Located on Croatia’s northwest coast, the city of Pula is perfect for a short, 3-day break. From ancient history to beaches, Pula is a city with something for everyone.
We hope our Pula itinerary gives you some ideas of things to do on your first trip to Pula!
Average tourist in Pula starts the city walk from Portarata square. And it’s not a bad idea at all. From the Portarata square, beneath roman triumphial monument, Arch of the Sergii, begins adventure to the city core.
Path is leading through narrow small street, and after 5-10 walk, first stop is at stunning central square Forum. Main attraction overthere is The Temple of Augustus. It 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.
Journey continues through Kandlerova street, which is home of many art galleries. When you pass the street after short walk you shoul see stunnning roman Amphitheatar. Built under Emperor Vespasian, the arena could hold up to 20,000 spectators for gladiator fights.
After a long walk it’s time for lunch. If you’re planning to eat in the city center, near the Amphitheatar, there are few attractive places. If you prefer pizza you should visit pizzeria Jupiter. You can also try with Restoran Amfiteatar for mediterranean, fish or vegan food or side by side Zembie’s street food which offers consist of burgers, tortillas and salads.
After exhausting day, maybe it is time for splendent beaches. If you like pebble or rocky ones, 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).
Istria’s rich past has left a enormous trace on its cuisine. The influence consists of Italian, Austrian, Hungarian, Orient 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 chance and take on of the gastro tour or cooking class with local guides. Our recommendation is cooking classes with one of the most creative chef in the Croatia with respectable international experience, Deniz Zembo. Check more info here.
Istria is probably adventure capital of Croatia. There are many things in which you can enjoy during your vacation. Kayak, SUP, quad, buggy, aquapark, dinoparks…You name it.
Families usually love to choose some of two big aquaparks. Aquacolors is the biggest one, more exciting with more attractions, and on the other side, Istralandia aquapark is more chilling and family friendly.
There are two more interesting parks in Istria. First one is Glavani Park, with largest high ropes climbing course in Croatia. They also have 3G high swing, Devil’s Causeway, the 20 metre Quick Jump and many more. The second one is Dinopark Funtana is the largest croatian fun dinopark for families and kids. Dinosaurs, amusement park, MiniZoo, Live Show, paintball and other fun can be found in this unique park.
Istria is full of interesting things to do, everything in 1h hour distance. If you don’t have enough time, you can at least make a trip to Brijuni Island or Cape Kamenjak, both in 10 kilometers distance form Pula.
Brijuni National Park is a large group of islands located on the western coast of Istria, just near small city of Fažana. The Brijuni archipelago consists of 14 islands situated on the surface of 744 hectares.
People visit national park because of nature beauty, a beautiful safari park, dinosaur footprints and the old olive trees.
To get to Brijuni National Park, you first need to travel to small town Fažana where you can leave your car. The only transport to Brijuni are boats which unfortunately don’t transport cars.
The Kamenjak Peninsula is the southernmost cape of Istria. Kamenjak rugged coastline consist of numerous beaches including 11 unhabitated islands.
30 kilometer long coastline offers many places to swim, high water jump, drive a bike or enjoy walking. Once you get tired of swimming, you can stay in one of the many beach bars.
While cyclists and pedestrians have free entry to the nature park, a fee is payable for all motor vehicles: car, motorbike or van.
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 casual restaurant, street food and new born vegan concept. 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.
