Located on the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is a charming coastal city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Pula is renowned for its impressive Roman architecture, particularly the Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. The city’s historic charm is complemented by its scenic coastline, offering a variety of recreational activities.
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay while visiting, our villas in Pula offer an ideal base point for exploring the city. These villas feature private pools, spacious terraces, and modern amenities, making them popular with families and groups. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, villas with a sea view in Pula offer an excellent combination of both, providing an exclusive and comfortable experience while exploring the region’s natural beauty and historical sites.
Here are some of the top things to do in Pula to make the most of your visit.
The Dolphin & Sunset Tours
The Dolphin and Sunset Tours provide some of the most stunning experiences in Pula. These tours provide an unforgettable opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the Adriatic Sea while encountering its vibrant marine life in its purest form.
The tours typically begin in the afternoon and include a leisurely boat ride that allows passengers to soak in the serene coastal scenery while dolphins swim and leap alongside the boats creating a truly magical experience. Sometimes these tours can also include options for snorkeling and swimming, allowing guests to further explore the clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems of the Adriatic.
Discover the Brijuni National Park
Brijuni National Park, a breathtaking archipelago just a short boat trip from Pula, is a haven of natural beauty and historical significance. The park includes 14 islands and is a protected area recognized for its beautiful landscapes, diversified ecosystems, and rich cultural legacy.
Among the 14 islands, Veli Brijun stands out as the largest and most accessible, offering a home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a safari park with exotic animals such as zebras and elephants. The island is home to a remarkable variety of plant species, some of which are endemic to the region.
While on the island, visitors can explore a well-preserved Roman villa, which dates back to the 1st century BC. This villa complex includes remnants of residential quarters, a Roman bath, and mosaics that provide insight into the luxurious lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants. The villa’s location offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, adding to its historical allure. In addition to Roman ruins, Veli Brijun also features a Byzantine fortress, a testament to the island’s strategic importance in the Mediterranean throughout history as well as the remains of a 1st-century AD temple dedicated to Venus, reflecting the religious practices of the time and the cultural influences that shaped the region.
Beyond its natural and historical attractions, Brijuni National Park offers a variety of recreational activities. The island’s well-maintained trails and scenic paths are perfect for cycling and walking and you can also use the opportunity to enjoy a game of golf at the island’s golf course, which is one of the oldest in Europe.
Discover the Zerostrasse Tunnels
Beneath the city of Pula lies a hidden gem, the Zerostrasse Tunnels. Built during World War I, these underground tunnels were originally designed as a wartime shelter for the city’s residents.
Today, the tunnels serve as a fascinating historical attraction, offering a glimpse into Pula’s past. Exhibits within the tunnels include detailed maps, personal stories, and displays of wartime equipment, all of which paint a vivid picture of life during World War I. This underground labyrinth is not only a journey through history but also a testament to the resilience of the city’s people.
Check Out the Pula Aquarium
Located within the historic Verudela Fort, the Pula Aquarium offers a fascinating blend of marine exploration and historical ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for marine enthusiasts, families, and history buffs alike. The aquarium is housed in a former Austro-Hungarian fortress, providing a unique and atmospheric setting that enhances the experience of discovering the wonders of the Adriatic Sea.
The Pula Aquarium houses an extensive diversity of marine life that highlights the Adriatic region’s incredible biodiversity. Visitors can see sharks, seahorses, jellyfish, and a variety of colorful fish. The aquarium’s displays are intentionally constructed to recreate natural environments, giving visitors a closer look at the complex ecosystems that exist under the sea’s surface.
The aquarium also actively participates in marine conservation activities, such as sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, as well as the preservation of endangered species. Educational activities and seminars are available for both children and adults, to raise awareness about marine conservation and encourage responsible behavior.
Visit the Historical Kastel Fortress
Overlooking the city from a hilltop, the Kastel Fortress is one of Pula’s most iconic landmarks. The Venetians built the fortress in the 17th century to safeguard the city from maritime invasions, and it has since become a symbol of Pula’s rich historical and architectural legacy. Its strategic location provides spectacular panoramic views of both the city and the Adriatic Sea.
The Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria, located inside the fortress, offers an in-depth look at the region’s rich history. The museum displays a large collection of marine relics that show Pula’s importance as a historic port city. Displays include historical weaponry that depicts the region’s military past, as well as traditional costumes that highlight Istria’s cultural variety. The museum’s artifacts provide insight into the daily lives, cultures, and historical events that have defined Pula and its surroundings.
The fortress also has a big cultural significance as it is frequently used for a variety of cultural events, including concerts, theater performances, and festivals.