Pula

Published: 12 February 2025, 13:34

The gateway to Istria

Pula is a Croatian Adriatic city with charm and history: If you stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, you will experience the Italian way of life at first hand. The region's former affiliation with Italy is still visible in Croatian Istria today. The architecture is strongly reminiscent of Italian cities. Typical Mediterranean dishes such as pasta, risotto and pizza are served in the restaurants. Visitors to Pula's imposing amphitheatre will feel as if they have been transported to ancient Rome in this unique setting. Concerts and a film festival are held here on summer nights. Pula is considered the gateway to the Istrian peninsula, a popular holiday region with beautiful beaches, turquoise blue sea and a charming hinterland. With its truffles, fine wines and good olive oils, Istria plays in the top gourmet league.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: none
Population: 52,000
Official language: Croatian
Currency: Euro (EUR)

Pula - Italian flair and ancient treasures

The picture shows an illuminated amphitheatre at dusk. The coast and a harbour can be seen in the background, surrounded by houses and green countryside.

The amphitheatre is an absolute must-see - whether for sightseeing or as a backdrop for concerts and film festivals in summer. © dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a triumphal arch on a cobbled street in bright sunshine. In the foreground, a statue sits on the terrace of a café under parasols.

The statue of James Joyce sitting here in the café and looking towards the triumphal arch is a reminder that the Irish writer spent several months in Pula. © xbrchx/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a cathedral with a striking, slightly leaning bell tower to its left. In the foreground on the right are empty café tables under parasols, next to which are four closed parasols.

In the middle of the old town stands the beautiful cathedral with its slightly leaning bell tower. Those who climb to the top are rewarded with a great view. © Schönbacher Gerhard/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a cobbled old town alley with historic stone houses in the sunshine. Oleander blossoms and awnings can be seen in the foreground.

Pula was once part of the Republic of Venice. If you stroll through the small, cobbled streets of the pretty old town today, you will feel the Italian flair. © xbrchx/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a spacious, paved square wi th two striking buildings. On the left is an ancient temple with columns and a tympanum, on the right a building with arcades and flags on the facade.

The town hall, a building from the Middle Ages, is also a reminder of the Venetian era. Next to it is the Temple of Augustus, a well-preserved legacy from Roman times. © zm_photo/stock.adobe.com

Adriatic coast, truffles and olives: Beautiful Istria

Turquoise blue sea, idyllic pine forests, olive groves and vineyards, picturesque mountain villages in the hinterland - Istria has no shortage of picture-book scenery. The Adriatic coast is lined with rocky coves, steep cliffs and beaches that attract both water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Cape Kamenjak, the southernmost tip of Istria, is a nature reserve with hidden bays and pristine beaches. Another highlight would be the Brijuni Islands, an archipelago and national park known for its rich flora and fauna. Coastal towns such as Rovinj, with its colourful houses and the impressive Church of St. Euphemia, and Poreč, home to the famous Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a fascinating insight into Istria's history. In the hinterland, the medieval town of Motovun sits enthroned on a hill, surrounded by vineyards and forests where fine truffles thrive.

Turquoise blue sea and UNESCO heritage: five highlights

The picture shows a scenic coastal town on a peninsula with historic buildings, narrow streets and a striking church with a high tower. The sea surrounds the settlement, and lush green vegetation is visible.

Instagram and postcard motifs at their best: the most beautiful view of Rovinj and the turquoise blue, glittering sea is offered by the pointed tower of the Euphemia church. © xbrchx/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a central square with historic buildings in Mediterranean architecture. A statue stands in the middle of the square. A bell tower rises up in the background, flanked by pastel-coloured houses and a church.

The coastal town of Poreč is known for the Euphrasian Basilica, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its impressive Byzantine mosaics. © anko_ter/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a scenic hill town with densely packed, light-coloured houses, green vegetation, and a church at the top. Blurred vines are visible in the foreground.

A trip to the hinterland of Istria: The picturesque hilltop town of Motovun offers dog-detected truffles, exquisite wines and good olive oil. © mmphoto/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows an aerial view of a coastal region with numerous bays, clear blue water, and small islands. In the centre is a settlement surrounded by fields, forests, and hiking trails.

Hiking, swimming, and snorkelling at Cape Kamenjak: a beautiful coastal landscape with clear water and untouched nature unfolds at the southern tip of Istria. © mmphoto/stock.adobe.com

Aerial view of a small island shaped like a fish surrounded by turquoise water. The island is covered with vegetation and has rectangular structures or ruins. The coastline is rocky.

The Brijuni Islands consist of 14 islands on the west coast. In the 1950s, they were the vacation destination of Yugoslav President Tito, whose villa can be visited. © Goran/stock.adobe.com