The 11 things to do in Pula

Visit Pula: what are the best things to do and see in this pearl of the Adriatic and the beautiful region of the Istria around it?

Located on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, overlooking the Adriatic, Pula has always been a strategic place for the powerful of the region from the Romans to the present day. Playing from a natural and protected port, the city was developed by the Romans, which is why it houses ancient monuments to breathe, like its amphitheatre, wonderfully preserved after 2000 years!

Later, Venetians then Austro-Hungarians occupied the city to affirm their domination over the Adriatic. These successive occupations have enriched the military and architectural heritage of the city. If you've planned to visit Pula soon, you've been listed the essential things to do in Pula.

1. Roman amphitheatre

It is the emblematic monument that must be visited in Pula and one of the most comprehensive Roman amphitheatre in the world. Built under the reign of Emperor Augustus, the monument is impressive by its height: the three levels of its outer ring are perfectly preserved, as well as its interior. It is thus possible to see the underground passages used by the gladiators. The reason for its conservation lies in its use by medieval knights for tournaments, almost 1000 years after its construction in the 1st century.

2. Forum

What to do in Pula? Visit the Forum of course! As in Roman times, the forum of Pula is the main square of the city. You can be certain that every time there is a great event, there will be animation in the Forum, as we already did two millennia ago! Thus, each summer, concerts or other cultural events are organized on this main square. A must

3. Temple of Augustus

Also Immanquable on the Forum is this stunning Roman temple built at the beginning of the first century, perfectly preserved thanks to its conversion to church by the Byzantines – which avoided its destruction during history. Today, the temple of Augustus de Pula is used as the Lapidary Museum and Roman sculptures made of bronze or stone are exhibited inside. This is one of the best things you can do in Pula.

4. Arc de Triomphe des Serges

Also known as “Door Door”, it was built by the Serges family to commemorate their participation in the Actium Battle. Built in 30 after Jesus Christ, it was the door of the city leading to the port. You will surely pass there during your visit to Pula, it is an arc of 8 meters high, dating from the end of the 1st century before Jesus Christ, between the year 29 and the year 27.

5. Istria Archaeological Museum

If the Temple of Augustus became the museum of the city in the 18th century, it is in this archaeological museum that all the wonders of the history of the Istrian Peninsula are presented: whether it be artifacts dating from the Age of Peter, mosaics from the Roman era or relics dating from the Byzantine era. To do absolutely in Pula if you are a ferus of history.

6. Church and Monastery of Saint Francis

Located on the side of the central hill of Pula, leading to the Forum, the Franciscan Church of Pula dates back to the 13th century. The immense late Roman monastery was built in the century that followed. We advise you to visit the cloister and the courtyard, as well as gardens, which have a small oasis of statue and palm trees in their center. It is even possible to admire small turtles taking the sun in the summer.

7. Kastel

The Venetian fortress of the 16th century built in the heart of Pula, Kastel offers stunning views of the city, its port and its surroundings. In the form of a star to resist the artillery, it was built to defend the port as well as the Adriatic – a testimony of the Venetian power of the time.

8. Cap Kamenjak

Located in the far south of the Istrian Peninsula, this natural park is characterized by an irregularly cut coastline, which offers more than 20 picturesque coves surrounded by crystalline waters. In addition, the archipelago around the cape is composed of eleven uninhabited island, to be discovered. A good way to escape in the middle of nature once you have visited Pula.

9. Brijuni National Park

The only way to access this beautiful natural park from the mainland is to take the boat from the city of Fazana, a few kilometers north of Pula. Brijuni Park is simply breathtaking, with densely wooded islands surrounded by white sandy beaches. It is also a place of history, with the site of Veliki Brijun, where 200 dinosaur prints dating from the Cretaceous were discovered.

10. Taste local products from Pula

What else to do in Pula? During your stay in Pula, enjoy it to discover local dishes and drinks – such as Rakija , an aperitif common to all the Balkans, but with local features. Istria has varieties with honey in particular. Do not hesitate to visit the Pula market to discover local products and buy truffle oil for example!

11. A boat ride

If you are on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: boat rental in Pula .

Indeed, very nice places are nearby, as Krk , Rovinj or Mali Bok Nature Reserve. It would therefore be a shame not to rent a boat and thus to miss these heavenly places.

How to get to Pula?

The plane is by far the best way to get to Pula. It is also possible to take a bus from Zagreb, the Croatian capital (duration from 4am to 5am), Zadar to Croatia (duration from 6am) or Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital (duration 4H30) – if you want to register the destination in a road trip for example.

There are some direct flights from France to Pula (e.g. from Nantes), but at least one stopover will be required if you leave Paris or another city in France. To find cheap flights to Pula, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

If Pula is part of the starting point of a road trip in Croatia, it can be interesting to rent a car on site. To find attractive prices for a rental car in Pula, you can use the Compare Rentalcars .

Where to stay in Pula?

Pula remains above all a small town, where it is very easy to move without public transport. Logging in the historic centre is therefore not a necessity, but more comfort, pleasure. You can also find accommodation in the living room around Pula. In any case, you can read our article on the areas where to stay in Pula to help you make your decision. You can find a cheap hotel in Pula by searching for this Compare hotels .