What is Pula? A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting the City of Croatia

Pula is a coastal city located in Croatia, located in Istria County on the country’s beautiful Adriatic coastline. Approximately 6 km from the Adriatic Sea and the Bay of Trieste, Pula boasts stunning sunsets and picturesque views. The city is known for its natural beauty, architectural heritage, and history.

Pula boasts a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC. It was the harbour of the Roman city of Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola Pollentiae. This was later Romanized as Portus Julius and Pula. Throughout its life, Pula was inhabited by Ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, French, after which it became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, the city fell to Italy, where it remained until the end of World War II and the success of the Yugoslavian Movement. In 1947, Pula was officially added to Yugoslavia.

Today, Pula is home to over 57,000 people and is the largest city in the Istrian region of Croatia. It is the eighth-largest city in the country and one of Croatia’s main attractions. The city is served by Pula Airport and is connected to other Croatian cities by boat and bus services.

What to Do in Pula?

For visitors eager to explore, there is a great selection of things to do in the city. At the heart of Pula is its stunning architecture. Many of Pula’s oldest buildings are still preserved in their original state, including monuments such as The Arena, the symbol of Pula, and The Golden Gate, one of the few surviving ancient city gates in Europe.

The Arena, built for gladiatorial contests between 80 AD and 62 AD, is absolutely breathtaking and a must-visit for anyone who finds themselves in Pula. The building is well-preserved and open to visitors, who can explore its underground chambers and stand atop its arena to get a stunning view of the city from up high.

Shoppers are spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping in Pula. There are several distinct shopping areas throughout the city including Verudella Square, which has a great selection of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The charming old town area also offers plenty of shopping options as well as picturesque views.

Foodies will enjoy Pula too! The city has strong Italian influences which come through in its food scene – expect hearty Italian-style pasta dishes, plenty of seafood offerings and sweet desserts like creme brulee or tiramisu!

For some beach time head to some of the stunning pebble beaches dotted along Pula’s coast like Cape Kamenjak Beach or Whale Beach. These beaches offer perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling and just simply enjoying the sunshine on a hot summer’s day. There’s plenty of cafes and beach bars to take refreshments too.

What are the Best Hotels in Pula?

Visitors will have plenty of choice when it comes to hotels in Pula. There are options for all budgets for a wide variety of travel styles. For luxurious stays head to hotels like Hotel Medulin where you can enjoy stunning views of Medulin Bay directly from your balcony and experience 4-star service with all the modern amenities you’d expect from a hotel in this class. Or for something a little more budget-friendly but still with plenty of style visit Apartments Adria who offer beautiful 1-bedroom apartments that are perfect for couples and groups alike.

For travelers looking for an alternative hotel style there are plenty of hostels in Pula to choose from with The Spot Hostel being a popular option – it even has a lovely rooftop garden with stunning views over Štinjan forest and its perfect for winding down after exploring this beautiful Croat city.

Where Can I Find More Information About Visiting Pula?

For more information than what you’ll find here visit the official website of Pula, a tourist board run by an ever-friendly regional office with plenty of detailed information about visiting this beautiful coastal city in Croatia. The website carries everything from useful travel advice to what attractions there are to see and can help you plan your trip from start to finish!

Overall, Pula is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia and a great destination to explore if you’re looking for a sunny getaway with plenty to do! Whether you’re looking for ancient history, beach days or great cafes – you’ll find plenty to do here and won’t be disappointed if you choose to visit this wonderful place in Croatia.