Together with friends, we went to the small, charming town of Pula in Croatia. This trip came at just the right time; we were all longing for sun, sea, and relaxing days together. Pula is located on the Istrian peninsula in the north of the country, right next to Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. This coastal town simply offers the perfect mix of city, beach, and cool activities. I’ll tell you all about our time in Pula, the sights, excursion destinations, and beaches in today’s post. Enjoy browsing!

• Pula in Croatia
• Getting to Pula
• Local Transportation
• Booking Accommodation
• Sights in Pula
• Other Sights in Pula
• Kayaking into the Cave
• Motorboat Trip
• Other Activities in Pula
• Beaches in Pula
• Currency and Cash Withdrawals
• Conclusion on Pula in Croatia

Pula in Croatia

I’ve always wanted to go to Croatia, as I’d heard so many good things about this country. We gave a friend of mine a trip to the coastal town of Pula for her 30th birthday and had been looking forward to this short vacation for months. We were going not only to the largest city in Istria, but also to the oldest. A mix of culture, beach holidays, sightseeing, and the sea awaited us here. Pula is best known for its 2,000-year-old, beautiful amphitheater (Pula Arena), which is the sixth largest in the world. However, you’ll also find many other sights from Roman times in the city.

Pula has an international airport, a harbor, and good bus, flight, and ferry connections. The region is also popular with campers, and accordingly, you’ll find numerous campsites and vacation rentals here. Due to its proximity to Italy, Croatian and Italian are spoken here; both are official languages in Pula. In the hinterland, Istria’s oldest language, Istrian, is still in use. The coastal town of Pula has a population of around 57,400, only a third as many as, for example, Zadar.

Getting to Pula

Pula can be reached in many different ways. We flew from Berlin-Tegel and were in Pula in less than two hours. There are direct flights from Stuttgart, Berlin-Tegel, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Munich. Alternatively, you could also fly to Split, Zadar, Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, or Osijek. As in our case, you’ll land at Pula International Airport, and it’ll only take you 10-15 minutes to get to the city center.

Many vacationers arrive by car or caravan. From Berlin, it’s around 1200 km, from Munich only 600 km, and from Stuttgart 840 km. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll have to pay tolls along the way (Austria, Slovenia & Croatia). This can easily add up to €100 (or more) for the round trip. If you’re not coming from southern Germany, it’s a good idea to make a stopover so the journey isn’t too long for the driver.

You also have the option of traveling by bus. From Munich, the journey takes around 10 to 12 hours and costs around €30. This would be the most environmentally friendly way to get to Pula. It’s best to use a bus search and check the bus connections. While it’s a bit longer than by car, you don’t have to drive yourself and can relax. Buses also run from Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

Local Transportation

In the center itself, you can easily walk; some parts of the old town are even car-free. If you want to get to your accommodation, beaches, shopping malls, or other nearby attractions, the UBER app is ideal. We always got from A to B this way and were also able to order a driver on the fly. The prices are very reasonable, especially if you share the costs. We usually only paid €3 to €5 for the journey. With UBER, you can conveniently pay with your stored credit card via the app, see the price beforehand, and use reviews to see whether your driver is “good” or “bad.” You can also tip the driver at the end of the ride using the app.

Booking Accommodation

There are numerous accommodations in Pula and the surrounding area. We booked a small apartment with two bedrooms and a small kitchenette. While we were in Pula, a large festival was taking place in the city, so we didn’t have much choice. We wouldn’t book this apartment again; there are simply much better and more central alternatives. If you book well in advance, outside of school holidays, public holidays, and special events, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Our accommodation was a 30-minute walk from the city center; we used UBER for cheap transportation most of the time. In the following table, you’ll find some really great and well-reviewed accommodations in the center of Pula.

We usually book our accommodations through Booking.com* or Airbnb*. We’ve been very happy with both platforms for many years and have never had any problems. Make sure you read the reviews of previous guests carefully and don’t forget the fine print. For example, we once overlooked the fact that check-in at a guesthouse in Berlin was only until 6 p.m. We arrived later by bus, couldn’t check in, and had to spontaneously find somewhere else to stay. That was really annoying.

