Top 10 things to do in Pula

Beaches may be in the forefront of travellers’ minds when they think of Croatia, but the country’s historical and cultural side is quite impressive. Nowhere is that more clear than in the ancient city of Pula, which is administrative center of Istrian region.

Sounds like your staying in Pula should be all except boring? You are right, and here is our choice of 10 things to do in Pula.

1. Famous Amphitheatar

There’s really no way you can talk about things to do in Pula and not start with this impresive monument. Built under Emperor Vespasian, the arena could hold up to 20,000 spectators for gladiator fights. Now it is being used as a venue for popular events, especially in music, with cosigns like Foo Fighters, Sting, Tom Jones, Michael Bolton, Norah Jones, Luciano Pavarotti…

Hint: Locals called it “Arena”, so you will be able to find it easier going with that name.

2. ZEROSTRASSE – The Underground Shelter Tunnels of Pula

How many cities in the world have tunnel network in heart of the old city? Well, certainly not many, so this makes it a perfect tourist attraction.

This underground system of tunnels was built before and during WWI to shelter the city’s population and serve as storage for ammunition. Now you can walk through several of its branches, which all lead to the middle where’s a photo exhibition on early aviation in Pula. There are three entrances, the easiest of which to find is by the taxi stand on Giardini.

Fun fact: The tunnels can hold around 50,000 people, nearly Pula’s whole population.

3. Cape Kamenjak Nature Park – peace of wildnerness in Istria

Kamenjak is a wonderful park located on the Premantura peninsula on the southern tip of Istria. With an unusual landscape, miles of rugged coastline and beaches to enjoy, coves and caves to explore, a quirky ‘safari bar’ and even some animals to see, it’s definitely worth visiting.

Did you know: More than 500 different plant species are growing on a relatively small area of ​​14 km2. 

Tip: Cyclists and pedestrians have free entry to the nature park.

4. Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park consists of 14 small islands placed just near small city of Fažana (5 kilometers distance from Pula). The nature reserve has many historical landmarks from ancient Roman times, without any cars in sight. If you’re here on a day trip, look out for dinosaur footprints scattered throughout the ancient sites especially on the rocks. 

After the World War II, Brijuni, and the rest of Istria, became part of Tito’s Yugoslavia. He used Brijuni as his base, setting up the Non-Aligned Movement with India and Egypt here in 1956 and inviting the rich and famous (JFK, Sophia Loren…) to his idyllic playground. Tito was regularly presented with exotic animals; you can still see many of them in Safari park, including Lanka, one of two elephants presented by Indira Gandhi.

Stay until sunset to catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming in the Adriatic. You can get to Brijuni National Park via a 15-minute boat ride from the town of Fažana – boats leave almost hourly from 9am onwards.

Did you know: Austrian steel magnate, Paul Kupelwieser bought Brijuni as real estate for 75,000 gold florins. His dream was to create an English inspired country park, and now Brijuni is Kupelwieser’s legacy.

5. One of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Croatia

If you like pebble or rocky beaches, Pula has probably the most beautiful ones in the whole Croatia. Best way to describe them in few words would be: untouched nature and emerald colour of the sea. If you love sand beaches, you should think of beach Valovine (Stoja) and Bijaca (Medulin).

Our reccomendation: Ambrella (most popular beach), Gortanova uvala, Havajsko, Galebove stijene (untouched nature with big rocks and open sea), Valovine (popular for kids and family).

6. Central square Forum and marvel Temple of Augustus

The Temple of Augustus, located in the town’s main square of Pula Forum, is an iconic landmark of Pula. Established in 27 BC, it was dedicated to Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. The temple underwent restoration from 1945 to 1947, after it was nearly destroyed by a bomb during a WWII air raid. 

7. The Kastel fortress – one of the best city view

The Kastel fortress was built by the Venetians in the 1630s and was an integral part of Pula’s system of defense. The location on the top of the city center hill provided an advantageous viewpoint over the city and sea. The original structure, a French design, was expanded on several occasions. No longer used to protect the city, the castle is now home of the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria.

8. Pula Aquarium – home of many local and exotic spicies

Pula Aquarium is part of Fort Verudela, a former defence complex of the Austro-Hungary. The family-friendly centre displays hundreds of fish species from the Adriatic sea, along with several from all over the world. Expect to see marine creatures such as sharks and seahorses at the aquarium as well.

9. A historical cathedral in central Pula

Pula Cathedral is a co-cathedral that’s part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pula and Poreč. Built during the 5th century AD, the cathedral was made famous in the 1600s, when 5 sarcophagi containing the bones of early Christian saints were found underneath the main altar. It’s also been said that the remains of Solomon, the King of Hungary were part of the remains.

Just outside the church, you’ll see a bell tower that was constructed in 1707 using stones from Arena. If you’re a fan of historical art, the structure has a series of mosaics dating back to the 5th and 6 th centuries.

10. Excellent gastro experience

Istria’s eventful past has left a significant trace on its cuisine – the influence of Italian, Central European, especially Austrian and Hungarian, as well as Slav cuisine can also be felt in restaurants and local dishes.

Did you know that Istrian olive oil is considered best in the world? Have you heard about “malvazija”, well known local sort of wine. Are you familiar with truffles, and fact that forest of Istria hide one of the most expensive white and black truffles.

Don’t miss the oportunity and take on of the gastro tour with local guides.