{"id":125742,"date":"2020-01-03T14:37:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T14:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=125742"},"modified":"2020-01-03T14:37:34","modified_gmt":"2020-01-03T14:37:34","slug":"things-to-do-in-pula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-pula\/","title":{"rendered":"Roman ruins and roaming beaches: 14 dreamy things to do in Pula"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re planning a Croatia backpacking<\/a> trip, Pula might not be on every traveller’s radar. But it should be! This charming destination has the crystal-clear beaches that Croatia is famous for, plus a rich Roman history that makes exploring the ancient city a delight. Time moves a little slower here, which is perfect for travellers who need a break during their whirlwind tour of Europe. What\u2019s best of all, is that Pula is one of the best places to visit in Croatia<\/a> where you can take in it’s beauty without battling floods of other explorers. If you\u2019re not sure what to do in Pula, fear not! We\u2019ve covered it in our list of the 13 best things to do in Pula, Croatia.<\/p>\n

1. Explore Pula Arena<\/a><\/h2>\n

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@kesitoandfo<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Pula\u2019s number one attraction is their very own Roman amphitheatre. Yep, you read that right! Sure, Rome\u2019s famous theatre is cool, but this one is too, just without the crowds, so it’s an essential thing to do in Pula. Pula\u2019s amphitheatre was built out of limestone in the 1st century AD, under the reign of Emperor Vespasian. It hosted Gladiators and animal fights back in the day, when Pula was once the Roman city known as Pietas Julia. It\u2019s still in use, and you can catch events like the Pula Film Festival<\/a> and the Spectacvla Antiqva (symbolic gladiator fights), concerts, operas and ballets regularly. 20,000 people could once be seated in the arena, now it\u2019s a spacious 5,000!<\/p>\n

Tickets cost 50 Kuna (\u00a36) for adults and 25 Kuna (\u00a33) for kids and students.<\/p>\n

Opening hours: <\/b><\/p>\n

November \u2013 March: 9am-5pm, April: 8am-8pm, May: 8am-9pm, June: 8am-10pm, July \u2013 August: 8am-11pm, September: 8am-9pm, October: 8am-8pm.<\/p>\n

2. Marvel at the Temple of Augustus and Pula Forum<\/h2>\n

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When seeing this ancient temple in real life, it\u2019s hard to believe that it\u2019s still standing. Six towering Corinthian columns appear to keep this structure in place, that was first built between 2 BC and 14 AD. The temple once stood with another twin temple in the square and was dedicated to Rome\u2019s first emperor Augustus. Despite its appearance, it was actually destroyed by bombing in 1944 and rebuilt afterwards. Inside you can see a small archaeological museum, and from the outside you can also explore the ruins of the once standing Roman Forum. It\u2019s fascinating to see the impact of the Roman Empire reaching all the way to Croatia!<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no cost for admission and no opening hours.<\/p>\n

How to get there:<\/b> you\u2019ll find this ancient monument in the main square of medieval Pula. There are also vibrant restaurants and hostels<\/a> in this area.<\/p>\n

3. Sunbathe, swim or cliff dive at Cape Kamenjak<\/h2>\n

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Did you really go to Croatia if you didn\u2019t get a selfie swimming in clear blue waters? Visiting a Croatian beach<\/a> is a must do, so heading to Cape Kamenjak Nature Park (on the Premantura peninsula) should definitely be up there on your list of things to do in Pula. Take the day to sunbathe, swim and have a few bevvies at the Safari Bar<\/a> in the south of the park, taking in the some gorgeous backdrops. Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins! If you\u2019re a keen bike rider, there are many cycling tours you can join too. See, a day in the sun doesn\u2019t have to be lazy!<\/p>\n

It costs 35 Kuna (\u00a34) to enter by car, but it\u2019s free for pedestrians.<\/p>\n

How to get there:<\/b> check if your Pula hostel<\/a> offers day trips there, otherwise you can access it by car, or get a direct bus from Pula.<\/p>\n

4. Walk up to Ka\u0161tel for charming views of the city<\/h2>\n

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View from the hill at Ka\u0161tel<\/em><\/p>\n

Not only will you find a stunning viewpoint of Pula on this hilltop, it\u2019s also the home to a large baroque fortress! You\u2019ll find the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria<\/a> up here too. The hill was used by the Histrian people as a co-living space before the Romans even settled in Pula. During the Venetian Empire, Pula was an important port for ships going to and from Venice, and the construction of this fortress in the 17th<\/sup> century further proved the Venetian\u2019s dedication to defending their land. It\u2019s quite the walk up from the city centre, so wear strong shoes!<\/p>\n

If you want to enter the museum and get higher viewpoints of Pula, general entry costs 20 kuna (\u00a32.50), or 10 Kuna (\u00a31.50) for students.<\/p>\n