Sights in Pula

There’s a lot to see in Pula and the surrounding area. On the first and last day, we strolled through the beautiful old town, and on the other days, we went on cool and adventurous excursions. Our short break in Croatia was almost perfect, and we highly recommend this area to everyone. In the following section, I’ll tell you about some of the most popular sights in Pula.

The Amphitheater

The Pula Arena is located right in the city center and is the sixth largest amphitheater in the world. It was built around 2,000 years ago and is considered a landmark of the city. This Roman building is depicted on almost every postcard. Back then, an incredible 23,000 people could sit here at the same time, but the seating order was strictly regulated by rank. If you were someone, you were allowed to sit closer to the front. Gladiator fights primarily took place here to entertain the crowd.

Today, the arena is a popular venue for concerts, festivals, fairs, and other cultural events. If you want to see the amphitheater from the inside, you have to pay an entrance fee of 50 kuna (€6.72). Children and students pay half price. Since the interior was also clearly visible from the outside, we only walked around it once. In winter, the arena is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in summer from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m./midnight.

The Triumphal Arch

In the middle of the old town is also the “Golden Gate,” which is the city’s triumphal arch. This arch was built by the Sergei family of officials (29th – 27th BC) to honor their relatives who died in the Battle of Actium. As soon as you pass through the gate, you find yourself on Pula’s lively and popular shopping mile. The archway is around 8 meters high and stands like a mighty colossus in the middle of the shopping street.

The Temple of Augustus & Forum

In the center of the Forum Square is the Temple of Augustus, which was built in the 1st century BC. It is striking that the temple was built very narrowly and has a vestibule supported by 8-meter-high columns. While the temple was originally used as a granary, today it serves as an exhibition space for sculptures and Roman statues.

The Forum, the central square, was the hub of society in ancient times and throughout the Middle Ages. Many beautiful ancient houses were built around it, each exuding a unique flair. You definitely get the immediate feeling of being transported back to Roman times. For 10 kuna (1.34 €) you can enter the Temple of Augustus and view the exhibition.

The beautiful old town

I love strolling through old towns, visiting small shops, sipping a coffee here and there, and letting myself drift (most recently in the beautiful Old Town of Corfu). That’s exactly what we did in Pula in the best weather. Here, one café and restaurant follows the next. The mix of Roman, Venetian, Italian, and Austrian monuments is particularly beautiful. Again and again, you’ll find quiet, narrow alleys that seem to transport you back to the Middle Ages.

The busiest street is Ulica Sergijevaca, located between the Triumphal Arch and the Forum. This popular promenade offers everything you need for a relaxing day in the city: restaurants, cafés, and shops. We strolled through the old town on foot for two days and really enjoyed our time together with good conversations and delicious food.

Other sights in Pula

• Pula Cathedral
• Sveti Antun Church
• Kastel (Fortress) Pula
• Pula Market Hall
• Double Gate and the city walls
• Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary
• Fort Punta Christo
• St. Mary Formosa
• Small Roman Theater
• Air Raid Shelter Tunnel
• Brijuni National Park

There are several other sights in Pula, such as the fortress with its magnificent view over Pula and the cathedral. The center also features the small Roman theater and the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary. Just let yourself go and explore the alleys of the beautiful old town. If you have a little more time, you should also take a trip to Brijuni National Park with its many islands and untouched nature.

Kayaking into the Cave

We really wanted to do something cool, so we spontaneously decided on a kayak trip*. That day, we were on the water for about three or four hours, paddling along the coast until we reached the cave and the cliffs. The trip with three people was quite cool; only the person in front and behind us had to paddle. Whoever sat in the middle had a break. It wasn’t as shaky as we thought. You can take a kayak alone or with two people.

Eventually, we reached the Pula Cave. Very carefully, we pushed ourselves off the rock walls and navigated our way through the darkness. Finally, we arrived, the guides brought a few lamps so we could see something. In the cave, we took (horrible) photos, drank something, and stacked the boats on top of each other. Our things were stowed in waterproof bags. We left the kayaks in the cave and were able to swim out. It was quite an adventure and a lot of fun.

We spent about an hour outside and were able to jump into the water from the cliffs (Galeb’s Rock). We had two tour guides with us, who even took pictures and videos of us all. We snorkeled around a bit, marveled at the blue fish, and explored smaller underwater caves. At some point, we returned to the starting point in the kayaks. There, we signed a list to receive the pictures and videos, paid the 60€ per person, and returned to our accommodation, satisfied but exhausted.

