Visiting Pula: what are the best things to do and see in this pearl of the Adriatic and the beautiful Istria region that surrounds it?
Located at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Pula has always been a strategic place for the region’s powerful people, from the Romans to the present day. Enjoying a natural, protected harbor, the city was developed by the Romans, which is why it is home to breathtaking ancient monuments, such as its amphitheater, marvelously well-preserved after 2000 years!
Later, the Venetians and Austro-Hungarians occupied the city to assert their domination of the Adriatic. These successive occupations enriched the city’s military and architectural heritage. If you’re planning a visit to Pula in the near future, we’ve listed the must-see things to do in Pula.
1. Roman Amphitheatre
Photo credit: Flickr- James Stringer
It’s the emblematic monument to visit in Pula and one of the most complete Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the monument is impressive for its height: the three levels of its outer ring are perfectly preserved, as is its interior. The underground passages used by the gladiators are still visible. The reason for its preservation lies in its use by medieval knights for tournaments, almost 1000 years after its construction in the 1st century.
2. Forum
Photo credit: Flickr- Janko Hoener
What to do in Pula? Visit the Forum, of course! As in Roman times, Pula’s Forum is the city’s main square. You can be sure that whenever there’s a big event, there’ll be entertainment in the Forum, just as there was two millennia ago! Every summer, concerts and other cultural events are held in the main square. A must-see
3. Temple of Augustus
Photo credit: Flickr- Christoph Sammer
Also unmissable on the Forum is this breathtaking Roman temple built in the early 1st century, perfectly preserved thanks to its conversion into a church by the Byzantines – which prevented its destruction in the course of history. Today, Pula’s Temple of Augustus is used as a lapidary museum, with Roman bronze and stone sculptures on display inside. It’s one of the best things you can do in Pula.
4. Arc de Triomphe des Serges
Photo credit: Flickr- James Stringer
Also known as the Golden Gate, it was built by the Serges family to commemorate their participation in the Battle of Actium. Built in 30 A.D., it was the city’s gateway to the port. It’s an 8-metre-high arch dating from the end of the 1st century BC, between the years 29 and 27.
5. Istrian Archaeological Museum
Photo credit: Flickr- orientalizing
While the Temple of Augustus became the city’s museum in the 18th century, it’s in this archaeological museum that all the wonders of the Istrian peninsula’s history are on display: artifacts from the Stone Age, mosaics from Roman times and relics from Byzantine times. A must-see in Pula if you’re a history buff.
6. Saint Francis Church and Monastery
Photo credit: Flickr- A.Currell
Located on the side of Pula’s central hill leading to the Forum, the Franciscan Church of Pula dates back to the 13th century. The huge late-Roman monastery was built in the century that followed. We recommend a visit to the cloister and courtyard, as well as the gardens, which boast a small oasis of statues and palm trees at their center. You can even admire small turtles sunning themselves in summer.
7. Kastel
Photo credit: Flickr- Alistair Young
A 16th-century Venetian fortress built right in the heart of Pula, the Kastel offers a breathtaking view of the city, its port and its surroundings. Shaped like a star to resist artillery fire, it was built to defend both the port and the Adriatic – a testament to Venetian power at the time.
8. Cape Kamenjak
Photo credit: Flickr- Kiss Tibor Noé
Located at the southernmost tip of the Istrian peninsula, this natural park is characterized by an irregularly indented coastline, offering more than 20 picturesque coves surrounded by crystal-clear waters. What’s more, the archipelago around the cape is made up of eleven uninhabited islands, waiting to be discovered. A great way to get away from it all once you’ve visited Pula.
9. Brijuni National Park
Photo credit: Flickr- Kiss Justine Lomba
The only way to reach this magnificent natural park from the mainland is by boat from the town of Fazana, a few kilometers north of Pula. Brijuni Park is simply breathtaking, with densely wooded islands surrounded by white sandy beaches. It’s also a place of history, with the site of Veliki Brijun, where 200 dinosaur footprints dating from the Cretaceous period have been discovered.
10. Taste Pula’s local produce
Photo credit: Flickr- Kiss MRB
What else is there to do in Pula? While you’re in Pula, take the opportunity to discover local food and drink – like Rakija, an aperitif common to all the Balkans, but with local peculiarities. Istria’s Rakija has varieties with honey, for example. Don’t hesitate to visit the Pula market to discover local products and buy truffle oil, for example!
11. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Phant
If you’re visiting Croatia’s Adriatic coast, there’s one step you shouldn’t miss: chartering a boat in Pula.
In fact, there are many beautiful places to visit nearby, including Krk, Rovinj and the Mali Bok nature reserve. It would be a shame not to rent a boat and miss out on these heavenly spots.
How to get to Pula
By far the best way to get to Pula is by plane. It’s also possible to take a bus from Zagreb, the Croatian capital (journey time between 4h and 5h), Zadar in Croatia (6h) or Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital (4H30) – if you want to include the destination in a road-trip, for example.
There are a few direct flights from France to Pula (from Nantes, for example), but you’ll need to plan at least one stopover if you’re flying from Paris or another French city. To find a cheap flight to Pula, you can search on the website of our partner Ulysses.
If Pula is part of the starting point for a road trip in Croatia, it may be worthwhile renting a car there. To find attractive prices for a rental car in Pula, you can use the Rentalcars comparator.
Where to stay in Pula?
Pula is above all a small town, where it’s very easy to get around without public transport. Lodging in the historic center is therefore not a necessity, but rather a comfort and a pleasure. You can also find homestay accommodation in Pula’s surrounding areas. In any case, you can read our article on where to stay in Pula to help you decide. You can find a cheap hotel in Pula by searching on this hotel comparator.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Pula,hr