Did you know that there is a well-preserved Roman ruin in Croatia? I certainly didn't until I arrived in Pula and saw its incredible ancient arena, located just off the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Now, if you wonder why a Roman ruin would be in Croatia, look at the map.
I was definitely surprised to see just how close Istria (the region where Pula is located) is to Italy and Venice. It's only a few hours' ferry ride away from Venice, which explains the many Roman and Venetian influences throughout the city.
Within this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Pula, from the best places to visit to an awesome day trip you can make from Pula. Without further ado, here are the 10 best things to do in Pula for solo travelers:
- Pula Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Pula?
-
10 Best Things to Do in Pula
- Explore Pula Arena
- Walk Through the Twin Gate
- Check Out the View from Pula Fortress
- Visit the Arch of the Sergii and explore the surrounding area
- Track Down The Punishment of Dirce Mosaic
- Hang Out Around Forum Square
- Check Out the Temple of Augustus
- Drop By Pula Cathedral
- Try Out Cevapi at Big & Tasty Fast Food
- Spend a Day in Rovinj
- More Pula Activities
- Further Reading for Croatia
Pula Itinerary Map
10 Best Things to Do in Pula
1. Explore Pula Arena
Probably one of the most famous landmarks in Istria and one of the most well-preserved Roman ruins in the country, Pula Arena is an ancient amphitheater located right in the heart of Pula, and it is going to be one of the things you will see as you arrive in the city.
Built in the 1st century AD by the Romans who, after years of conflicts, finally conquered the Istria region, and in typical Roman style, they started converting the towns and villages in the region to their design, and one of the relics of that time is the arena.
Back in the day, the arena was used for gladiator battles and other public spectacles, and it is said to have been able to hold more than 23,000 spectators. The arena is so big it is considered to be the sixth-largest surviving Roman arena in the world.
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The best time to visit the arena is either at sunrise or sunset when the light perfectly shines on the beautiful arched walls of the arena, creating depth that makes for a great spot to take photos. I was there both times, and I was extremely impressed by it both times!
You can also get inside the area and walk around the interior, sit and relax in the cave, or you can check out the exhibitions often held at the underground museum located inside and learn a little bit more about this region of Croatia.
To enter the arena, you are going to have to pay for the entrance ticket, which should cost you around 10 EUR per person. You can buy the ticket from the kiosk at the entrance or online here. The arena is open from 9 AM to 7, 8, or 9 PM, depending on the season.
Where to Stay in Pula?
2. Walk Through the Twin Gate
Once you are done with the arena, you can continue on and explore the old town of Pula starting by walking through the Twin Gate, an ancient double-arched gate of a fortification that no longer exists and it is one of the ten city gates of Pula.
The gate is named after the two ancient well-preserved Roman arches that are still standing to this day, which goes to show just how much of incredible builders the ancient Romans were. The amount of details you can still see on the gate is pretty amazing, considering how old it is.
Inside the gate, you will also find Zerostrasse, an old war shelter with an extensive network of tunnels that were built in the early 1900s, and is now converted into a museum and a gallery for those who want to learn more about the history of Pula so if you are interested, be sure to check it out. The museum costs around 5 EUR, and it is open from 9 AM to 9 PM every day.
3. Check Out the View from Pula Fortress
One of the most stunning landmarks in Pula's Old Town that you should check out while you visit Pula is the Pula Fortress, an old fortress built by the Venetians, situated on a hill right at the heart of Pula's old town.
Due to its strategic location on a hill that dominates the entire city, Pula Fortress was built for the purpose of defending the city while allowing the Venetians to exert control over the Adriatic coastline.
Nowadays, the fortress has been converted into a museum dedicated to preserving the history of this part of Istria with a collection of more than 75,000 objects of historical significance. A great place to be if you want to learn more about the history of Pula and Istria.
Thanks to its location, the fortress also offers an incredible vantage point over Pula, allowing you to see the city from above and its extensive coastline as well as see the Roman arena from afar. Be sure to go up to the top of the pentagonal watch tower for an even higher view of Pula. The view from here is worth a visit on its own.
To get to Pula Fortress, all you have to do is enter Pula's Old Town and follow the Kastel signs that are all over the town, and the road will eventually lead you to the entrance of the fortress.
