišće. As are the views and the streets in Grožnjan and Oprtalj (you get my point).
Hum village walls
I think it’s safe to say that while the “smallest town in the world” tagline is fun and insta-worthy, it was slightly underwhelming when we got there and realised we’d driven all that way to spend 20 minutes there (we’d just eaten elsewhere too so we really couldn’t drag it out anymore!).
Istria has loads of cycling and biking trails and I think I would have enjoyed Hum more if it was a brief rest stop on a day of hiking or biking.
Summary: Is Hum in Croatia worth visiting?
Am I glad we went? Yes I am, I honestly would have felt like I was missing out if we hadn’t have gone - I’m one to get serious FOMO if I feel like I’ve missed something in an area I’ve travelled to.
And I think that’s the point I’m making, if you’re in the area then why not go? It’s cool to say you’ve been. But I don’t think it’s worth it if you’re going out of your way to drive there for a visit.
If you can make it a short stop on a cycling route or hiking stop, I think that’s a great way to visit Hum.
