What to Do in Pula, Croatia in Summer
Pula, the largest city in the Istria region of Croatia, boasts a rich historical legacy and numerous sites worth visiting. If you plan on exploring Istria, make sure to allocate sufficient time to explore Pula. The city has been an ancient settlement area for many centuries and has been occupied by various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Austrian-Hungary. As with many Istrian towns, the residents of Pula are bilingual and speak both Croatian and Italian.
For those traveling to Istria from other countries, Pula boasts the only airport in the Istrian peninsula, making it a convenient entry point. Additionally, if you wish to explore other towns in Istria, such as Rovinj or Porec, you can opt to make Pula your first or central location for your trip to easily access these areas via public transportation.
Table of Contents
Where Is Pula Located?
How To Get To Pula
Direct Flights From European Cities to Pula
Which Airlines Do Fly To Pula ?
Transportation to Pula From Croatian Cities
Transportation to Pula From Italy
Is There Any Uber Service In Pula ?
Top Things To Do In Pula
Visit Pula Arena/ Colosseum
Explore the Temple of Augustus
Arch of the Sergii (Slavoluk Sergijevaca)
Visit Pula’s Farmers Market
Enjoy a Few Hours of Relaxation at the Beach
What are the local foods to try ?
What is the best time to visit Pula ?
Where Is Pula Located?
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Pula is situated on the southern coast of the Istrian Peninsula, in the northwest part of Croatia. The closest city in Italy to Pula is Trieste, which is located approximately 74 miles (119 km).
How To Get To Pula
Direct Flights From European Cities to Pula
As of 2023, there are direct flights available to Pula from several European cities and countries. However, the frequency of these direct flights may vary depending on the day of the week and the season. To get up-to-date information on direct flights to Pula, you can check with the airlines and airports listed below.
✓ Austria: Vienna
✓ Belgium: Brussels
✓ Denmark: Copenhagen
✓ France: Paris
✓ Germany-Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Koln, and Munich
✓ Italy: Naples
✓The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam
✓ Norway: Oslo
✓ Sweden: Stockholm
✓ Switzerland: Zurich
✓ UK: London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester
Which Airlines Do Fly To Pula ?
✓ Ryan Air: Austria, Belgium, Poland
✓ SAS: Denmark, Sweden, Norway
✓ Easy Jet: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and UK
✓ Eurowings: Germany
✓ Lufthansa: Germany
✓ Norwegian: Norway, Sweden
Domestic Flights to Pula
Direct flights from other cities in Croatia to Pula are limited and not available every day of the week. Croatia Airlines offers direct flights to Pula from Zadar and Zagreb, while Trade Air provides direct flights from Split. However, as of 2023, there are no direct flights available from Dubrovnik to Pula.
Transportation To Pula From Croatian Cities
❐ From Split
If you’re traveling from Split to Pula by car, the distance is approximately 323 miles (520 km), which takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes. Taking a bus is also an option, but it takes about 10 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Split to Zadar, and then take another ferry operated by Kapetan Luka to Pula. During peak seasons, the ferry from Zadar to Pula runs five times a week and takes between 4 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours and 45 minutes.
❐ From Dubrovnik
Getting from Dubrovnik to Pula can be quite challenging since there are no direct transportation options available, except for driving. The distance from Dubrovnik to Pula is 442 miles (712 km). It takes approximately 7.5 hours by car depending on traffic. If you take a bus, the journey takes about 15.5 hours, with transfers in Zadar, Split, or Rijeka.
Although there is no direct ferry operating from Dubrovnik to Pula, you can still take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Split, then transfer to another ferry from Split to Zadar, and finally transfer to another ferry from Zadar to Pula. The entire ferry trip takes around 9 hours, excluding the ferry transfer/transit time.
❐ From Zagreb
The fastest way to get to Pula from Zadar is by flight, which takes approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. The driving distance to Pula is 165 miles (266 km), which takes around 3 hours by car. Direct bus routes are also available, taking around 5 hours.
Additionally, you can also take a trains to Pula from Zagreb, but the trains run only on Tuesdays. The shortest journey takes approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes.
❐ From Zadar
The driving distance from Zadar to Pula is around 244 miles (393 km), taking approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes. On the other hand, the average bus ride takes around 6 hours and 45 minutes. However, one of the fastest ways to get to Pula from Zadar is by taking the ferry operated by Kapetan Luka, which runs 2-5 times a week. The ferry journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes on average.
Transportation to Pula From Italy
❐ From Trieste
The driving distance from Trieste, Italy to Pula is approximately 74 miles (119 km), taking around 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Several bus companies and transfer shuttles offer bus trips between Trieste and Pula:
✓ Infobus: 4 direct daily buses with a 2-hour bus trip
✓ Nomago: 2-hour 40- minute bus trips with 4 direct daily buses
✓ FlixBus: operates 3 direct buses with a minimum of 2 breaks and a 2-hour 35-minute trip
✓ GoOpti: (Shared or Private transfer): GoOpti offers shared and private transfers. Pickups are available from airports, ports, and other departure locations. An average trip duration is 2-hour trip.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Trieste to Rovinj and then a 40-minute bus ride to Pula.
