Pula is a town in which coastal views, generous amounts of ancient Roman ruins, and a generally pretty and historic core all come together to create a charming picturesque spot to enjoy a vacation in Croatia. We have holiday rentals in Pula to choose from but it can also be readily visited as a must-see stop if you find a villa in Istria and plan on renting a car and exploring the wider region. And though the town does not have an endless list of things to see and do, it has plenty of brilliant attractions and charms to recommend it. Here are our favourite things to see and do during a holiday in Pula.
1. The Amphitheatre (or Arena)
Pula actually has its own colosseum, a charming amphitheatre that is one of the six largest Roman examples to continue to exist in the world and it dates all the way back to between 27 BC and AD 68. Additionally, this beautiful historical and architectural gem is the only remaining example to have four side towers entirely preserved in the entire world. A singular wonder of a landmark located by the harbour, it can be spotted from various parts of town and is an iconic part of the Pula skyline. Made of a beautiful local limestone, the building is referred to by residents as the Pula Arena and was able to accommodate 20,000 spectators for various gladiatorial games.
During the summer months, the Arena plays host to the Spectacvla Antiqva at least one evening each week. This sees figures outfitted in Roman garb and hairstyles recreate some of the games and food and drinks can be purchased as you enjoy the spectacle of it all. For those interested in history and Roman history, in particular, a villa in Pula and time in the town means being able to enjoy both this remarkable example and various other fascinating remnants of that once great empire readily and easily throughout your stay.
2. The Aquarium
Of course, this delightful town is located in the famously lovely region of Istria and is a seaside resort and, therefore, boasts some extraordinary natural beauty including picturesque bays and relaxing strands. The town is also home to Pula Aquarium, one of the best in this part of the world and the most-visited aquarium in all of Croatia, where you can get a closer look at some of the residents of this stretch of the coast. Devoted to education, the conservation of our seas and oceans, and the rescuing and reintroducing of sea creatures back into the surrounding waters, it is an ideal place to visit for those who particularly love and care for the well-being of wildlife. Located inside Fort Verudela, a 130 year-old fortress that was once part of an Austro-Hungarian defence complex of the city, the building was transformed into an aquarium in 2002 when its military purposes were long since over. Since then, it has continued to be altered to fit its new purpose and best accommodate its precious residents. Found 3km from the centre of Pula, it hosts around 200 different animal species including sharks, jellyfish, and seahorses as well as the incredibly important Marine Turtle Rescue Centre. As with the Arena, this incredible institution is disproportionately significant and impressive and really helps put Pula on the map when it comes to quality tourist attractions.
3. The Temple Of Augustus
Another Roman wonder worth specifically mentioning, Pula’s Temple Of Augustus is positioned right in the centre of the city, in the ancient Roman Forum and is the only visible surviving part of the forum. A well-preserved gem dedicated to the first Roman emperor, Augustus, it was likely built during his lifetime, sometime between 2BC and his death in 14AD. A typical temple of the period, it has a porch carried on Corinthian columns to the front and is raised on a podium. Ornate and elegant, it boasts a richly carved frieze. Eventually used as a Christian church, then transformed into a grain storehouse, and then a museum of stone monuments until the building was destroyed during WWII bombings, the temple was reconstructed between 1945 and 1947. A museum once more, it now displays Roman sculpture as well as temporary exhibitions from time to time. Complete and remarkable, it is another wonderful reason to find a vacation rental in Pula and come explore this gem of a city full of extraordinary landmarks.
4. The Foodie Hotspots
Pula not only has wonderful attractions to devour but it is also has some incredible food to savour as well. The Istrian Olive Oil Museum, for example, offers serious foodies the chance to learn more about this key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking and cuisine as well as to go through a guided tasting and to purchase some really delicious olive oil to bring home as edible souvenirs and gifts – bring the taste of Istria home with you even after you have enjoyed a stay in one of our holiday rentals in Pula! Similarly, if you are enjoying a villa in Pula and are looking to cook throughout your stay, you can shop for the freshest and best ingredients at the impressively large and lively historic City Farmers’ Market of Pula. Just by the centre of the city, you can shop wine, fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, fish, meat, and much more besides as well as sit out and enjoy local cuisine at various restaurants and cafés. Then there are the famous wineries of Istria that can be readily accessed nearby and all of the excellent bars, restaurants, and other little eateries that can be found all throughout town - the culinary adventures are endless!
5. The Beaches
The beaches of Pula have come up in passing several times already in this article but they are worth spotlighting once more and mentioning some specific examples that are especially worth visiting if you find a vacation rental in Pula. Almost all of the beaches in and around Pula are stunning blue flag beaches that are well maintained, easily accessible, and have free parking. However, directly within Pula Bay itself, due to the busy port, swimming is not possible. In order to enjoy a proper day at the seaside, you’ll have to head a little bit out from town but you won’t need to go far before you find some truly excellent examples. Valkane Beach, located in Zelenika Cove on the west side of town, is the best-known beach in the area and is a blue flag beach, has a lifeguard, is directly linked to the centre via bus, has special ramps for disabled access down into the water, and has beach bars and sports grounds. For amenities, it’s hard to beat! Then there is Hawaii Beach, another of the most popular beaches in Pula, especially with teenagers, but this lovely option is also ideal for families as it has shallow waters. Pješčana Uvala Beach is one of the only sandy beaches in the area, with a sandy stretch along the middle, and also boasts lifeguard services, nearby restaurants and beach bars, and sunbed and parasol rentals. These are but a few examples of the incredible beaches in the area and there are many more to be enjoyed!
So, if you are looking to plan a wonderful getaway in Istria then consider a villa in Pula, a truly remarkable and historic city right on this beautiful coastline