- Sep 12, 2024
Why visit Pula?
Pula is probably not the first place you think of visiting when you come to Croatia, however with it's impressive Roman Amphitheatre and winding old city streets, it's well worth spending a couple of days if you fancy a change from the hectic tourist traps of Dubrovnik and Split.
It has an interesting history, having been occupied, destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. It's located in the Istrian Peninsula and has a long coastline with lots of cool towns to explore.
Getting There ✈️
I managed to return flights from London Gatwick in July for just £90.00 from TUI which is a steal, given it was the summer holidays and flights are at peak rates!
Getting to the city centre from the airport 🚌
No panic attacks here, this one is really simple - don't waste money getting a taxi into town. The airport shuttle is quick, comfortable and cheap - 6 EUR each way.
The shuttle leaves approximately 30 mins after flights lands - you can check out the timetable here.
Pula airport is very small and not as busy as some of its Croatian counterparts - getting through passport control and security is super quick.
As you exit the arrivals terminal, there is literally a manned sales stand and the shuttle bus waiting for you!. You can pay by card or cash - it's only 20 mins or so on the shuttle, which takes straight into the City Centre.
Where to stay 🛌
A word of warning here: in peak season accommodation rates shoot up and in general, Croatia is generally more expensive than it's Balkan neighbours.
I stayed at Hostel Antique which is right in the city centre where I met lots of fellow travellers. The staff were super helpful and kind beds are really comfy and all come with curtains for extra privacy!
Avoid Crazy House Hostel like the plague - the clue is in the title, you might want to check out some of their genuine reviews or check out my travel story to understand why!
Things To Do In Pula 📸
Fortunately, all of the main sites to see are located a short walk from each other from the centre! This is great, if like me you don't have the attention span to spend hours walking around. Here are a few on the list:
Arch Of The Sergii, Zerostrasse, Pula Citadel, Temple Of Augustus, Forum Square ,Trikotaža bar (this one is the one with the huge chimney which used to be Yugoslavia's largest fabric factory).
Amphitheatre - 10 EUR (or free if you want to just take a few shots of the interior from the exterior)
Beaches 🏖️
If you're expecting a nice sandy beach, a stones throw from the city centre, you're going to be disappointed!
That said if you fancy a nice 40 minute walk around the walled harbour into Stoja, you'll be rewarded with some nice rocky beaches and stunning views of the coastline.
By the Jardin Bar is a rocky beach with loads of places to relax in the sun, away from all of the crowds, plus you can head to the bar when you need a cocktail!
If you can't be bothered to walk there and back, purchase a bus card for 5 EUR from one of the kiosks in the centre - this gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours (this isn't suitable for the airport shuttles).
The buses are really frequent and reliable, so if you fancy going further afield to Stinjan or Pješčana Uvala where I hear the beaches are much better.
Where to eat 🍔
Agripina Street Food - this one is a great budget option, I had veggie tacos and an aperol for about 17 EUR.
Citta Vecchia - another great budget option, I went here twice and had a pizza and an aperol spritz for 15 EUR which is pretty good, plus the servers were really friendly (they found it amusing I ordered the same thing two days running).
Where to go for coffee ☕️
My favourite ADHD friendly sanctuary to sit and watch the world go by is Kukuriki Caffe Bar, it's in a small square round the corner from the ampitheatre - the coffee was really good plus they do some tasty lunches and cocktails if you're so inclined!
It's close enough to the centre to feel connected to the city but a bit away from the crowds and tourists to have some processing time.
Where to go for drinks 🍸
The absolute gem of the trip for me was The Jardin Bar in Stoja
Enjoy a 7 EUR aperol or limoncello spritz and watch the sunset over Stoja bay - it's a really nice vibe and worth.
Top Tips 💡
If you love live music and are on a budget, then Pula City Centre is the place to be - at least two of the nights I was there, there were street concerts taking place by the Arch Of Sergii.
We just got a few bottles of local plonk from the nearest supermarket and did some street drinking - not sure how legal this is but, they were in take away coffee cups!
