English
French
Croatia Destination Highlight – Pula
Expect historic monuments, an authentic Croatian way of life, and immense natural beauty from a holiday in Pula.
Situated along the Dalmatian coast in the south of Istria, Pula is one of the oldest cities in Croatia. It supposedly dates back to the 10th century BC when the Illyrians settled in the area. It is the largest city in Istria and has a charming old town, many interesting historical monuments, lovely restaurants, and natural beauty in and around the city.
At Adventures Croatia, we are experts at planning holidays to Pula and the surrounding regions. Our friendly and knowledgeable team have over 12 years of experience in crafting unique, exclusive, and personalized vacations that are tailored to your dreams.
Is Pula Worth Visiting?
Pula boasts a deep history that blends seamlessly with the vibrancy of modern life. It is a lively city, filled with music festivals, art galleries, and gastronomy that offers a unique Croatian experience to visitors.
Pula can be described as a museum in the open, with the stories of civilisation etched onto its walls, offering an enticing cultural experience for all visitors. Pula also acts as the gateway to the rest of Istria and is definitely worth including into your Croatian vacation.
Our Popular Tours to Pula
- Adriatic Escape – Istria and Northern Croatia: A 10-day tour beginning in Zagreb and including guided tours of ancient cities, museums, and galleries.
- Croatia Grand Tour – Land and Cruise: A 20-day tour from the north to the south of Croatia, on both land and the sea, in which you can see as much of Croatia as possible.
- Explore Northern Croatia and Dalmatia: A 12-day custom itinerary private journey from the north to the south of Croatia.
Things to do in Pula
Most of the attractions in Pula are situated within the old town but the surrounding areas are also filled with nature parks and wonderful beaches that are worth visiting.
History and Culture
Pula has a rich history and the old town is a must-visit on any trip into this ancient city. Walk through the streets and admire the architectural tapestry of Roman, Venetian, Austrian and Italian buildings that line the streets.
The Roman Amphitheatre, also known as the Pula Arena, is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world and is the iconic landmark of this historically important city. The Pula Arena is open to the public to visit and also holds concerts, festivals, and other cultural events during the summer months. Attending an event here is an opportunity not to be missed.
The Temple of Augustus is situated in the Forum and supposedly dates back to some time between 2 BC and 14 AD. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a bomb but it was rebuilt around 1945 and now houses a collection of ancient stone and bronze sculptures.
Wander up to Fortress Kaštel, a fort from the early 17th century which is situated atop of the tallest hill in Pula. The fort now houses a museum and has a fantastic view of the city and Pula Arena below.
Beaches and Natural Beauty
The peninsula of Verudela is located a short drive from the old town and has a spectacular array of beaches to visit. Verudela Beach offers a stretch of pebbled coastline that can only be described as a place of utter tranquility and relaxation.
Unwind in the sun before heading into the calm waters for a dip. Hawaii Beach has a real Caribbean feel, with clear turquoise waters, making it very popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
Hidden on the Stoja peninsula you’ll find the Pula Sea Cave. It can be reached via a hike through the forest or alternatively through a boat or kayak tour. Surrounded by lush greenery, the cave is a stunning destination. Swim or snorkel in the warm waters to explore the underwater world.
Cape Kamenjak Nature Park is a protected area at the southern tip of Istria and is filled with fragrant pine forests and wild beaches. The beautiful coastline is filled with hiking and biking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded bays.
Culinary Delights
Gastronomy in Pula seamlessly melds a vibrant array of flavors and traditions, showcasing the very best of Istrian cuisine. The sheer variety of culinary offerings in Pula offer a memorable experience for food and wine lovers alike.
The cuisine in Pula is a mix of seafood and Italian dishes, with emphasis on truffles, olive oil, and the regional speciality – wine. Taking a trip to one of the nearby wine farms is a lovely way to immerse yourself into the Istrian culture and gastronomy.
The old market hall, which is over 120 years old, remains an authentic meeting place for locals. Over 60 stalls sell regional products and Croatian delicacies including fish, honey, meat, and more. It is open every day and is a fantastic place to sample the local produce.
How to Get to Pula
Pula’s airport is one of the smaller airports in Croatia, with just one terminal building, which serves numerous direct flights from various European cities. The airport is located just 5.5 miles outside of the city center, so it is an easy journey once you land.
The well-maintained highways in the region connect Pula to the rest of Istria as well as neighboring countries Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. Pula can also be accessed from the sea via private charter from other Croatian cities or even Venice in Italy.
Our travel experts here at Adventures Croatia are here to help assist you with planning and booking your trip. Our pre-planned private journeys include private transfers to all of your destinations.
What to Expect From a Holiday in Pula, Croatia
The blend of cultural and historic activities, natural beauty, and gastronomy make Pula a fantastic holiday destination for all.
Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins, enjoying the scenic Croatian coastline, indulging in local cuisine, or experiencing vibrant festivals, Pula caters to a wide range of interests and provides a memorable vacation experience.
At Adventures Croatia, we can help you plan your dream holiday in Pula, Istria and the surrounding areas of Croatia. Whether that be a food and wine tour, a historic walking tour, or excursions such as kayaking or hiking, we can include it into your bespoke custom travel plans.
Planning a Holiday in Pula with Adventures Croatia
Are you looking to book a holiday in Pula and the surrounding areas? From customized travel plans to Croatia to pre-planned private journeys, our team at Adventures Croatia are here to help you plan your perfect vacation. To start the planning process, give us a call at 1-800-818-8015 or email [email protected].