Pula

Travel Guide

Pula
Pula showing heritage elements and building ruins
Pula
Pula
Pula

Discover a wealth of historic sites in this lively port town, which is best known for its famous Roman amphitheatre.

The largest city in Istria, Pula offers an intriguing mix of past and present, with numerous Roman relics and an unpretentious atmosphere. Spend days lounging on beaches or exploring historical monuments and nights in its family-friendly restaurants and beachside bars. 

Trace Pula’s history back to the Illyrians who originally built a small settlement here. When Romans arrived almost 200 years B.C., the city rapidly expanded and several important buildings were constructed. Find evidence of Pula’s Roman past in its ancient monuments and ruins.

The city’s star attraction is the Pula Arena, one of the world’s largest Roman amphitheaters. Admire the impressive, remarkably well-preserved façade. Check to see if any concerts or events are being held here during your stay.

Continue exploring Pula’s Roman heritage at other ancient sites. Check out the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius and the Archaeological Museum, as well as the town’s main piazza on the site of the old Roman Forum. Other monuments worth seeking out include the Pula Cathedral and the Zerostrasse, an underground labyrinth of tunnels built for storage and protection during World War I.

Pula’s Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for beach activities. Head to the rocky bays of the Punta Verudela Peninsula, just south of the city or venture even farther south to Rt Kamenjak, a wild and secluded region with gorgeous empty beaches. Here enjoy swimming, sunbathing and scuba diving. Other popular excursions from Pula include boat trips to the stunning Brijuni Islands or daytrips to the villages of the surrounding wine region.

Arrange your trip to coincide with the Pula Film Festival in summer for the unique experience of watching a screening in the Roman amphitheatre. The Outlook Music Festival, held in late summer, is dedicated to bass music and is extremely popular.

Pula has its own international airport. From other Croatian destinations such as Zagreb or Rijeka, use a train or bus. Public buses connect Pula to other resorts and towns in the Istria region.

Where to stay in Pula

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Gregovica

Gregovica might not have many top sights, but Pula Arena and Pula Fortress are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Gregovica
Park Plaza Arena Pula
Park Plaza Arena Pula
3.5 out of 5
Verudella 31, Pula
The price is RM607 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
RM607
RM686 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Pula. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (620 reviews)
"We enjoyed our 3 nt stay at this complex . The beach our front was perfect for a swim & close to a couple of nice restaurants incl the hotels own which had a delicious & large Bkfst buffet.. Room was clean with a pool / ocean view was perfect !! Front desk staff were friendly & helpful with recs ..."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Park Plaza Arena Pula
Park Plaza Verudela Pula
Park Plaza Verudela Pula
4 out of 5
Verudella 11, Pula
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Pula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pula Arena and Punta Verudela Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (913 reviews)
Relaxing
"A lovely place to stay - out the way but still close to town. Lovely walks and pools, as well as good choice of restaurants - although food options cheaper in Pula itself. Didn’t realise I was booking a hotel that was on a holiday complex when I chose this, but still enjoyed"

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Park Plaza Verudela Pula
Splendid Golden Rocks Resort
Splendid Golden Rocks Resort
3 out of 5
Verudella 6/B, Pula
The price is RM610 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
RM610
RM690 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Jun - 7 Jun
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified resort in Pula. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Pula Arena and Fort Bourguignon ...
"Nice and spacious but a 3pm check in and 10am checkout is effectively half a day and stressful to get up and packed and out so early. Was a bit disappointing."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2024

Splendid Golden Rocks Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Arena Stoja Camping Homes
Arena Stoja Camping Homes
4 out of 5
Stoja 37, Pula
Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Pula Arena and Naval Cemetery are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
"Perfect for staying beside the sea :)"

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Arena Stoja Camping Homes
Horizont Resort
Horizont Resort
2 out of 5
Verudella 6/B, Pula
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Pula. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions Pula Arena and Fort Bourguignon ...
"Great location but needs proper TLC"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2024

Horizont Resort
Adrion Aparthotel
Adrion Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Puntižela 40, Pula
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Pula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Pula Arena and Štinjan Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
"Clean. Comfortable as only stayed one night."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Adrion Aparthotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Pula

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
31
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A pity that the town suffered extensive bomb damage during the second world war. Not a pretty tourist destination, like Rovinj, but interesting, as one could see how local people lived their lives. Good centre to explore further afield

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice little town just to walk around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic Roman architecture

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Unfortunately everything advertises online in Pula was actually closed. Adventure centers, jet ski, scuba diving, underwater world, shooting, archery, horse riding, spas, absolutely everything I tried to book I was unable to do.

5/5 - Excellent

Ewan

Please if you ever go anywhere in your life visit pula. Its an untapped haven and I suspect it will not stay the quiet quaint city it is at the moment. Beautiful scenery, amazing history, amazing beaches and clear water.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Friendly and good food at good price. People honest and happy to make suggestions for you. Buses vey good but be prepared to stand as nearly always very full.