Pula holidays

Pula’s coastline plays host to a selection of small rock-and-pebbly beaches which wrap themselves around the sea’s clear-as-crystal waters. They tend to tick the boxes for snorkellers and scuba divers thanks to clear shallow waters which stay warm all summer long.

Manmade Hidrobaza Beach stacks up when it comes to facilities, we’re talking bars, sun terraces, sunbeds, parasols and even an inflatable obstacle course on the water. It’s around a 15-minute drive from the centre of the city and makes for a great option if you’d like to switch rock-and-pebble seafronts for sand-coated ones.

Located a 40-minute drive from the centre, Luca Beach is well worth its travel time for low-key days at the seaside. Just remember to pack your snorkelling gear – there’s an old fishing boat wreck you can take a swim around not too far from the shore.

The Gradska Trznica Pula is the city’s premier market, its indoor-and-outdoor stalls host fresh fish and meat produce as well as locally produced honey and wine. The market kicks off early doors, so to make the most of your visit head here first thing.

Flanaticka Ulica is Pula’s main shopping street, it’s home to mostly local brands but there are a few recognisable names from the international shopping scene here, too. The street’s fully pedestrianised, with bars and cafes spilling out onto the walkway providing a perfect pitstop between shops.

Pula doesn’t go heavy on designer shopping, but there’s a big collection of brands at Max City – the area’s biggest shopping centre. There’s a mix of high-street names and local names and you can pick up everything from clothes and shoes to perfumes and jewellery.

The Dante Square’s a popular spot for after-dinner drinks. A fountain sits at the centre, while bars spill out onto the path surrounding it. Local musicians tend to make an appearance after dark, too.

The area of Verudela hosts some of Pula’s top nightlife spots, with beach clubs hosting day-to-night parties most nights a week. Check out the programme at the Roman-built Punta Christo Fort, too – big name DJs often taken to the decks at some of Croatia’s biggest music festivals from here.

Istria’s well known on Europe’s truffle scene thanks to its production of award-winning black and white truffles. They pack a punch when it comes to flavour and you’ll find them in risottos and pasta dishes on restaurant menus around the city. If you’d like to buy some yourself, market stalls are the place to head.

Cevapi should be top of the to-try list for meat eaters – they’re well-seasoned minced sausages which are usually grilled or pan fried. Traditionally they’re served along raw onions and ajvar – a hot red paste made of garlic, chilli, aubergines and peppers.

This seafood stew’s a popular pick with locals – made with a combination of garlic, olive oil, white wine, breadcrumbs and parsley, it’s usually served alongside a pasta dish. A side of bread can come in handy when it comes to mopping up the juices.

This thing’s not your average piece of prosciutto, it’s got a super salty flavour as it’s dry-cured in the open air in the Istrian countryside during winter.

This fruit-flavoured brandy comes in loads of varieties – plum, grape, peach and apple to name a few. It’s usually enjoyed after a meal – just take it easy on the sips as it’s got a super-high alcohol content.