Things To Do
in Pula
Pula is a historic city located in the region of Istria along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. The city is renowned for its well-preserved Roman ruins, most notably the impressive Pula Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater that still hosts events today. Pula also boasts beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts.
With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Pula offers visitors a diverse and memorable experience.
- "Dobar dan" - Good day
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please
- "Kako si?" - How are you?
- "Gdje je WC?" - Where is the restroom?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1.50 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the iconic Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Take some time to walk around the nearby ancient ruins and soak in the history.
Head to the Temple of Augustus and marvel at its stunning architecture. Enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Istrian cuisine.
Stroll through the charming streets of Pula as the sun sets. Find a cozy spot for dinner, experiencing the vibrant nightlife.
Spend your morning at Punta Verudela Beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a light breakfast at a beach café.
After lunch, engage in water sports or relax on the beach with a good book. Explore nearby coves and enjoy the natural beauty.
As the day winds down, head to a seaside restaurant for fresh seafood. Enjoy the sunset views and the soothing sound of the waves.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and culture, with well-preserved Roman ruins like the Arena.
- Beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes along the Istrian coastline.
- Vibrant food scene featuring local Istrian cuisine and wines.
- Mild Mediterranean climate, ideal for year-round tourism.
- A variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports.
- Tourist overcrowding during peak season can detract from the experience.
- Higher prices for accommodations and dining compared to less touristy areas.
- Limited public transportation options may make it difficult to explore nearby areas.
- Some attractions may have limited opening hours or be closed off-season.
- Language barriers for those not speaking Croatian, although English is commonly spoken.
Best Activities in Pula
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience the stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters by enjoying a day at the beach
Tours
Uncover the best of Pula with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Pula
Visit one of these nice places.
A well-preserved Roman amphitheater offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
Perched on a hill, it provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
Picturesque old town with charming streets and a stunning coastal setting, perfect for photography.
Food in Pula
Pula Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty bean and meat stew flavored with Istrian prosciutto and herbs. Best enjoyed at Konoba Batelina, a renowned seafood restaurant.
Must-Try!
A traditional omelette often prepared with wild asparagus, mushrooms, or Istrian truffles. Fritaja delights can be savored at Konoba Istranka, a charming family-owned tavern.
These delicious doughy pasta served with various sauces such as truffle, wild game, or seafood. Visit Jupiter Pizzeria & Restaurant for an authentic taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Pula better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Pula's lively market featuring an array of fresh produce, cheese, olive oil, and local delicacies. Perfect for sampling authentic Istrian cuisine and sourcing local ingredients.
Indulge in street food delights at the Pula Arena kiosk, offering mouthwatering options like cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (flaky pastries), and fritule (sweet fritters).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Pula, it is a cultural norm to greet people with a handshake, especially when meeting for the first time. It's important to maintain eye contact and show respect during greetings.
When dining in Pula, it's common to wait until the host gestures or invites you to begin eating. It's also polite to keep your hands visible on the table and to express gratitude for the meal.
Pula has a rich history and is home to many historical sites and landmarks. It's important to show respect when visiting these sites by following all posted rules and regulations, and refraining from any disrespectful behavior.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Pula with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Pula
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Pula, Croatia, is not expected but appreciated. In restaurants, a service charge is often included in the bill, so tipping is not mandatory. However, leaving a small amount as a token of appreciation for good service is common.
Cash is widely used for payments in Pula, Croatia, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. However, credit and debit cards are also commonly accepted, particularly in larger businesses and tourist areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more remote locations.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Pula.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather, fewer tourists, and blooming nature.
Peak tourist season with hot weather, crowded beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Mild weather, fewer crowds, and ideal for outdoor activities.
Cool and damp weather, fewer tourists, and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Pula at Night
Hiking in Pula
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about an hour's drive from Pula, Učka offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the Kvarner Bay and surrounding landscapes.
Explore the scenic routes along the Istria Wine Road, which includes several hiking paths through vineyards and picturesque villages.
Accessible by boat from Pula, Brijuni offers various trails around the islands with beautiful views, historical sites, and wildlife.
Located at the southern tip of Istria, this nature reserve features several hiking trails along the coast with breathtaking sea views and unique rock formations.
A bit further inland, the trails around the Motovun Forest provide a great mix of nature and medieval history, with opportunities to see truffles and local fauna.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Pula through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Pula by plane.
The main international airport serving Croatia, located in the capital city of Zagreb, approximately 260 km from Pula.
An international airport located in Trieste, Italy, about 120 km from Pula, serving the northeastern region of Italy and nearby Slovenia.
An international airport located on Krk Island, approximately 100 km from Pula, serving the Kvarner region of Croatia.
An international airport serving Venice, Italy, located about 180 km from Pula, offering many international flights.
The local international airport in Pula, Croatia, which serves mainly seasonal flights and is located just a few kilometers from the city center.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Pula, making up the majority of the population.
A significant minority in Pula, reflecting the city's historical ties to Italy.
A minority group in Pula, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
A smaller ethnic group present in Pula, due to its proximity to Slovenia.
Includes various other ethnicities and expatriates, contributing to Pula's multicultural landscape.
The Soul of Pula
Discover the essence of Pula through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Pula, with a strong local club, NK Istra 1961, participating in Croatian leagues and engaging the community through various youth programs.
Basketball enjoys a significant following in Pula, with local teams and clubs fostering talent and competing in regional leagues.
Handball has a dedicated fan base in Pula, supported by local teams competing at various levels, promoting both youth and adult participation.
Given Pula's coastal location, water sports such as swimming, sailing, and diving are immensely popular, attracting both locals and tourists.
Athletics is practiced by many in Pula, with local clubs organizing events and training sessions for various track and field disciplines.
Cycling is popular in Pula, aided by scenic routes and a growing cycling community that participates in events and recreational riding.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pula.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Pula offer a range of delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes, from fresh salads to creamy truffle risottos, ensuring a delightful dining experience for non-meat eaters.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can savor gluten-free pasta dishes, seafood, and an assortment of mouthwatering salads at various accommodating dining establishments across Pula.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Pula with these cultural adventures.
