Pula

Pula is a historic port city at the tip of the Istrian peninsula where Roman ruins meet Adriatic coastal charm. The star attraction is the remarkably preserved Roman Arena, one of the six largest surviving amphitheatres in the world. Beyond the arena, the city offers Roman gates, temples, and medieval fortresses scattered throughout a walkable pedestrian historic centre. Summer brings the Pula Film Festival to the Arena, while the surrounding peninsula offers beaches, truffle-hunting countryside, and boat trips to the Brijuni Islands.

Pula Airport (PUY) serves scheduled and charter flights, many of them seasonal during summer months. Pula has a railway station connected to the Croatian rail network, offering connections to other Istrian destinations. Bus services link Pula with cities across Croatia and into Slovenia. By sea, ferries connect to nearby islands and the Istrian coast.

The historic town centre is fully pedestrianized, and most tourist attractions are located inside or within a few blocks of each other. Everything in the old town can easily be reached on foot. For beaches further out in areas like Premantura or Verudela, local buses or boats are available.

Most tourists visit Pula during the summer months of June through August when the weather is warm (18-29°C in July) and all attractions and restaurants are fully open. The shoulder seasons of May and September offer milder temperatures with fewer crowds. From October through May, many tourist attractions and restaurants close, and the city takes on a much quieter, local character. Winter temperatures range from 1-10°C in January.

Pula's historic centre offers central hostels like Hostel Pipištrelo (€17-23.50) and Hostel Art & Joy (€17-27), both popular with backpackers. The Youth Hostel near Zlatne Stijene beach is 10 meters from the sea and accessible by bus 2a. The Amfiteatar Hotel sits just 100m from the Roman amphitheatre with modern amenities. Apartments for 2-4 persons with kitchen facilities are widely available, ranging from budget options near Brijuni to pool-equipped units in quieter northern neighbourhoods.

Pula offers excellent seafood, with Restaurant Orfej near the Forum noted for great seafood at lower prices than surrounding restaurants. Pizzeria Asterix on Piranesijev prilaz serves what locals claim is the best pizza in town, with a unique option to have the pizza divided into thirds with different toppings. Kod Kadre and Furia on Narodni trg offer additional dining options. The Sergijevaca street features small shops, bars, and sweet shops for casual browsing.

The Arena (Roman amphitheatre) is the top attraction at €10 entry, including access to the interior and underground caverns, with an audio tour recommended for its limited interpretive signage. Boats to Brijuni Islands National Park depart from Fažana at €40 per person (€50 with guided tour), where you can see dinosaur footprints, a former Tito resort, and scenic beauty. Fish picnics from local marinas cost around €33.50 per person. The Kamenjak peninsula near Premantura, 8 km south, offers stunning protected landscapes and beaches. The annual Pula Film Festival takes place in the Arena during the second half of July.

Istria is famous for its truffles and truffle products, a regional specialty. Malvazija and Teran are the most prominent local wines available throughout the city. Rakija, Croatian brandy, comes in varieties including Medica (honey rakija) and Biska (mistletoe rakija). Small producers in the surrounding countryside offer olive oil tastings, and the Istrian Olive Oil Museum provides exhibits on production history with tastings included.

As of September 2021, Pula and the coastal highway have 4G coverage from A1 and Tele2, while T-Mobile offers 5G. WiFi is widely available in public places throughout the city.

The Brijuni Islands National Park, accessible by boat from nearby Fažana, offer dinosaur footprints, archaeological sites, a small zoo, and the former Yugoslav presidential resort of Josip Broz Tito. Rovinj and Poreč are charming coastal towns on the Istrian coast worth visiting. Inland, the hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun offer artistic galleries, medieval architecture, and truffle-hunting opportunities.

Rovinj (Rovigno) and Poreč (Parenzo) are the nearest coastal alternatives, both offering their own Roman and Venetian heritage along the Istrian Riviera. For cultural exploration, the inland hill towns of Grožnjan (Grisignana) and Motovun (Montona) provide artistic galleries, medieval architecture, and access to truffle-rich forests. The Brijuni Islands National Park remains a top day trip option from Pula.