Pula (Italian: Pola, Slovene: Pulj) is a nice town at the tip of the Istrian peninsula in northwestern Croatia.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Pula was founded by Illyrians about 3000 years ago. Romans occupied Istria in 177 BC. After the destruction of the Western Roman Empire, the Istrian peninsula was devastated by Ostrogoths. Slavs came in Istria during migration period in 7th century but mostly lived in the countryside. At that time Pula was still inhabited mostly by Italians. Landlords in Pula changed quite frequently in the Middle Ages, from the Republic of Venice to Genoa to Illyrian Provinces and Austria–Hungary. After the Second World War, it became part of Yugoslavia. At that time, many Italians fled to Italy and Pula was settled by Croats.
The historic town center is pedestrianized, and most of the tourist attractions are either inside or within a few blocks. Taxi Cammeo offers taxi services for €2-3/5 km. Local, owner-operated taxis are more expensive. Most tourist destinations in Pula should be accessible by foot. Outside of Pula there are interesting destinations such as Fazana or Vodnjan. Buses in and around Pula are provided by Pulapromet. You can buy a day ticket for all three zones for €4 or individual rides in 1-3 zones. Tickets can be bought from a kiosk such as Tisak or iNovine (cheapest), the Pulapromet webshop, and one-way tickets can be bought directly from the driver (more expensive).
1 Arena (Roman amphitheatre). The 6th largest surviving Roman amphitheatre. Towering over the nearby buildings, this huge structure was barely saved from destruction several times, mostly by various Venetians who intended to rebuild it in Venice stone-by-stone to demonstrate the might of the Venetian Empire. Many stones were taken to build houses and other structures around Pula, but fortunately this practice was stopped before the whole structure was destroyed. Entry gives you access to wander the inside and visit the caverns beneath. The audio tour is worthwhile, as there is little interpretive signage. €10 regular. (updated Sep 2024) 2 The Forum.
Watch an event at the Arena. The Roman-era Arena regularly hosts concerts, sporting events, and even gladiator battles. Football: NK Istra play soccer in HNL, the top tier. Their Stadion Aldo Drosina (capacity 8900) is 1 km southeast of old town centre. Ride a boat to Brijuni from Fažana. These islands, famous for their scenic beauty, are a holiday resort and a Croatian National Park. They were also settled in Roman times and were part of Republic of Venice. There is also the famous residence of Josip Broz Tito (leader of former Yugoslavia). Boats go from small town near Pula named Fažana , a day trip costs a hefty €40, with a guided tour €50.
1 Restaurant Orfej, Ul. Porta Stovagnana 15. Great seafood in the centre, and cheaper than surrounding restaurants. (updated May 2022) 2 Popaj, Maksimijanova ul. 4. Temporarily closed as of May 2022 (updated May 2022) 3 Furia, Narodni trg 9. Seafood (updated May 2022) 4 Kod Kadre, Ul. Nikole Tesle 51. (updated May 2022) 5 Pizzeria Asterix, Piranesijev prilaz 11. The best pizza in town. You should try the Asterix pizza, which means you can have a pizza divided into thirds, with a different toppings on each one. (updated May 2022) Restaurant Farabuto. Excellent light and delicious slow food. (updated May 2022) Restaurant Galeb, Osječka 37, Monterizzi, Stoja.
Drinking is a pleasurable pastime in Croatia. Since Pula is a very popular place for tourists bars are easy to find.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Pula typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 6 rainy days.
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