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There is a lot to see in Central and Eastern Europe. The coast of the Adriatic is filled with a lot of beautiful sights, and many people love to visit these countries to learn about Greek and Roman history.
One city that is often overlooked is Pula, Croatia.
It might not be the biggest city in Croatia, but it is a beautiful emblem of what Croatian culture, history, and hospitality stands for. The Istrian peninsula has a lot to offer, so don’t overlook this beautiful city.
What do you need to know about traveling to Pula, Croatia? Take a look at a few important points below.
An Overview of Pula, Croatia
Pula is the largest town in the region of Istria. It is very different from most other places in Croatia, which makes it worth visiting. It is known for its Naval History and its shipbuilding prominence.
It has a bit more of an urban vibe than the other cities in Croatia, but it does have a tremendous amount of Venetian, Roman and Austro-Hungarian history. The architecture is unique, and there is a lot to appreciate. Because it is situated at the southern end of the Istrian peninsula, it has some of the top beaches in the area.
There are also plenty of historical sites to explore, as well as some delicious food. The Roman Amphitheatre, Pula Colosseum, and Temple of Augustus are some of the top sites to see in this region.
It is also known for its summer festivals and concerts.
Where Is Pula?
Pula is located in a region of Croatia known as Istria. This region encompasses the peninsula in the north of the country and shares a border with Slovenia. Pula is close to the tip of the peninsula, and it has a tremendous amount of coastline.
It is located around a small harbor or inlet, making it a great place for boats to dock and visit. There are several major roads in and out of the city, and there are boats that come in every day. It is not that far away from some other major cities in Croatia, but it is often overlooked as a tourist destination. It is definitely a beautiful place that is worth visiting.
When Should I Visit Pula?
The peak tourist season in Pula is the middle of the summer. That means that July and August are the busiest months of the year. You can also come in June or September if you would like to avoid some of the crowds but still take advantage of the warm weather. When the weather warms up, there are more opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
The price of flights, train tickets, and accommodations tends to peak in July and August as well because it is a busier time to visit. If you would like to save some money, you may want to visit outside of July and August.
What Is the Weather Like?
The humidity level in Pula is relatively low. In the middle of June, July, August, and September, the daily temperatures tend to range between 70 degrees F and 85 degrees F. That means that the temperatures are very bearable.
Outside of the middle of the summer, it tends to be a bit cooler. If you want to go swimming, sea temperatures will be pretty cold, but it could be a nice way to cool off.
How To Get To Pula
It is relatively easy to get to this beautiful city. It serves as a regional transport hub for a variety of transit options. Pula airport is only about 3 miles from the city center. It is a small regional airport, but there are more airlines that fly into the area during the middle of the summer. For example, you can get to this city from London, Frankfurt, Vienna, and some of the other major cities in Europe. If you are coming from the United States, you will probably need to connect through one of the other major airport hubs in Europe.
It is relatively difficult to get to this city by train. Many of the rail lines run West, to Slovenia, but not necessarily to Croatia. It is also easy for you to get to Pula if you use a ferry or travel by bus or by car. There are plenty of options available, but the easiest way to get to Pula by ferry is to come from Venice, which is located in Italy. In the middle of the summer, it usually sails every day.
The Best Reasons To Visit Pula, Croatia
There are several reasons why you should consider visiting this beautiful city. They include:
- The History: There is a tremendous amount of history in this city. It is the perfect place for people who want to learn about the past. Some of the biggest attractions include the Roman Colosseum, the Roman Theater, the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of the Sergii, and the beautiful Venetian palaces. There are also a lot of civil and military buildings that were constructed as a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The history of this beautiful city can be seen on numerous monuments scattered throughout the region.
- The Beaches: The beaches are absolutely beautiful. You might be interested in some sandy beaches, some wild beaches, or some pebbly beaches. Regardless, there are plenty of beautiful beaches on which to relax, so do not forget to bring a bathing suit. The water can be a bit cold, but it can feel great in the middle of the summer.
- The Food: The local food is delicious. There are plenty of great choices, and it is hard to go wrong. For example, you might be interested in some Trapan Wines. Or, you might be interested in some Chiavalon Olive Oil. Do not forget to try some of the Kumparička Cheese as well. These are just a few of the many products you may want to try, so do not hesitate to ask for something that you might not be able to pronounce during your visit.
- The Prices: Finally, Pula is also very affordable. Even if you are on a relatively tight budget, you should be able to enjoy yourself during your visit. If you want to save even more money, you may want to visit outside of the peak tourist season. Consider making a few day trips to some of the villages in the surrounding area if you really want to keep from opening up your wallet.
