Skip to contentWe invite you to discover Pula – an ancient city on Croatia’s coast, where a Roman amphitheater meets turquoise seas and streets whisper tales of old. As a team passionate about travel, we’re thrilled to share this corner of Istria: from its rich heritage to natural wonders. This guide will lead you through Pula’s arenas and beaches. Ready for the journey? Come with us!
History and Culture
Roman Heart of Istria
We step onto land where history comes alive. Founded over 3,000 years ago, Pula became a key Roman port in the 1st century BCE. Its amphitheater, built under Emperor Vespasian, still awe-inspires, once hosting 23,000 spectators. The Arch of the Sergii and Temple of Augustus transport us to Caesar’s era, while Venetian and Austrian influences added medieval charm.
Cultural Mosaic
We wander cobbled streets where every corner is art. The Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria in Kaštel Fortress recounts the past. Summer festivals, like the Pula Film Festival, come alive in the amphitheater, and galleries offer modern ceramics. Markets at Portarata Square tempt with wine and truffles.
🏛 Fun Fact: Pula’s amphitheater is one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world!
Natural Attractions
Adriatic Coastline
We can’t take our eyes off Pula’s turquoise sea. Beaches like Havajsko and Valkane are perfect for swimming, while Cape Kamenjak’s cliffs invite diving. We love waterfront strolls, where sunsets paint the sky in pink hues.
Islands and Parks
Brijuni National Park, just a 15-minute ferry ride away, is our oasis with forests, deer, and Roman ruins. Punta Verudela Park impresses with pine groves and panoramas. Štalije Cave near Pula stuns with stalactites, unveiling an underground world.
🌊 Tip: Bring a snorkel mask – Kamenjak’s underwater world is mesmerizing!
Tourism and Recreation
What to Do in Pula
We love Pula for its diversity. Tourism here means exploring Roman landmarks like the amphitheater or Golden Gate, or relaxing on Stoja beaches. We rent bikes to roam the coast or sail to Brijuni. Families enjoy Pula’s aquarium, while couples savor amphitheater concerts.
Activities and Relaxation
We recommend diving near Brijuni’s shipwrecks – a true adventure. Bike tours to Cape Kamenjak reveal wild beaches. For calm, try spa treatments at Arena hotels or coastal yoga. Markets like Tržnica tempt with fresh produce and souvenirs.
Flight Prices
We’ve gathered approximate flight costs to Pula Airport (PUY), in dollars (as of April 2025):
- ✈️ Bucharest (Romania) – $50–90 (Ryanair).
- ✈️ London (UK) – $80–130 (EasyJet).
- ✈️ Berlin (Germany) – $70–110 (Eurowings).
- ✈️ Paris (France) – $90–140 (Vueling).
- ✈️ Tokyo (Japan) – $550–750 (with layovers, ANA).
- ✈️ New York (USA) – $350–500 (with layovers, Delta).
Prices vary, so we suggest booking early!
Cuisine and Gastronomy
Taste of Istria
We savor Pula in every dish. Fuži – homemade pasta with truffles – is a flavor explosion. Maneštra – hearty vegetable soup – warms the soul. For dessert, kroštule – crispy lemon-zest pastries – delight. We can’t resist Malvazija wine.
Local Delicacies
We adore markets for olive oil, pršut, and Pag cheese. Waterfront taverns serve fresh seafood – oysters, squid, and grilled sardines. Truffle sauces are our gastronomic souvenir.
Food Prices
- 🍴 Lunch at a restaurant – $10–20 per person.
- 🍷 Glass of wine – $3–5.
- ☕ Coffee – $1.5–2.5.
- 🦑 Snacks (seafood) – $5–10.
We recommend dining at konobas – family-run restaurants with a homely vibe!
Lifestyle and Infrastructure
Pula’s Rhythm
We feel that Pula is where the past and present dance together. Locals – fishermen, winemakers, and artists – live in harmony with the sea. Summer brings tourists, but the city retains its Istrian serenity.
Infrastructure
We navigate Pula on foot or by bus ($1–3 per ride). Car rentals start at $25/day, bikes at $10/day. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafés, and Forum Square. Medical services are in central Pula ($30 per consultation). Rovinj or Poreč are a 1-hour bus ride ($5–8).
🏡 Accommodation: Apartments – from $60/night; hotels – from $90/night.
Practical Tips for Tourists
Our Recommendations
- 🗺️ Plan Ahead: Spend 3–4 days in Pula + a day for Brijuni.
- 💵 Money: Bring dollars to exchange for euros (~1 USD = 0.9 EUR).
- ☀️ Season: May–September for beaches, fall for calm.
- 🚶 Transport: Comfy shoes for cobbled streets.
- 🧴 Sunscreen: The sun here is bright!
Our Hacks
- Buy amphitheater tickets online to skip lines.
- Visit beaches early for more space.
- Try truffles at small taverns – they’re cheaper.
Conclusion
We’re convinced: Pula is where the sea sings and the soul rests. Here, we uncover Istria’s beauty, savor Adriatic dishes, and feel at home. It’s not just a city – it’s an emotion that lingers forever. Pack your suitcase, book your tickets – Pula awaits!
