Things to do in Pula
Pula Sightseeing
Pula offers a lot to tourists. When visiting it do not miss these tourist attractions:
Pula Amphitheater – also known as Pula Arena dates back to the 1stcentury BC and it is the one of best-known tourist attractions in Pula. The amphitheater in Pula is the only remaining Roman Amphitheatre to have all four side towers entirely preserved.
Temple of Augustus – alongside the Amphitheater Temple of Augustus is one of the best-known sights of Pula. It is situated in the Old Town of Pula. Today the temple serves as a Lapidarium.
What to do in Pula during your villa holidays?
Pula Virtual Reality Experience - Take a one-of-a-kind walking tour in Pula, to see the city's rich Roman history. Taking advantage of cutting-edge VR technology, this tour uses virtual reality glasses, a tailored VR app, and a digital map, offering an amazing visual and auditory adventure. Opt for a tailored experience with a licensed guide or go on a self-guided exploration. Either way, it promises a great few hours in this historic city.
Pula Aquarium - Aquarium is situated within the fort “Verudela”, once part of the defense complex built during the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The aquarium houses hundreds of fish species native to Adriatic and several tropical freshwater species.
Verudela Underwater Park - Situated within the Brioni Hotel is the Verudela Underwater Park, a window into the marine wonders of Istria. Go on an educational journey, discovering local marine species, observing sea urchins, and even partaking in fish-feeding sessions. Extending across nearly 200 m2 and reaching depths of up to 4 meters, it is a unique underwater experience waiting to be explored.
Museum of Olive Oil – a museum dedicated to Olive and methods of how olive oil was produced during history, from old Roman times till modern day. Additionally, every visit includes oil tasting.
Day trips from Pula
Regarding day trips from Pula, Istria we strongly recommend booking a boat ride to National Park Brijuni.Boat rides usually consist of sailing around Brijuni Island and visiting the national park. Also, do not miss a swim in crystal clear waters around St. Jerome Island.
Brijuni in Autumn
Cape Kamenjak
Nature park Cape Kamenjak stands as the Istrian Peninsula's utmost southern tip. Located within the village of Premantura, a mere 10 km from Pula, this cape boasts amazing bays and beautiful beaches, making it a destination not to be missed. It is accessible by boat, car, or bicycle, and for those walking or cycling in, entry is complimentary.
Cycling on Pula's Coast
Experience the beauty of the Pula region on a bike adventure, tailored for groups of up to 8 participants. Discover this amazing route and explore hidden coves and pristine beaches. Take a break to swim, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or even cliff-dive for the more adventurous guests.
Cycling in Croatia
Beaches in and around Pula
In the vicinity of Pula, the top beaches to explore during your stay in a villa in Pula include:
- The shores of Saint Andrew Island
- Verudela's popular Ambrela Beach
- The gravel Centinera Beach on Frasker Island
- The well-equipped Pjescana Uvala Beach in the city
- The Verudela Beach on the Zlatne Stijene Peninsula
- The rocky Lighthouse Beach on the Zlatne Stijene Peninsula
- The pebble Havajka Beach
- The fine-graveled Sveti Ivan Beach Pula
- A mix of rock and gravel at Saccorgiana Bay.
- The Golden Rock Beach.
- The Mornar Beach and Soline Bay.
- The Gortan Bay Beach.
- The paved Valkane Beach.
- The pebbled Stoja Beach.
- The Prostina Beach is near the Stinjan Peninsula.
- And the sheltered rocky beach of Muzilj Bay.
Beach in the Pula area
Restaurants in Pula and what to eat there
Pula is proud of its rich heritage in winemaking, fishing, and oil production. These ingredients lay the foundation for many of the region's signature dishes, not only in Istria but also in neighboring Dalmatia.
The coast of Pula Riviera and Medulin invites visitors to many bars, promising culinary experiences. Try Istria's classic dishes such as fuzi, gnocchi, pljukanci, Istrian prosciutto, diverse fish delicacies, and truffles, mixed with contemporary culinary twists. To elevate your experience, pair these dishes with the region's renowned wines, Malvasia and Teran. Do not miss to include the award-winning Istrian olive oils. For those with a sweet tooth, the local pulacinke (pancakes) are highly recommended.
Among the top restaurants in Pula are Restaurant Oasi, Ribarska Koliba Restaurant, Restaurant Milan, Piazza Nove, Restaurant Farabuto, Vodnjanka – Trattoria, and Epulon Food & Wine Restaurant. Some of these restaurants can be temporarily closed out of the season. So, check their opening hours prior to going. In summer it is wise to make a table reservation.
For those keen on trying the authentic flavors of Istrian cuisine in a more rustic setting, taverns - konobas are the way to go. A few of the best ones are Konoba Batelina, led by the renowned Croatian chef David Skoko, as well as Konoba Boccaporta.
Mediterranean Seafood
How to get to Pula, Istria?
Pula, the largest town in Istria is excellently connected with other Istrian towns as well as with the rest of Croatia with the network of highways and motorways known as Istrian Y and with European countries through route E70, E61 and E65.
Also, having an international airport nearby, Pula Airport, with flights to most major European cities, makes it an ideal vacation destination.
Weather in Pula, Croatia
Situated on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Pula has a Mediterranean climate that brings about warm summers and mild winters.