To enter, you will have to buy the entrance ticket for around 3 EUR, and you will have access to both the museum and the viewpoint. The fortress is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM in the summer and 9 AM to 5 PM in the winter.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Pula? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Visit the Arch of the Sergii and explore the surrounding area
One of the prettiest landmarks in the city the Arch of the Sergii is an ancient Roman triumphal arch built between 29-27 BC behind the original naval gate of the early Roman colony and it was dedicated to the members of a powerful family in that colony who retained their power over Pula for centuries.
The arch is much bigger than the Twin Gate, and it is in an extremely well-preserved condition, allowing you to see the little details on the stone carvings that made up the arch, an incredible sight to behold.
The arch is also connected to a pedestrian area with lines of shops, cafes, and restaurants you can indulge yourself in. There are also seating areas where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the chill vibe of Pula to your heart's content.
If you are looking for a nice place to stroll around, go people-watching, and just absorb the incredibly chill vibe of this city, there is no better place to be than here.
5. Track Down The Punishment of Dirce Mosaic
You are never going to believe where Mosaic The Punishment of Dirce, one of the most important landmarks in the city, is located. This incredibly well-preserved mosaic from the Roman time is located behind a modern apartment building, under a little shed, and you might even miss it if you are not aware of where it is.
This incredible mosaic depicts the mythological scene of the "Punishment of Dirce" with geometrical patterns and animal imagery like fish and birds that stretch across the floor of a central room of what was a Roman house. It is believed that the mosaic was from the 3rd century.
While you are in Pula, be sure to keep an eye out for this incredible mosaic because if not, you might miss it entirely. The reason for its ambiguous location lies in the layers of soil that covered the mosaic for centuries, protecting it from the elements and keeping it hidden from view.
It wasn't until after the bombing of World War II, when the remains of old Roman houses began to resurface, that the mosaic was finally discovered beneath the rubble. What an incredible history for a beautiful piece of history!
6. Hang Out Around Forum Square
Another great place to hang out in Pula is Forum Square, the ancient town square that has continued to be the beating heart of the city since it was first built in the 1st century BC all the way to today.
The Forum was the nucleus of everything for the people living here in ancient times. The place is used as the center of religion, administration, and commercial center as well as a place for the people that lived here throughout history to hang out and socialize.
The square is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings offering a ton of photo opportunities as well as providing you with a great place to hang out and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or try some delicious seafood meals at one of the many cafes and restaurants that spread out across the spacious square.
If you are looking for a nice place to enjoy the amazing vibe of this beautiful city while being surrounded by all the historic buildings, there is no better place to be than here.
7. Check Out the Temple of Augustus
Located at one corner of Forum Square, you will find the Temple of Augustus, an extremely well-preserved ancient Roman temple dedicated to the first Roman emperor, Augustus. It is believed that the temple was built during Augustus' lifetime, somewhere between 27 BC and his death in AD 14.
The temple features 4 stunning Corinthian columns, a signature of Roman craftsmanship, standing around 14 m (46 ft) high in front of the temple, and the place is considered to be one of the most complete Roman monuments outside of Italy.
To enter the temple, you are going to have to pay the entrance fee of around 1.5 EUR, and inside, you will find a small collection of stone carvings and sculptures, and that is it. It is not very big, but it is also pretty cheap to enter, so if you are curious as to how it looks inside, be sure to get inside. The temple is open between 9 AM to 6 PM every day.
8. Drop By Pula Cathedral
If you have been to Venice before, you might notice a few similarities between some of the architectural features of Pula Cathedral, another important landmark in the city that you should check out while you explore Pula's Old Town.
That is because the current form of the church you see today was rebuilt by the Venetians in the early 18th Century, and they added the clock tower, just like the St. Mark's bell tower in Venice, although on a smaller scale.
While the interior may be more austere compared to other cathedrals, the exterior of the cathedral more than makes up for it. It is a little touch of Italy you can experience in Croatia, so be sure to drop by here when you are in Pula.
9. Try Out Cevapi at Big & Tasty Fast Food
If you are looking for a nice affordable restaurant to try one of the most popular street foods in Croatia, cevapi, also referred to as cevapcici, a grilled dish of minced meat served with kajmak, onion, and traditional flatbread called somun, I highly recommend you check out Big & Tasty Fast Food in Pula. The restaurant serves a delicious Cevapi, a street food that was derived from the Ottoman Turkish kebap and spread throughout the Balkans during the Ottoman reign across this region.
