The city of Pula is more than 3000 years old, and it was founded on the hill of Kaštel, where the first castle settlement, the Histra fortress, was built. There are many amazing places to go in Pula. The real history of the city begins with the Romans. The buildings from this time are those which are still preserved today. Pula is part of Istria region in north Croatia.
The charming old town of Pula with its Mediterranean charm invites visitors to stroll along romantic alleys and deserted little spots- a perfect holiday for two. The great gastronomic selections enthuse guests, especially families with children.
Adults can also enjoy the colourful nightlife of Pula, in which one finds many chic clubs, as well as hip nightclubs. In addition, there are also quiet bars and cute cafés. For more travel articles about Croatia check this category and for all articles about Europe check this list.
Top 10 places to go in Pula
- Port of Pula
- Pula Arena
- Brioni National Park
- Bi Village Holiday Center
- Temple of Augustus
- Arch of the Sergii
- Pula Aquarium
- Hawaii Beach
- Ambrela Beach
- Monastery of St. Francis
1. Port of Pula
The natural characteristics of the Pula Bay: spaciousness, protection, rich agricultural land and abundant sources of fresh water, favored the creation of the city in this very place, that is, the castle of Histra, several millennia ago. It became an important and large port where the entire war fleet of the Monarchy could be accommodated.
2. Pula Arena (That’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Pula)
The arena is certainly the most famous symbol of Pula, and it is also one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. It got its present form during the reign of Vespasian , the same emperor who is responsible for the construction of the Colosseum in Rome. The area of the Arena is about 11,500 square meters, which corresponds to the size of one and a half average football fields. About 23,000 spectators could fit into that large space, which was a really huge number for that time.
3. Brioni National Park
Brijuni is a beautiful picture of nature cultivated by man for his most pleasant stay in the splendor of greenery, the landscape arranged to the utmost tameness and the smell and proximity of the sea. Man shaped nature according to his needs and created an unusual landscape on the Adriatic that was gladly visited by numerous statesmen, famous actors, musicians, artists, scientists, noblemen and other prominent personalities. Brijuni was and remains a synonym for the comfort of a vacation.
4. Bi Village Holiday Center
This beautiful campsite is located close to the historic town of Fažana. No facility is missing at this 40-hectare site. Whether you prefer to be active and enjoy sports or prefer to lie on the beach, everything is possible. The kids can have fun 12 hours a day with the animation team while mom and dad have some quality time. In the evening you can enjoy delicious food and great shows with the whole family. This campsite is also highly recommended for seniors.
5. Temple of Augustus
The Augustus Temple bears the name of the famous Roman emperor, and was built between 2 BC and 14 AD. The Temple of Augustus is located on the Forum, right next to the Town Hall and is part of one of the most architecturally beautiful spaces in Pula . The temple is dedicated to the goddess Roma , in fact the personification of the Empire itself and Emperor Augustus.
6. Arch of the Sergii
The Sergius Arch, also known as the Golden Gate, is one of the most significant monuments in Pula. The Arch of Triumph is located on Portarata Square , that is, along the eastern edge of the former city walls. It was located inside the walls, next to the city gate, which was called the Golden Gate , so today the remaining triumphal arch is called by that name.
7. Pula Aquarium (That’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Pula)
The Pula Aquarium has as many as 35 pools in which you can see 211 species of various marine and freshwater animals from all over the world , from the Mediterranean to tropical freshwater and marine habitats, cold freshwater environments, then seahorses and dragons and various types of jellyfish.
Along with the sharks, you can also see, for example, red piranhas, spotted river stingrays, glass catfish, kissing fish, false Siamese algae eater, porcupine fish, mandarin fish, Picasso osprey, pike, sturgeon, silver carp, gambusia, skates and manta rays, beautiful seahorses and dragons.
8. Hawaii Beach
Hawaiian Beach resembles a tropical beach that few people will get to. However, it is located here, in Pula, and is one of the more popular beaches in Croatia. It enchants with its beauty, and the benefits it has are an added bonus. The beach is hidden in a gap between the rocks, it is pebbly and very beautiful. It is reached by brick stairs, above which there is a walkway and accompanying facilities. This is one of the most beautiful places to go in Pula Croatia.
9. Ambrela Beach (That’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Pula)
The beautiful, pebbled Ambrela Beach is located on the west side of the Verudela Peninsula to the south of Pula, about 4km from the city center. The magnificent “Blue Flag” beach is connected to Brioni Beach by a waterfront promenade. Due to its very shallow shores going into the sea, Ambrela is very popular with families with children. At the nearby children’s playground, kids can properly release their energy, as well as on the large trampoline and at the floating Aqua Park for children.
10. Monastery of St. Francis
The monastery of St. Francis was built at the beginning of the 13th century on the site of an early Christian basilica. According to some historical records, blessed Otto died in that monastery in 1241, whose remains are preserved there to this day. The day of his death, December 14, is still celebrated today. Church of St. Franje, one of the most important in Pula, was built at the turn of the 13th to the 14th century.