Pula in Croatia: Sights, Beaches, Parking and Trips
A practical guide to Pula in Croatia. What to see in Pula, where to go to the beach, where to park and what trips to take around Pula.
Pula is the largest city in Istria and one of the best bases for a holiday in this part of Croatia. It has Roman sights, city beaches, good restaurants, a harbour, nightlife and, most importantly, an excellent location for trips. It is not a typical small resort. Pula is a real city by the sea. That is both an advantage and a disadvantage. You will find more services, shops and options there, but also traffic, parking zones and a busier centre.
| What you need | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Most famous sight | Pula Arena |
| Walk through the centre | Forum, Temple of Augustus, Arch of the Sergii |
| Beach with children | Ambrela, Valkane, Gortanova Uvala |
| Nice swimming | Verudela, Stoja, Hawaii Beach |
| Nature and coves | Kamenjak near Premantura |
| Boat trip | Brijuni from Fažana |
| Parking near the centre | Karolina, city parking zones |
| Quieter accommodation | Verudela, Stoja, surroundings of Pula |
Pula Arena
The Arena is the main symbol of Pula. It is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and a monument worth seeing even if you are not usually interested in history.
The best place to check opening hours, the programme and tickets for the amphitheatre is the official website of the Archaeological Museum of Istria - Amphitheater.
Forum and the Temple of Augustus
The Forum is the main historic square in Pula. You will find cafés, restaurants, city life and the Temple of Augustus there. It is a good place for a short stop during a walk through the centre.
Arch of the Sergii
The Arch of the Sergii stands at the entrance to the old centre. It is a quick but important stop when walking through Pula. From the arch, you can continue on foot through the centre towards the Forum and the harbour.
Kaštel Fortress
The fortress above the centre offers views of Pula, the harbour and the surroundings. It makes the most sense in the evening, when it is not so hot. If you want to quickly understand the layout of the city, the view from the fortress helps.
Verudela: The Best Beach Area in Pula
Verudela is the best-known tourist part of Pula, with hotels, resorts, a promenade and several beaches. It is suitable for families, couples and tourists who want services nearby.
Good beaches in Verudela:
- Ambrela,
- Hawaii Beach,
- Histria,
- Saccorgiana,
- Brioni.
The official Visit Pula tourist website lists Verudela, Ambrela, Hawaii Beach and Gortanova Uvala among its recommended beaches and describes their facilities, access and suitability for families.
Is Pula Worth It?
Pula is worth it if you want to combine the sea, sights and trips. It is not the quietest city in Istria and it is not the best place for a purely beach-based holiday without a car. But as a base for a more active stay, it works very well.
The biggest advantages of Pula:
- Roman Arena,
- good beaches nearby,
- trips to Kamenjak and Brijuni,
- services of a larger city,
- good location in southern Istria.
The biggest disadvantages:
- worse parking in the season,
- busier centre,
- less comfortable beaches for very small children,
- the need to plan transfers.