Pula is the perfect holiday destination in Croatia with a rich historical past and beautiful surroundings. Many Dutch tourists visit during the summer, as the city is easily accessible by plane, car, or bus. This coastal city is located on the Istrian peninsula, not far from Italy. As a result, you’ll find many Italian influences here, and sometimes you might not even realize you’re in Croatia. Besides the stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, there are also many (ancient) Pula attractions in this city. We’ve compiled a list of the best attractions for your Pula city trip.
The best attractions in Pula
- The Amphitheater
- The Temple of Augustus
- Pula Castle
- Zerostrasse
- Kamenjak
- Pula Fort
- Ambrela Beach
- Highlights bike tour
The Amphitheater
The Amphitheater, also known as the Arena, is the most famous of the Pula attractions. This theater dates back to the 1st century AD and closely resembles the Colosseum in Rome. Among all the remaining amphitheaters in the world, the Arena is the sixth largest, accommodating up to 20,000 spectators for shows. In the past, the theater was filled with people watching gladiators battle animals. Today, the Arena is used in the summer for the film festival and numerous concerts.
It’s possible to explore the Arena from the inside. This Amphitheater is open to visitors year-round. In the summer, it’s open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and in the winter until 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is approximately €9 for adults and €4 for children.
The Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus is located on the central square of Pula. This temple is the only one of the Pula attractions dating back to Roman times, making it a must-see! Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed by a bomb in 1944 and had to be rebuilt. You can visit the temple and admire many ancient stones and bronze sculptures.
The central square is also known as the Forum, where everyone used to gather. Today, you’ll find many cafes here, and the tourist office is located on this square. Numerous cultural events also take place here during the summer.
Pula Castle
Atop the central hill of the city, you’ll find a star-shaped castle from 1630. This historic hill fort was primarily built for defensive purposes. Today, you can visit the castle for a fee, where the Historical Museum of Istria is now located. The museum has various sections, including the history of Pula, medieval Istrian history, and modern Istrian history. From the castle, you have a beautiful view of the city’s historic center.
Zerostrasse
Zerostrasse is an underground tunnel system from World War I, approximately 400 meters long. This tunnel system was built to shelter around 6,000 residents from bomb attacks. The tunnels were constructed to maintain a constant temperature of around 18 degrees. Today, you can walk through the tunnels and view an exhibition about World War I.
Kamenjak
A fantastic place to visit is the protected nature reserve Kamenjak, located south of Pula. Here you can enjoy stunning bays and cliffs where you can dive and jump into the sea. If you’re seeking adventure, you’ll find the highest cliffs to jump from at the southernmost point of Istria.
The area is, however, unspoiled and rugged, making some paths rocky, so wearing water shoes is a must for safely entering the sea. But trust us, the breathtaking views and experience are worth it! You can also enjoy fantastic snorkeling in the clear water and admire the various types of fish.
Pula Fort
The Trdnjava Bourguignon, also known as the Fort of Bourguignon, is an impressive structure from 1860 that protects the city’s harbor. The fort has a distinctive shape, and you enter it via a drawbridge that crosses the moat.
Inside the fort, you’ll find a rich history and enjoy stunning views of the surroundings. There are various rooms and corridors to explore, each with its own unique features.
Ambrela Beach
Looking to relax and enjoy the beach during your visit to Pula? Fortunately, there are several beaches around the city. One beach that’s definitely worth a visit is Ambrela Beach. This beach is located about 4.5 km south of Pula’s city center.
It’s a beautiful sandy beach. Parasols and beach chairs are available for rent for extra comfort, and there are also several snack bars nearby for a quick bite. Ambrela Beach is a great place to unwind and enjoy the Adriatic Sea.
Pula attractions: bike tour
A fantastic way to explore the city is by bike! During the Pula Bike Tour, our enthusiastic guide will take you through this impressive city in just 3 hours. The bike tour starts with a stop at the amphitheater. The route continues along the beautiful coastline and takes you past special highlights where the guide shares interesting stories. You’ll cycle past the most beautiful beaches and bays, and halfway through, you’ll stop for a refreshing swim at caves and cliffs. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can even jump off the cliff! (So don’t forget your swimwear if you’re visiting in the summer).
This bike tour is suitable for all ages, and the route and pace can be adjusted if necessary. Participating in this bike excursion is the perfect activity during your holiday.
