Explore the City of Pula, Pula

Overview

Discover the hidden historical gems of Pula, the biggest town in Istria. Although many visitors pass this city over, it's actually famous for an impressive 1st-century Roman amphitheater. This theater is one of the top 10 biggest amphitheaters built by the Romans and the only remaining theater to have all four towers preserved. That means it rivals the Colosseum in Rome!

Besides the amphitheater, there are few other ruins in Pula worth exploring. Visit the 17th-century Venetian fortress, the old Roman Forum, beautifully preserved mosaics, and an underground network of tunnels. You can also view the Arch of the Sergii, built in 29 CE, the Gate of Hercules, and the Temple of Augustus, a Roman temple built in 2 BCE.

If time allows, view the memorial statues of Tito along the waterfront or visit the Istrian Olive Oil Museum. Pula is also the gateway to Brijuni National Park, a string of preserved islands perfect for boating, kayaking, and walking.

Discover more interesting activities in Istria

Itineraries with Explore the City of Pula

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Pula, & Split - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days of cultural exploration around Croatia. You'll begin in the colorful capital of Zagreb, tour the romantic landscape of Istria, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, and venture along the Dalmatian coast from Zadar to Split. Along the way, explore ancient Roman ruins in Pula and Split, sip Istrian wine and eat truffle-infused dishes in Motovun, catch an unforgettable sunset in Zadar, and admire Šibenik's architectural masterpiece, the grand Cathedral of St. James.

Magical Istria: Road Trip Through the Croatian Peninsula - 7 Days

This perfect weeklong road trip through Croatia's Istrian Peninsula starts and ends in Zagreb and includes a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll have three nights in the charming coastal town of Rovinj, a great jumping-off point to explore its romantic countryside. Venture amid a sea of hills and valleys decorated with vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hilltop towns before discovering more of the coast, like the port village of Fazana, the island of Veliki Brijun, and Istria's largest city, Pula.

Unique Highlights of Croatia: Motovun, Pula, Grabovac, Trogir, & Hvar - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary highlights some of Croatia's more popular attractions, including the medieval hill town of Motovun and the "Adriatic Pearl," Dubrovnik, with a unique twist. For example, you'll venture into the romantic Istrian peninsula to seek out the prized truffle and explore Dubrovnik's limestone-paved streets on a private tour of two of the country's most esteemed artists. You'll also discover trendy cafés in Zagreb, marvel at Plitvice Lakes' enchanting beauty, listen to Zadar's Sea Organ, and visit famed Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Croatia Family Vacation: Zagreb, Rovinj, Split, Hvar, & Dubrovnik - 10 Days

Enjoy this 10-day family adventure highlighting the top attractions that will delight both parents and children. From Zagreb, you'll transfer to the romantic countryside of the Istrian peninsula to check out Pula and its Roman ruins before settling in Hotel Amarin for two nights just outside Rovinj. Next, you'll explore the coastal cities of Zadar and Split and kayak from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands, capping off your holiday with time spent in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," and a child's playground.