Pula trips and vacations

Up to 20,000 bloodthirsty spectators watched gladiators do battle at Pula’s Roman Amphitheater. And you can follow in their footsteps on your trip to Pula. Clamber over stones, explore underground tunnels and visit chambers where lions and Christians were held captive. Then watch a live (but much more subdued) gladiator fight, which takes place every week from June until September.

Not only is Uljanik shipyard one of the oldest still-operating shipyards in the world, but after dark, it also transforms into an incredible light installation. During summer, ‘Lighting Giants’ takes place every hour from dusk until midnight, lighting up the shipyard’s cranes in an explosion of color. Check the calendar to catch the light show synchronized to music.

Craving solitude on your vacation in Pula? Leave the mainland behind and jump on a boat to the Brijuni Islands, a short journey from the city. Once the summer playground of a Yugoslavian president and now a national park, the islands are home to a jumble of beaches, forests, hiking trails and ruins. For amateur paleontologists, there are even dinosaur tracks.

A stay in Pula’s City Center gives you access to all the best museums, bars, restaurants and Roman ruins. Wander the pedestrianized old town, explore the harbor and nab an outdoor table in the Forum, a vast square that’s been the heart of the city for more than 2,000 years — and a perfect spot for people-watching.

Good for: Roman ruins, cafe culture, museums

Are beachy vibes at the top of your list when deciding where to stay in Pula? Then base yourself in Verudela, a pretty peninsula dotted with upscale resorts and lined with shingle and pebble beaches. From Verudela, it’s easy to reach the city center by bus. Or you could stay put, taste local wine and take in some impressive sunsets.

Good for: Beaches, resorts, sunsets

Pjescana Uvala is one of the best areas to stay in Pula for families. Its calm beach and the hiking and biking paths into the woods are perfect for active kids. You can also rent stand-up paddleboards or sign up for a paddleboard tour. For something more adventurous, visit the Cave Romanae, a Roman quarry that’s popular with climbers and used for atmospheric summer events.

Good for: Beaches, outdoor activities, summer events

For the best things to do with the family in Pula, look to the water. Try AquaPark Pula, an inflatable water playground, or head to Aquarium Pula, where you can see fish tanks inside a 19th-century military fort. Rather head out of town for some waterpark fun? Aquapark Istralandia has one of the largest wave pools in the region.

The best shopping in Pula focuses on the taste buds. Find excellent gifts in the form of truffles, Istrian ‘prsut’ (ham) and ‘biska’ (Istria’s traditional mistletoe brandy). Then visit the famous House of Istrian Olive Oil, where you can buy from top local producers and tour the on-site olive oil museum.

Museums in Pula are geared toward history buffs. Top picks include the Historical Museum of Istria, housed in a Venetian fortress, and Sveta Srca church, where you’ll find a museum, gallery and event space. Got something modern in mind? Hit Makina Gallery for experimental photography exhibitions, or see work by Croatian artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Istria.

Bohemian dive bars, raucous nightclubs and upscale wine dens all have their place among Pula’s nightlife. For a taste of the best, sign up for the Pula Pub Crawl, which takes place every night from June to September. Fancy something more low-key? Try sunset at a beach bar. The bars in Verudela are an excellent place to start.

To find the best beaches in Pula, rent a car or hop on a bus and head south to the Verudela peninsula. The beaches here are lined with lounge chairs, umbrellas and stylish restaurants. Closer to town, Valsaline and Lungomare beaches are low-key choices for picnicking and paddling. Most beaches are shingle or pebble, so don’t forget your beach shoes.

You’ll find lots of hearty Istrian cuisine here, but Pula’s best restaurants are all about fresh seafood. Run by a family of fishermen, rustic Konoba Batelina wins rave reviews, while Ribarska Koliba serves up refined Mediterranean shellfish and ocean views. Whatever you choose, you can wash it down with wines from local vineyards.