Clearly, there are a lot of reasons why you should consider visiting this beautiful city. It has gotten more crowded during the past few years, but if you plan ahead of time, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect spot to stay.
What To See and Do in Pula, Croatia
Once you arrive in the city, be sure to check out some of the top tourist attractions in the area. They include:
1. Check Out the Pula Green Market
You should also take some time to check out the Green Market in Pula. There are two separate parts to explore. One section of the market is where you will find a lot of butchers and fish markets. If you are looking for some fresh meat, this is definitely the place to go.
There will also be some bars if you would like to grab a quick drink. Then, do not forget to check out the open market as well. This is where you will find a lot of fresh produce stands. This is a great location where you can grab some fresh fruit and vegetables.
The market is a beautiful building that is made out of steel and glass. It is a wonder of local architecture, so you may want to take a few pictures as well. If you are nice, you may even get to try a few samples.
2. Visit the Aquarium
Without a doubt, one of the top attractions in the area is the local aquarium. It is the largest aquarium in all of Istria, and it is situated in a former military fortress. It was an active base during the 19th century but has now been converted into an aquarium. The original architecture is still there, so you will definitely want to take some time to check it out.
Of course, don’t forget to take a look at some of the fishes as well. There are more than 100 fish tanks in this aquarium, and in total, more than 250 species are represented. The aquarium is also home to a sea turtle rescue center, so you may want to check it out while you are there. If you fall in love with the aquarium, you may want to consider giving a donation. That way, other people can enjoy it as well.
3. Swing By the Art Cafe
There is a very popular art cafe that you should check out as well. It is called the Art Cafe Cvajner, and you can find it in the middle of the main square. The interior is gorgeous, there is a lot of retro furniture, and you should explore some of the art hanging on the walls.
If you are looking for a great place to relax and get a drink or a cup of coffee, the outdoor terrace is perfect. This is also a great spot where you can see the Temple of Augustus. If you are in the mood for a beer, they have a wide selection available. You can try some local brews, or you can ask for some international flavors. The options are endless, so you should definitely swing by the Art Cafe during your visit.
4. Visit The Pula Amphitheater
If you are looking for some Roman architecture, then you should not overlook the Roman amphitheatre. This Romanesque building is absolutely beautiful, and you should not miss it during your visit.
This is an area that used to be home to gladiator fights, and it was constructed in the middle of the first century.
There are four rectangular towers, a total of four floors, and enough seats for 20,000 people. Take a walk around this beautiful amphitheater, and do not forget to explore the underground area as well. It is easy to miss, so do not hesitate to ask someone if you have a difficult time finding it.
There are permanent exhibitions that you can view underground. For example, you may want to learn more about the process of olive oil production, or you may want to check out some of the amphorae that are popular from the times of the Greek and Roman Empires. The Roman Amphitheatre is one of the top attractions in the city.
5. Enjoy Some of the Local Cuisine
Do not forget to try some of the local restaurants as well. Croatia is known for its food, but Pula is a hidden gem. It has a very unique flair to the cuisine, and the seafood is absolutely amazing.
When you swing by local restaurants, talk to them about some of the specials they have on the menu. That is how you can get the freshest seafood possible. Then, you could ask for a few drink recommendations.
Sit outside, enjoy the weather, take in the views, and indulge in some of the best seafood in the region. You will definitely be glad that you did.
6. Check Out the Golden Gate
You will definitely want to swing by the Golden Gate during your visit, which is also known as the Triumphal Arch. It was constructed in the 1st century BC by a member of the Sergii family. It acted as a portion of the town walls and town gate, but both of them came down in the 19th century.
Today, the Arch of Triumph is the only portion of the town walls that are left standing. It is a unique structure, so you will definitely want to pay a visit to it during your visit to the region.
7. Walk Through The Pula Forum
The Forum is one of the oldest areas of the city. It has been the central portion of the town square since the time of the Roman Empire. It was built in the first century BC, and it has everything you would expect to see with Roman architecture. For example, there are plenty of temples dedicated to the Roman gods. In the case of this city, that would mean Minerva, Juno, and Jupiter.
There is also a beautiful temple in this area that is dedicated to the Roman Emperor Augustus. There is also the Temple of Diana, a beautiful structure that you should explore during your visit as well. Because there is so much to see in the area, take your time. You may want to talk to some of the locals who can point you to some of these specific landmarks.
