In Pula, the well-preserved Roman amphitheater beckons, while the historic center with its narrow streets invites you to stroll. The Archaeological Museum of Istria and the contemporary film festival in the summer are cultural highlights. Relaxed cafés and the view of the Adriatic complete the picture.
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You enter the underground world through the facility called Zerostraße. The star-shaped system of tunnels and shafts, built as an air-raid shelter in the early 20th century, offers a welcome coolness in summer. The walk through the catacombs is accompanied by informative stations and exhibits. Afterwards, enjoy the view from the castle.
At first glance, the Hercules Gate looks like part of the medieval city wall in Pula. That it is much older is shown by the head of Hercules at the apex of the archway. Presumably, it served as protection and a symbol of the city known in Roman times as Colonia Iulia Pollentia Herculanea. It is located between two round medieval towers.
One of the highlights in Pula is the Istrian Olive Oil Museum. Here you will not only learn interesting facts about the ancient cultivated plant olive, but also about the production and processing of the fruits. Afterwards, you can discover the fine flavor nuances of the valuable cooking oil during a tasting. Buy yourself a bottle.
The mountain village of Monkodonja was discovered in 1953 on a plateau 30 kilometers northwest of the Croatian coastal city of Pula in the Istria region. It impressively shows the remains of an oval settlement from the Bronze Age. About 1,000 people of different classes are said to have lived in the village with the three-meter-wide defensive wall.
On the first day, you will visit Pula's most famous landmark: The ancient amphitheater is located right in the heart of the city. It was built more than 2,000 years ago and is still largely preserved in its original state. Even when walking around the arena, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the structure. During guided tours on site, you will learn more interesting facts about the amphitheater, where up to 26,000 spectators once watched gladiator fights. Stroll through the historic tunnels beneath the arena and enjoy the stunning view of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea from the upper tiers. Around the arena, there are numerous small cafés and charming restaurants offering refreshments and snacks. On some days of the year, concerts, operas, film screenings, and theater performances are held in Pula's amphitheater, which remain memorable thanks to their exceptional acoustics.
On the second day of your city trip in Pula, we recommend taking extensive walks through the historic old town, which is just a few minutes' walk from the amphitheater. Most streets and alleys are closed to car traffic, allowing you to stroll leisurely through the ancient and medieval streets. After its founding in antiquity, Pula was under Venetian, Austrian, and Italian rule, and the various styles of architecture still shape the cityscape today. During your city tour, pass by the Arch of the Sergii, which was erected between 29 and 27 BC as a sign of the victorious Battle of Actium. Afterwards, visit the Archaeological Museum, which is itself an architectural attraction with the Double Gate Porta Gemina. Modern-day Pula can be found around the market hall, the current heart of the city from the early 20th century. Numerous cafes and many shopping opportunities invite you to relax and browse.
The bathing season in Pula begins around Easter. The warm climate allows for days at the beach until October. Use your third day for sunny hours on the picturesque Adriatic coast. From Pula, you can reach a variety of sand, pebble, and stone beaches in just a few minutes. Particularly recommended are Ambrela, Histria, and Hawaii Beach. If you are traveling to Istria with your family and small children, the beaches in Medulin are considered ideal, as many highlights await the young ones here. You are only 15 minutes away by car until you reach the charming village in the south. Especially popular with kids are the huge inflatable water castles, promising fun and games for many hours. On the other hand, those looking for a completely quiet natural beach will certainly find it on the coast of the small community of Sisan.