Opening hours: <\/b><\/p>\n

Winter (1 October \u2013 31 March): 9am \u2013 5pm<\/p>\n

Summer (1 April \u2013 30 September): 8am \u2013 9pm<\/p>\n

5. Admire the beauty of Pula Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)<\/h2>\n

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Pula\u2019s cathedral was founded all the way back in the 4th<\/sup> century and is still open to visitors to this day. You\u2019ll find this modest Cathedral in the Old Town\u2019s main square, near the Temple of Augustus and the Roman Forum. The cathedral is most famous for the five sarcophagi that were found underneath the main alter in the 1600s, which were believed to be Christian saints. The remains of Solomon, King of Hungary, were also said to have been discovered there. The floor features stunning 5th<\/sup> and 6th<\/sup> century mosaics that are worth checking out if you\u2019re a fan of art history. This is a great thing to do in Pula if you\u2019re exploring the Old Town, plus admission is free.<\/p>\n

Opening hours: <\/b>10am \u2013 6pm daily<\/p>\n

6. Try Istrian Wine<\/h2>\n

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While in the region of Istria, don\u2019t forget to try some of their delicious wine! The region has a unique climate and soil created by the Mediterranean and Alpine weather, giving the wines a sweet taste. Malvasia white wine is their most popular concoction – it has acacia flower aromas, so it\u2019s the perfect summer refreshment while you overlook Pula\u2019s coastline. If you\u2019re feeling bougie enough, there are plenty of wineries and wine tours to experience within Pula and its neighbouring towns. Benazic Winery<\/a> just outside Pula is a handy stop for those with little time and a slightly bigger budget.<\/p>\n

7. Grab a drink with James Joyce at Caffe Bar Uliks<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Entry to the old town and close to Caffe Bar Uliks<\/em><\/p>\n

For literature fans, there\u2019s a surprise waiting for you in Pula! This famous caf\u00e9 and bar was named after James Joyce\u2019s novel Ulysses, to pay homage to the writer\u2019s former 1904 home in the building. On the caf\u00e9\u2019s terrace there\u2019s a statue of the legendary writer, so you can literally have a drink with him! Grab a refreshing G & T (or an Istrian wine \ud83d\ude09) and enjoy the beauty of Pula\u2019s Old Town in this historic spot. The bar is open from morning to the early hours, so there\u2019s really no rush to leave\u2026 breakfast and bar all in one!<\/p>\n

Opening hours:<\/b> 6am \u2013 2am<\/p>\n

8. Wander around Zerostrasse<\/a><\/h2>\n

Zerostrasse is a series of underground tunnels that cover almost the entire city. They were built in World War 1 to shelter locals from the air raids, but are now used for cultural events, exhibitions and even parties. The tunnels can hold around 50,000 people, nearly Pula\u2019s whole population.<\/p>\n

Each August, the tunnels host the annual Dimension Festival<\/a>, which guarantees the ultimate underground rave party (there\u2019s also the Outlook Festival<\/a> during late summer in Pula). Taking place in late August, experience experimental electronic music echo throughout the walls of the caves.<\/p>\n

General admission tickets cost 15 Kuna (\u00a31.70), or 10 Kuna (\u00a31.50) for students. Have a look to see what\u2019s on at Zerostrasse<\/a> when you\u2019re visiting Pula.<\/p>\n

Opening hours:<\/b><\/p>\n

June: 10am – 8pm<\/p>\n

July \u2013 August: 10am – 10pm<\/p>\n

September: 10am – 8pm<\/p>\n

9. Walk through the Arch of the Sergii<\/h2>\n

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@nickkane<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

We think the Arch of the Sergii is very rem-arc-able! This archway goes back to the Roman Empire (27BC) and was commissioned by Salvia Postuma of the noble Sergii family to memorialise her three brothers who fought in the battle of Actium (where Augustus defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra). It\u2019s located at the entrance to the old Roman town and originally included a gate and walls that were destroyed in the 18th<\/sup> century. As you walk through this arch on the western side, you\u2019ll get to admire intricate decorations. This monument is still greatly admired in Pula as a superb example of Late Hellenic Roman architecture.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no cost for admission and no opening hours. You can find this monument in the centre of Portarata Square.<\/p>\n

10. Stay at Riva Hostel Pula<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Once all the dreamy wandering around the Old Town is done, it\u2019s time to let your hair down at this relaxed and ambient hostel in the city centre! Riva Hostel has a courtyard and bar overlooking Pula\u2019s waterfront, and the city\u2019s major attractions are right at its doorstep. Previous guests have loved the super convenient location and the very helpful staff. If you need somewhere to have a social drink with other solo travellers<\/a>, then this is your pick!<\/p>\n

Hostel highlights:<\/b><\/p>\n