It is a must-try when you are traveling in the Balkans, and a great place to do so is at this restaurant. Be sure to try out their Cevapcici Mali, which costs only 4 EUR. It was delicious and quite affordable. If you are looking for a nice place in Pula to try some street food, be sure to drop by Big & Tasty Fast Food. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 10 PM on weekdays, from 1 PM to 10 PM on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.
10. Spend a Day in Rovinj
One of the most beautiful and charming little old towns in Istria and a great place to visit as a day trip from Pula is Rovinj, a beautiful coastal town located on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, just north of Pula.
This charming little town is best known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque town, filled with beautiful crisscrossing narrow streets and alleyways, historic buildings, and quaint shops and restaurants you can indulge yourself in.
I believe Rovinj is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in the Istria region, even more so than Pula, thanks to its Roman and Venetian roots that made the town feel more like the charming towns of Cinque Terre or Amalfi in Italy, but with way fewer people, and less artificial, making it the perfect place to visit for those who are looking to get away from the usual tourist routes in Croatia.
The place has a long and rich history that dates all the way back to ancient times when it was settled by the Illyrians, followed by the Romans, and later the Venetians. Thanks to its rich history, the town is filled with beautiful architecture waiting for you to explore.
First and foremost, one of the best viewpoints where you will be able to see the true beauty of Rovinj is from Rovinj Marina, a small harbor stretching out into the Adriatic Sea providing us with an incredible view of Rovinj and its dynamic cityscape.
From this viewpoint, you can see all the way to the top of the hill, where the Church of Saint Euphemia and its iconic Venetian bell tower are located, which is another place you should visit.
Rovinj is also home to some of the nicest coastal areas with the clearest water you can swim in, and it would be a shame if you travel all the way here without swimming in the Adriatic Sea. A great place you can swim in Rovinj is at Plaža Balota so be sure to drop by there when you are in Rovinj.
And of course, one of the best things to do in Rovinj is to get lost in its charming cobblestone streets of Stari Grad, or the old town area that crisscrosses its way across the peninsula, and there is no better place to begin than at Balbi's Arch, the old town's stone gateway featuring elaborate carvings that connects the waterfront area to the old town.
Other notable attractions in Rovinj you should check out are the bunker, an old wartime bunker that is a popular place to watch the sunset over the Adriatic Sea, the Rovinj Heritage Museum, a great place to learn more about the history of the city, and Rovinj Market, a great place to buy some souvenirs and go people-watching.
To get from Pula to Rovinj, you are going to have to catch a bus operated by Arriva from Pula Bus Station. Arriva runs between the 2 cities 10 times a day, starting from 5:45 AM all the way to 9:05 PM, so you should have no trouble getting on one.
The trip duration is around 30 minutes, and it should cost you about 7 EUR per trip. You can book the bus online from here. The bus will drop you off at Rovinj Bus Station which is around 10 minute's walk away from Rovinj Old Town. Getting back is the same but in reverse, and that is it. Pretty easy, isn't it?
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Croatia
I hope you found this Croatia travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Croatia, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- Want to plan a trip to the Balkans, but not sure where to go? Here is the 31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Balkans.
- For a complete itinerary to the Balkans, check out: 2 Months Backpacking Balkans Itinerary.
- For a complete Croatia backpacking itinerary, check out: 2-Week Backpacking Croatia Itinerary.
- Zagreb may not be on everyone's radar, but the city does have its charm, and it is a great place to see what life is really like in Croatia outside of touristy towns. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Zagreb.
- If you want to hike around Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the best national parks in Croatia, be sure to check out: A Complete Hiking Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- One of the most charming coastal towns that doesn't get as many tourists as other places in Croatia, Rovinj is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. Here are the 10 best things to do in Rovinj.
- Zadar is a great place to start your journey along the popular Dalmatian coast. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Zadar.
- Krka National Park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Croatia. If you want to visit the park, be sure to check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Krka National Park.
- Home to the stunning Diocletian's Palace, Split is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. For those who are planning to visit the town, here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Split.
- From swimming in the crystal clear waters to walking around the quaint town, Hvar is a great island to visit to escape the typical touristy towns in Croatia. Wondering what you can do there? Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Hvar.
- You can't come to Croatia without visiting Dubrovnik, one of the most famous travel destinations in Europe, home to so many cool things to do and places to see. If you are planning to visit the town, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Croatia, visit the Croatia Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Balkans Travel Guide, Eastern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, Southern Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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