Why Visit Pula
Pula is the largest city in Istria, located in the southwest of this peninsula in a well-protected bay. Known for its mild climate, calm sea and unspoiled nature, it is attractive to a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Let’s discover this town with a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding and tourism.
Things to do in Pula
In Pula, you can spend your time drinking coffee in some of the numerous cafe bars in the city centre or in some of the beach bars around Pula. That’s what Pula citizens usually do in their spare time. If you want a cultural boost, you can visit some of the museums (Archaeological Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art of Istria, Agripina’s house, etc.) or some gallery. There are many restaurants where you can eat when you get hungry, and we suggest to take some fish or other seafood because you are in a coastal town. In the touristic village of Verudela is located the Aquarium of Pula which is very interesting to see, especially because it is the recovery centre for injured turtles.
Pula hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Pula Film Festival, the Outlook Festival, and the Dimensions Festival, which attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Attractions and Things to see in Pula
Amphitheater
Speaking of things that you must see in Pula, we must start with the most known monument with which begins and ends each tour of Pula, the Amphitheater, popularly known as Arena. It was built during the 1st century, in the time of Emperor Vespasian and it staged the gladiator fights. Today various summer events are organized in Arena, and in the underground room is a permanent exhibit of “Olive oil and wine manufacturing in ancient Istria “.
Golden Gate
Then we have the “Golden Gate” that was raised by Sergi family to honour of three high official family members. The arch was leaning to the city gate “Porta Aurea”, thus called because of gilded gates. Doors and rampart were demolished at the beginning of the 19th century due to urbanization and the expansion of the city outside the walls.
The Gate of Hercules, The Double Gate , The Forum
The Gate of Hercules contains inscriptions of prime historical significance because it mentions names of two Roman officials who established the ancient Pula (Gaius Cassius Longinus and Lucius Calpurnius Piso). The Double Gate leads to the Archaeological Museum and to Kaštel where you can find the Small Roman Theatre of which have remained the foundations of stage building and the audience that is partially reconstructed. One of the most important things to see is Forum, the main city square on the west part of Pula, near the coast. There were once located all city functions – religious, administrative, judicial and economic.
In the northern part of Forum stood two twin temples and a central one dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. One of them is fully preserved Temple of Augustus while of the second temple is still a visible back wall which was used in the construction of the town hall in the 18th century. There are several churches to visit in Pula.
Churches
The Church and Monastery of St. Francis on the slope of the hill between the Forum and the upper circular street, the Chapel of St. Mary Formosa, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas built in the 6th century. The House of Croatian Defenders built in 1872, once was the navy casino, and the other palace built 40 years later was the palace which used for concerts and dance. Speaking of navy, you can’t miss the Navy Cemetery which today offers a walk through a beautiful park and some kind of history of Pula.
Where to stay in Pula
There are many different options for accommodations in Pula, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are a few suggestions:
Old Town
If you want to stay in the heart of the city, Old Town is a great option. This area is home to many historical sites and attractions, as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes. You can find various types of accommodation here, including hotels, apartments, and guesthouses.
Verudela
Verudela is a beautiful area located just outside of the city center, with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. It is a popular destination for tourists, with many hotels and resorts offering a range of amenities, such as pools, spas, and restaurants.
Stoja
Stoja is another popular area for tourists, located on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula. This area is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, and there are many hotels and apartments to choose from.
Campsites
If you prefer camping or RVing, there are several campsites located in and around Pula, offering a range of facilities and amenities.
No matter where you choose to stay in Pula, it is important to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season (July and August).
Is Pula Expensive?
Pula can be moderately expensive, but it ultimately depends on your budget and the type of experience you are looking for. The cost of living in Pula is lower than in many other European cities, making it an affordable option for travelers on a budget. However, the cost of accommodations in Pula can vary widely depending on the location, time of year, and type of accommodation you choose.
Food and drink prices in Pula are generally reasonable, especially if you avoid the most touristy areas. There are many affordable restaurants and cafes in the city that serve traditional Croatian dishes and international cuisine. Local markets are also a great option for buying fresh produce and ingredients to prepare your own meals. Overall, while Pula may not be the cheapest destination in Europe, it is still relatively affordable compared to many other popular cities in the region.
Cafes, Night clubs, and Bars in Pula
Pula offers a variety of cafes, nightclubs, and bars, each with its own unique atmosphere and clientele. Here are a few popular ones:
Cafes:
- Cvajner: This is a popular cafe in the city center that offers a wide variety of drinks and pastries, as well as outdoor seating.
- Hemingway Bar: This cafe is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and creative cocktails, and it also offers live music and events.
- Buzz Bar: This is a trendy cafe with a modern interior and outdoor seating, serving coffee, smoothies, and snacks.
Nightclubs:
- Byblos: This is a large nightclub located in Verudela, known for its vibrant atmosphere and international DJs.
- Uljanik: This is another popular nightclub located in the city center, known for its electronic music and energetic crowd.