❐ From Venice
The driving distance between Venice and Pula is approximately 176 miles/ 283 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes by car. Buses are also available, with an approximate travel time of 5 hours.
Direct Ferries
Venezia Line offers a convenient transportation option for travelers wishing to journey between Venice and Pula during the summer months. Their ferry services run at least once a week between April and October, with the frequency of trips increasing during the peak travel months of July and August. In April through June, travelers can expect a ferry service once a week, usually on Tuesdays. During July, in addition to the Tuesday service, a Friday departure is also available. From late July to mid-August, Venezia Line also operates a daily ferry service on Sundays, providing greater flexibility for those seeking to explore the stunning Croatian coastline. The ferry journey takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the scenic views during their journey.
Is There Any Uber Service In Pula?
Uber is a reliable option for transportation in Pula, but it is important to note that during late night and early morning hours, the wait time for an Uber ride may be longer than usual. To avoid any potential delays, it is advisable to schedule your Uber ride in advance, especially if you have an early flight to catch.
Alternatively, you can also consider taxis or private car hire services for more reliable transportation during these hours. If you want to book your transportation to Pula Airport in advance Connecto Transfers is a good option.
Nevertheless, Uber can provide a convenient and cost-effective way to explore Pula and its surrounding areas, with the added convenience of being able to book and pay for your ride directly through the app.
Top Things To Do In Pula
Visit Pula Arena/ Colosseum
Pula Arena is a captivating testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Pula. Located just a few blocks away from Pula’s marina, the arena is one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and a true gem among Croatia’s ancient sites. Built under Emperor Octavian Augustus, this structure symbolizes the city’s remarkable past.”
Today, Pula Arena remains a vibrant hub of activity, hosting an array of cultural events throughout the year. From summer film festivals to opera, music festivals, concerts, and even soccer matches, the arena continues to captivate audiences of all ages. As a matter of fact, I was lucky enough to attend the annual Dimensions music festival opening concert, held in this magnificent venue. With a seating capacity of over 10,000, the Pula Arena is a truly unforgettable experience, and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this historic city.
Explore Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus is a true gem of Pula’s historical center, a well-preserved Roman temple dedicated to the revered Emperor Octavian Augustus. Dating back to the time of Augustus himself, the temple remains one of the best-preserved Roman monuments found beyond Italy. Two other temples originally stood alongside it, though only the Temple of Augustus has endured to this day.
Throughout its long history, the temple has undergone a series of transformations, reflecting the city’s changing rulers and their priorities. After Byzantine rule, the temple was converted into a church and later repurposed as a grain silo. Its resilience was tested again during World War II, when it suffered near-total destruction from a bomb explosion. Fortunately, it was painstakingly restored by Italian authorities in 1947.
The Temple of Augustus still continues to captivate visitors with its hallowed halls and the ancient sculptures and artifacts on display.
Arch of the Sergii (Slavoluk Sergijevaca)
Located just a few blocks away from Pula’s Farmers Market area, the Arch of the Sergii is a stunning ancient Roman arch that serves as a tribute to the family of Sergii. Originally constructed in 29 BC as a city gate, the arch stands as a symbol of the rich history and enduring legacy of Pula, Croatia.
Visit Pula’s Farmers Market
When exploring Pula, a trip to the local Farmers Market (Gradska Trznica Pula) is a must for those seeking a taste of authentic local flavors. As a visitor, you can browse through an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally produced honey, including seafood, meat, and dairy products, offering a truly immersive experience.
Enjoy a Few Hours of Relaxation at the Beach
Pula offers numerous options to take a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters of the Istrian coast, though sandy beaches are not found in the area. Among the most popular is Ambrela Beach in Verudela, only a 15-minute drive from Pula. This pebble beach with crystal-clear waters is surrounded by rocks and lush greenery. However, visitors should note that the beach lacks amenities such as umbrellas, shades, and chairs, so bringing one’s own beach towels is essential. Also, as a popular destination, the beach can get crowded on weekends.
What are the local foods to try ?
Indulging in the culinary delights of Pula is an absolute must for any food enthusiast. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the Pag cheese (Paski sir), Grobnicki cheese produced near Rijeka, and Istrian prosciutto, a traditional dried ham. Other must-try delicacies include the Istrian olive oil, local olives, regional honey such as rosemary honey, Croatian wine, and Croatian coffee.
During our stay, we opted for an Airbnb located within a 15-20 minute walk from the city center. To experience the local food scene, we explored nearby markets for fresh produce and unique culinary offerings. One of the largest markets we visited was SPAR Supermarket, which provided everything we needed for our gastronomic adventure. Furthermore, for additional shopping options, the Pula City Mall is a short distance from the supermarket
What is the best time to visit Pula ?
The optimal period to visit Pula is from May to October. Generally, Pula’s climate is humid, with the warmest months spanning from June to August, where temperatures can reach up to 77 F – 82 F (25 C-28 C) degrees. Although the sea temperatures in the region are not as warm as those in the southern Mediterranean, they are still delightful for swimming, with average temperatures ranging in the 70s (23 C – 25 C).