8. Check Out the Austro-Hungarian Fortresses
Even though Croatia is a free country today, remnants of the Austro-Hungarian Empire are still alive and well in the city of Pula. In particular, you may want to take a look at some of the fortresses in the area. They were all constructed between the years of 1815 and 1920, so take some time to explore them.
In total, the town has 26 forts. There are also lots of artillery batteries and underground tunnels. Some of them are still preserved, but they are not necessarily used for military defense anymore. For example, you may want to visit Fort Verudela, which is where you can find the local Pula Aquarium.
You might also want to check out Fort Monteparadiso and Fort Punta Christo, which are typically used for local music festivals.
9. See the Punishment of Dirce Floor Mosaic
It takes a significant amount of effort to check out some of the paintings in the area, but one of the most popular ones is the Punishment of Dirce. This is a floor mosaic that is hidden next to a parking lot in the middle of a residential building, but most people in the area know where it is.
If you would like to find it, you should stop at a local visitors center so they can give you a map and explain how you can get there.
10. Relax on the Beaches in Stoja, Zlatne Stijene, and Verudela
Of course, this is an area that is known for its beaches, so you will definitely want to take some time to check them out. Most of them are located in the southern part of the city, but they can get a bit crowded during the summer.
Without a doubt, the best beaches are located in Stoja, Zlatne Stijene, and Verudela. The beaches are either rocky, sandy, or made out of cement. If you are looking for a sandy beach, then you may want to swing by Medulin, as this is the only sandy beach in the area.
If you are looking for specific beaches you may want to explore, the Verudela Peninsula is home to some of the best options. For example, it is home to Hawaii Beach, Ambrela Beach, and Saccorgiana Beach. They tend to fill up earlier in the day, so if you want to spend your time on these beaches, try to get there as early as possible.
If you head over to the promenade of Lungomare, you will be able to find Valsaline Beach, Valkane Beach, and Gortan’s Bay. These are beaches that tend to fill up later in the day, as they are a bit harder to get to than some of the other locations mentioned above.
11. Go Swimming in the Waters of the Adriatic
If you are relaxing on the beaches, you may as well take an opportunity to go swimming as well. Keep in mind that the water can get cold in this area, even in the middle of the summer, so be ready for a chilling surprise when you jump in!
There are several popular swimming spots for both residents and visitors alike. The best locations include Fratarski Island and Cape Kamenjak Park. You can also go swimming if you hang out near the campsite of Brioni, which is home to Puntizela.
You should take a look at the flags in the area, as they will let you know if the water is safe to go swimming in. Even though the current is relatively mild in the harbor, the farther you get away from the coast, the rougher the water will get. You need to put safety first if you decide to get in the water.
12. Catch a Local Music Concert
There are plenty of concerts that take place throughout the year, but many of them happen in the middle of the summer. You may want to take a look at the local calendar to see if there are any music events going on during your stay.
The most popular venues for concerts are the Pula Arena and Kastel, so if you visit them as part of your sightseeing tour, you should pick up a calendar while you are there.
Keep in mind that you can also see some live music if you visit a few of the local bars and restaurants. They might not be formal concerts, but they are still worth checking out.
13. Explore a Local Food Festival
There are plenty of food festivals that take place throughout the year as well. For example, there is a fair of homemade drinks and homegrown food that takes place at the Pula Green Market on Saturdays during the summer.
Another good place to try some local food is the Pula Forum, where there is a fair that takes place starting at 8 PM on the weekends. There are also a lot of street food festivals that will pop up from time to time.
If you are interested in exploring some of them, you should talk to some of the local citizens to figure out the best places to visit. Remember that a lot of these local food stalls are probably not going to take credit cards, so you should have plenty of cash available as well. You might also get a better deal if you decide to purchase your food with cash.
Get Ready for Your Trip To Pula Croatia
Clearly, there is a lot to see in this old city. From the shipyard to the town hall and from the Park Plaza Arena to the local nature park, this is a city that has something for everyone. It might not be as big as Zagreb, but there is a tremendous amount of history.
From World War I and WWII history to the old history exhibits from the time of Yugoslavia, and even Ancient Roman history in the old town, there is a lot to take in.
Although on the opposite side of the country from popular Dubrovnik, I suggest taking a trip from one end of the country to the other so you can enjoy both of these wonderful cities.
Pula Croatia has a lot to offer, so make sure you find a beautiful place to stay during your visit. That way, you can appreciate everything this area has to offer.
Featured Image Credit: OPIS Zagreb
