Pula in Croatia: 15 must-see places
Pula in Croatia is one of Istria’s most interesting cities, and you’ll love it here if you enjoy combining swimming in the sea with exploring historical sites during your holiday. In a single weekend, you can walk through the Roman amphitheater, ancient gates, and underground tunnels, while also swimming in areas like Verudela.
If you stay longer, add the wild coast of Kamenjak and a day trip to Brijuni to your itinerary. Alternatively, extend your holiday by staying on the island of Veliki Brijun, which I’ve written about in another article. For me, the combination of Roman history, rocky coves, and good restaurants is the main reason not to spend just a few hours in Pula.
Accommodation in Pula
Find accommodation in Pula on the map:
If you’re mainly interested in sights and evening restaurants, I recommend accommodation in the city center, between the Arena and the area around the Forum. For a beach holiday, Verudela is more practical, as you’ll be close to Ambrela Beach, Hawaiian Beach, and other coves. A good alternative is also the Lungomare area, which offers a compromise between the sea and accessibility to the center.
Park Plaza Arena Pula
- A pleasant 3* hotel right by the beach, in a pine grove, less than 5 km from the Pula Amphitheater
- Good buffet half-board and a variety of rooms or apartments, even for families with several children
Park Plaza Arena Pula
Park Plaza Verudela Pula
- 4* apartment complex, near the beach and about an hour’s walk to the city center (or a few minutes by bus)
- Small kitchenette where you can prepare your own meals; breakfast can be purchased for an extra fee
Park Plaza Verudela Pula
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What to see in Pula? 15 places not to miss
1. Ancient Pula Arena
Pula Arena is clearly the most important place in the city. The monumental Roman amphitheater was built in the 1st century during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and could once hold around 23,000 spectators. Today, it hosts concerts, a film festival, and other cultural events. We also recommend walking through the underground spaces beneath the arena. Kája and I visited this place during our first trip to Croatia 20 years ago, and we still love coming back here from time to time.
2. Forum and Temple of Augustus
The second must-see place for me is the Forum, which was already the administrative and religious center of the city in Roman times. The most prominent monument is the Temple of Augustus, built between 2 BC and 14 AD. In the evening, this square is one of the most pleasant places to sit.
3. Roman Gates of Pula
While walking through the old town, look for all three of the most interesting Roman gates. The most photogenic is the Arch of the Sergii, also known as the Golden Gate, built between 29 and 27 BC. Then continue to the Hercules Gate and the Twin Gates.
4. Kaštel
Above the center stands the star-shaped Kaštel fortress with four bastions, built in 1630. Today, it houses the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. But for us, you should also head here for the views over the city rooftops towards the harbor.
5. Zerostrasse
Hidden beneath the Kaštel is a system of Austro-Hungarian underground tunnels called Zerostrasse. The accessible tunnel is approximately 400 meters long, and even in summer, the temperature inside does not exceed about 20 °C. The ticket is combined with a visit to the Kaštel.
6. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On the way between the Arena and the Forum, stop by the Pula Cathedral. The current building is based on an early Christian church from the 5th century, and its bell tower was partially built using stones from the Arena.
7. Small Roman Theatre / Pula in Croatia
Below the Kaštel fortress, you’ll find the Small Roman Theatre, whose history dates back to the 1st century. After extensive restoration, it once again serves for concerts and theatrical performances, interestingly combining original ancient remains with a modern structure.
8. Gortan Cove and Lungomare
One of the best combinations of a walk and a swim is the Lungomare. The coastal promenade is about four kilometers long and leads across rocky sections to Gortan Cove. It has a pebble beach with a gradual entry into the water, and you’ll find pleasant shade from pine trees nearby.
9. Ambrela Beach in Pula
On the Verudela peninsula, we mainly recommend Ambrela. I recommend this place as one of the first choices for families with small children. The advantage is the modified access to the water and a large nearby parking lot.
10. Hawaiian Beach / Pula in Croatia
Havajsko, or Hawaiian Beach, is one of the most beautiful small coves in Verudela. The pebble beach is surrounded by rocks and a pine forest, and I recommend it to those looking for a more photogenic spot than the large hotel beaches.
The coast around Pula
11. Hidrobaza
For families with children, we also recommend Hidrobaza, an approximately 700-meter-long landscaped beach with a view towards the Brijuni Islands. It offers a promenade, a bike path, playgrounds, sports fields, and beach bars. Part of the beach is also intended for those traveling on holiday with dogs – the area is marked.
12. Ribarska Koliba / Pula in Croatia
For dinner by the sea, we recommend Ribarska Koliba at Marina Veruda. The restaurant follows a gastronomic tradition of over a hundred years and focuses mainly on fish, seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine. In high season, it’s better to book a table in advance.
13. Konoba Boccaporta in Pula
If you want more traditional Istrian cuisine, try Boccaporta. The konoba offers homemade pasta, fish, and meat, and Falstaff rates it with 85 points in the Restaurant Guide Croatia 2026. It lies outside the most touristy historical center, so it’s especially suitable when traveling by car.
14. Cape Kamenjak
Plan a half-day to a full day for Kamenjak near Premantura, which I’ve written a separate article about. The wild southern tip of Istria offers a rocky coastline, crystal-clear coves, and snorkeling spots. Well-known stops include Pinižula, Njive, or Mala Kolombarica with the Safari Bar. You can also explore the coast by bike on the approximately 12 km long Orchid trail.
15. Brijuni National Park
The second trip we wouldn’t miss from Pula is the nearby Brijuni Islands. You can get to the main island, Veliki Brijun, by a regular passenger boat from nearby Fažana, and the crossing takes only about 15 minutes. A classic tour includes a tourist train, Safari Park, historical exhibitions, and other parts of the island. Many years ago, we also took a typical boat trip with lunch, which we bought directly in Pula.
In recent years, we’ve also enjoyed heading to the Brijuni Islands for shorter or longer holidays. The advantage is that in the morning and evening hours, there is a wonderful peace here, even in the peak summer season. Furthermore, transport to the islands is free as part of the accommodation on Brijuni. I’ve also written a separate article about our stay on Brijuni.
How to get from Pula airport to the center?
From Pula Airport, the easiest way to get to the city center is by the airport shuttle bus, which is operated directly by the airport. The airport is only about 5 km from the center of Pula, and in high season, the shuttle runs from May roughly every 90 minutes. The schedule may be adjusted according to current flights.
A one-way ticket costs €6 in 2026, and you can buy it directly on the bus or online. An alternative is a taxi or a pre-booked transfer, which is especially worth it when arriving late at night, with a lot of luggage, or when traveling in a larger group. You don’t need to rent a car just for Pula itself. The historical center isn’t large, and you can comfortably walk to most of the main sights.
How much time to set aside for Pula?
I recommend at least two days for the center itself and one beach. If you want to add Kamenjak and Brijuni, four to five days are ideal. Spend one day on Roman monuments, the second on swimming in the sea, and divide the other two days into full-day trips to the surroundings. I believe the city of Pula in Croatia will pleasantly surprise you, and you can use it as a main base for an active holiday in southern Istria.
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