Pula is the largest town in the Istrian region. It is located at the southern tip of the peninsula, and the town stretches on seven hills, just like famous Rome.
It is not tipical tourist center like Rovinj or Poreč, because is an center with developed shipbuilding and industry.
Neverthless, maybe it is even more interesting for tourist visits. That is because of it diversity which consists of biggest ancient heritage, the most beautfiul beaches in Istria and solid nightlife.
Here’s a look at how you can spent 3 days in Pula. We hope our Pula itinerary gives you some ideas of things to do on your first trip to Pula!
It is a good idea when you come first time to some city to explore it’s city center. Pula has a beautiful city heart, which can be describe as a ancient, substantial and inspirational.
You can start the tour on a most popular city place: Giardini Promenade. Great idea is than to visit the most popular monument in hole croatia, that is roman Amphitheatar. Once place for gladiator fights, now is a famous tourist destination, which also held many cultural and sport events. It retains its ellimptical shape and, at 130 x 100 meters, it is one of the six largest amphitheatres in the world and the only one to have four side towers.
You can continue the tour returning to the old city in Kandlerova street, place of many galleries and restaurants. Route will get you to central city square Forum. Biggest attraction over there is The Temple of Augustus which is an iconic landmark of city. 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.
The best option is to continue your journey till you get to city square Forum. To enter the square you must pas the beneath Golden Gate, the arch built in in honor of three members of the family who held important positions in Pula at roman times.
Pula has one of the most diverse and longest shore in whole Croatia, which is home of many breathtaking beaches. Since the city has a large coastline and plenty of beaches it is hard to say which ones are the most beautiful. If you like easy accessible, pebble or sandy type of beaches, then you should probaly try with Gortanova uvala (Lungomare Promenade), Ambrela (Verudela peninsula), Valkane beach (on of the biggest city beaches) or visit Medulin to enjoy the only sand beach in southern Istria.
If you’re adventuoures, and like open and clean sea, and mix of rocks and pebbles, then your choice should be Galebove stijene (placed in Stoja peninsula), Zlatne stijene (on your way to Verudela peninsula) or try maybe with Rt Kamenjak.
Istria’s eventful past has left a significant trace on its cuisine. The influence consists of Italian, Austrian and Hungarian, as well as Slav cuisine.
Did you know that Istrian olive oil is considered best in the world? Have you heard about local wine sort “malvazija”? 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 or cooking class with local guides. You can find biggest offer on different gastro experiences in Istria on this link.
Hotel Amfiteatar is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of Pula. It has sea view, restaurant, street food, big terrace and is surrounded with a greenery and shore. The location couldn’t be better because everything is in 5 minute walk distance: roman Amphitheatre, central square Forum, Giardini promenade, shore and marina.
Accomodation gives you perfect local gastro experience, because the hotel has both its restaurant and street food. When things started to be boring, our guides will arange you city tour, boat trip, wine tasting or adventure experience.
Book your stay in Hotel Amfiteatar when in Pula.