- Aruba: This is a beach club located in Stoja, offering a variety of music and entertainment, as well as a pool and seafront terrace.
Bars:
- Rock Caffe: This is a popular bar with a rock-themed interior and live music events, offering a range of drinks and snacks.
- Malin: This is a beach bar located in Verudela, offering a variety of cocktails, beers, and snacks, as well as a beautiful seafront location.
- Caffe Bar Tenis: This is a sports bar located in the city center, offering a variety of drinks and snacks, as well as live sports events on TV.
These are just a few of the many cafes, nightclubs, and bars that Pula has to offer, and there are plenty of options to suit every taste and budget.
Food and Restaurants in Pula
Pula has a thriving food scene, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes offering traditional Croatian cuisine, as well as international flavors. Here are a few popular options:
- Konoba Batelina: This is a seafood restaurant located in the suburb of Banjole, known for its fresh, locally caught fish and seafood dishes.
- Konoba Vodnjanka: This is another traditional Croatian restaurant located in the city center, offering a range of meat and fish dishes, as well as local wine and spirits.
- Restaurant Farabuto: This is a Mediterranean-style restaurant located in the Verudela area, offering a range of pasta dishes, seafood, and meat dishes.
- Restaurant & Wine Bar Ribarska Koliba: This is a seafood restaurant located in Stoja, offering fresh fish and seafood dishes, as well as local wine and olive oil.
- Jupiter Pizzeria: This is a popular pizza restaurant located in the city center, offering a wide range of pizzas, as well as pasta dishes and salads.
- Caffe Bar Uliks: This is a cafe located in the city center, offering a range of sandwiches, salads, and light meals, as well as coffee and cocktails.
These are just a few of the many restaurants and cafes that Pula has to offer, and there are plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for traditional Croatian cuisine or international flavors, you’re sure to find something delicious in Pula.
Beaches in Pula
Pula is known for its beautiful beaches, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning views. Here are a few popular beaches in the area:
Verudela Beach
This is a pebble beach located in the Verudela area, offering a range of water sports and activities, as well as restaurants and bars.
Stoja Beach
This is a rocky beach located in the Stoja area, offering clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere, as well as a beach bar and restaurant.
Kamenjak Beach
This is a natural park located south of Pula, offering a range of beautiful beaches and coves, as well as hiking and cycling trails.
Bijeca Beach
This is a sandy beach located in the town of Medulin, about 10 km from Pula, offering shallow waters and a range of activities for families.
Punta Verudela Beach
This is another beach located in the Verudela area, offering crystal-clear waters and a range of water sports and activities, as well as restaurants and bars.
These are just a few of the many beaches that Pula has to offer, and there are plenty of options to suit every taste and preference. Whether you prefer sandy or rocky beaches, quiet coves or bustling tourist areas, you’re sure to find a beach that suits your needs in Pula.
Public Transportation in Pula
You can easily reach Pula by bus, car, train, plane or boat. The newest connection to Dalmatian town Split is by seaplane. If you want to discover Pula, the best way to do it is by your feet as all of the city attractions are very near to each other. Nowadays you can rent an electric bike which is a very nice experience. Of course, you can use your own car or you can rent it, you can use public transport (city bus) or taxi (which is pretty expensive though). There are also guided tours by tourist bus.
Pulas History
The city of Pula is more than 3,000 years old and was built on a hill Kaštel. That was the original village, Histra. Today there is nothing left of these prehistoric ruins, except the round shape of two major city streets. The real history of the city began with the Romans. The official name of the city was Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola and had all the functions and buildings typical for Roman settlement. At the time of people’s migrations in the 7th century, Pula’s surrounding area became inhabited by Slavs and Croats.
After 1331, Pula became the property of Venetians who showed no interest in the economic development of the city because it was the most important port as a transit point on the way from Venice along the Adriatic coast to the Levant. The outbreaks of the plague in the 14th century, as well as endemic malaria and other diseases, drastically reduced the population So, at the end of 17th century, Pula counted 600 inhabitants only. However, in the period of Humanism and Renaissance, Pula’s ancient monuments have become widely known in European cultural circles, so many artists and builders of the 16th, 17th and 18th century lived in Pula drawing and describing the Roman buildings that served as a model of architecture from the Renaissance to Classicism. After the fall of Venice, Istria and Pula came under the Austrian crown.
From 1815 until the end of World War I, Pula was part of the Austrian Littoral (Küstenland). After the opening of the Arsenal (the main base of the Austrian navy) in 1856, has began the modern development of the city and the whole of southern Istria. After 1876, linked by rail with the line Vienna – Trieste, Pula and the nearby Brijuni felt the beginnings of tourism.
During the 20th century, the government in Pula has been changed for multiple times, and the citizens were coming and leaving the area of Pula, social and national groups of people have been changing especially after the World War I and II. Pula has been badly damaged by bombing during the World War II, but in the second half of the 20th century, it has been flourished once again and has developed into the largest Istrian city, significant for two main economic activities: industry, led by shipbuilding, and tourism.