The price of 60€ per person includes:

• Snorkel mask
• Kayak, paddle & waterproof bags
• Lifejacket & water
• GoPro photos & videos
• Warning: very touristy
• BOOK TOUR HERE: GetYourGuide*

Motorboat Excursion

On our last full day, we wanted to enjoy the fantastic weather one last time and rented a small motorboat. Quite by chance, we discovered a flyer the evening before that piqued our interest. So we booked spontaneously by email and were really looking forward to this little adventure.

You don’t need a license for the small boats, and we paid just 65€ in total for half a day (4.5 – 5 hours). At the harbor, we received an introduction, were shown how everything worked, and then we were off. Armed with a map, we set out to find a quiet bay. Of course, we had drinks and snacks on board.

We were, of course, shown exactly where we were allowed to go with the boat and where we weren’t. I don’t remember how fast (or slow) the boat was, but we made good progress. While one of us took the helm, the others chilled on the small sunbathing area. Eventually, we found a small bay with crystal-clear water where we dropped anchor. We spent the entire time there, jumping into the cool water, listening to music, exploring the cliffs, and snacking on fruit and cookies.

When we were about to head back, the engine wouldn’t start. At first, we thought we were simply too stupid to handle the mechanics, but the two men who joined us on the boat weren’t very successful either. I gave one of them my phone and had him call the boat owner.

They chatted for a while in the local language, repeatedly trying to get the engine running. After half an hour, it finally started, and we were able to return to the port of Verudela. The landlord was gracious and didn’t charge us any money, even though we were half an hour late.

All information at a glance:

• Boat from 65€ for half a day, 100€ for the whole day
• Deposit on site in cash: 200€
• No boat license required
• Space for up to 5 people
• Bookable here: Gurges Rent a Boat
• Good food at the harbor: Bunarina Restaurant

More activities in Pula

You can do plenty of other activities in and around Pula. You can book snorkeling tours, take a city tour on the red double-decker buses, visit museums, take excursions to other Istrian towns, or go diving. Cool stand-up paddleboarding tours, wine tours, hiking trips, and bike tours are also offered. Look for flyers and brochures at your accommodation. Alternatively, you can visit the tourist information office in the old town and get advice.

• Stand-up paddleboarding tour at sunset*
• 2.5-hour snorkeling trip*
• Introductory diving course*
• E-bike tour through Pula and the surrounding area*

Beaches in Pula

Around Pula, there are numerous bays and beaches, most of which are rocky and stony. One of the most popular beaches is Hawaii Beach Verudela, which you can easily reach by car or bus. However, this beach also consists almost entirely of rocks and stones. You can rent loungers and umbrellas on site for a relaxing day at the beach. The water is crystal clear and inviting for swimming. Brioni Beach is located next to the Brioni Hotel of the same name and is also one of the most popular beaches. I recommend wearing water shoes for this beach as well, as it is also very rocky.

Other beaches in Pula:

• Ambrela Beach
• Valkane Beach
• Premantura Beaches
• Histria Beach
• Gortanova Bay
• Punta Verudela
• Valsaline Beach
• Lost Beach
• and many more…

Currency and Cash Withdrawals

Since this year (2023), Croatia has also had the euro as its national currency. Kuna banknotes and coins can be exchanged free of charge until December 31, 2023. Until the end of the year, prices for goods and services will also be quoted in euros and also in kuna (the old currency). You can easily and conveniently withdraw money from ATMs in Croatia with a free travel credit card. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, and gas stations accept credit card payments.

Conclusion on Pula in Croatia

We enjoyed our time to the fullest and experienced some really cool highlights. For us, Pula was the perfect mix of city, beach, and sea. Outside of the old town, there isn’t much to see, except for some very old and dilapidated houses, but that didn’t bother us much. However, there’s a lot to do and experience in the surrounding area.

With a rental car, you could have explored completely different parts of the city, but we were also very satisfied with our itinerary. We highly recommend this short break to everyone. We were particularly impressed by the beautiful turquoise and clean water, the relaxed atmosphere, and the friendly people in Pula. It was a perfect trip with the girls through and through – we’d love to go again!