Pula holidays

Pula holidays deliver on the best of both, combining the atmosphere of ancient Rome with the buzz of modern Croatia.

Old meets new

Pula is nestled beneath seven hills on the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula. Modern bars, pavement cafés and boutiques sit happily among ancient Roman ruins – the first-century amphitheatre and the Temple of Augustus are some of its top sights. As for beach action, the town is set to the side of the horseshoe-shaped Pula Bay, where calm turquoise waters are hugged by rugged terrain.

Beach options

About a kilometre south of Pula is the start of the Verudela Peninsula, where you’ll find 190 kilometres of mixed rocky, pebbly and shingle beaches. They shelve jaggedly into the crystal-clear Adriatic, and are backed by fragrant shady pine forests. The beaches and coves offer shallow waters which are great for snorkelling. Or, if you’d prefer to go diving or sea kayaking, the big hotels along the coast bolt on watersports centres and scuba diving schools.

Daytrips to Rovinj

It’s less than an hours’ drive to Rovinj from Pula. The Venetians built this place, as you’ll see from the way the town spills down to the sea. At its heart is the Cathedral of Saint Euphemia, with its 60-metre-high bell tower and fabulous pine forest views. You can amble around the cobbled Italianate streets for shops and artists’ workshops, and make a stop at one of the many trattorias for a pasta and truffle lunch.

Popular hotels in Pula

Top things to see and do in Pula

Beaches

Beaches to boast about

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.

The big beach

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.

The secret beach

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.

Shopping

Bargain buys

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.

Mid-range buys

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.

Designer buys

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.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

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.

Lively evenings

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.

Food & drink

Truffles

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

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.

Skampi na buzara

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.

Istrian prosciutto

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.

Rakija

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.

Average Weather in Pula

Facts about Pula

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Croatian
Time zone
GMT +1
Flight duration
2 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

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