Villa Mateo

Welcome to Pula

Located at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is a dynamic coastal city where ancient history meets modern living. Known for its Roman monuments, vibrant seaside atmosphere, and cultural energy, Pula is a destination that offers something for every traveler.

What Awaits You in Pula?

• From awe-inspiring ruins to sunny beaches and lively events, Pula invites you to explore its rich past while enjoying all the comforts of the present.
• Walk Through Ancient History
• Pula Arena: One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, the Arena is the city’s most iconic landmark. It once hosted gladiator battles — today, it hosts concerts, film festivals, and cultural events.
• Roman Forum and Temple of Augustus: Stroll through Pula’s historic core and discover ancient squares and temples that date back over 2,000 years. The blend of Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian architecture creates a unique and atmospheric backdrop.

Explore Natural Beauty

• Beaches and Coves: From the popular Punta Verudela to hidden spots like Galebove Stijene, Pula’s coastline is dotted with crystal-clear coves perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under the sun.
• Brijuni National Park: Just a short boat ride away, this stunning archipelago offers a mix of untouched nature, historical ruins, and wildlife – perfect for a day of exploration.

Taste the Flavors of Istria

• Fresh Seafood and Local Cuisine: Enjoy delicious dishes made with freshly caught fish, homemade pasta, and truffles — all paired with award-winning Istrian wines and olive oil.
• Local Markets: Visit Pula’s vibrant green market to sample seasonal produce, cheeses, and traditional products directly from local farmers and artisans.

Experience Culture and Events

• Pula Film Festival: Held inside the Roman Arena each summer, this internationally recognized festival is a unique blend of cinema and history.
• Concerts and Exhibitions: The city buzzes year-round with music, art, and cultural performances in various historic and modern venues.

Get Active and Explore

• Diving and Water Sports: Pula is a paradise for underwater explorers, with several diving centers offering excursions to shipwrecks, reefs, and underwater caves.
• Cycling and Walking Trails: Discover the surrounding nature and coastline on foot or by bike, with many scenic routes leading through pine forests, olive groves, and ancient ruins.

Relax and Enjoy the City Vibe

Pula offers a great balance of urban life and laid-back charm. Enjoy a sunset drink at a seaside bar, shop for local crafts in the Old Town, or take an evening walk along the lively marina.

Your Pula Journey Awaits

With its incredible history, beautiful coastline, and thriving cultural scene, Pula is much more than just a beach destination — it’s a place where stories of the past meet the energy of today. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Pula is ready to welcome you.

Welcome to Istria! To ensure a safe and pleasant stay, here’s a quick guide to essential services and emergency contacts.

Emergency phone numbers

• 112 – General Emergency Assistance (24/7, multilingual)
• 192 – Police
• 193 – Fire Department
• 194 – Ambulance

Lost or Stolen Documents

If you lose your documents or suspect theft, notify the local police department. If navigating the town’s charming streets leaves you disoriented, online maps can help you locate the nearest police station.

Embassy and Consular Services

Most embassies in Croatia are in Zagreb, and some of them are also closer to Istria region. Here are a few embasies in Croatia and consulates closest to the Istrian region:

• Austria - Consulate of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Croatia, Rijeka. e-mail: konzulat.republike.austrije@ri.t-com.hr, phone: +385 51 338 554
• Czech Republic - Embassy of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Croatia, email: zagreb@embassy.mzv.cz, phone: +385 1 617 72-46
• Denmark - Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: zagamb@um.dk, phone: +385 1 49 24 530
• Germany – Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Croatia Pula, e-mail pula@hk-diplo.de, phone: +385 52 520 240
• Hungary - Embassy of Hungary to the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, e-mail: mission.zgb@mfa.gov.hu, phone: +385 1 48 90 900
• Italy – Consulate General of Italy in Rijeka: Assistance for Italian nationals and other consular services. e-mail: cons.fiume@esteri.it, phone +38551355201
• Poland - Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: hrzagamb@msz.gov.pl, phone: +385 1 48 99 444
• Slovakia - Embassy of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: emb.zagreb@mzv.sk, phone: +385 1 48 77 070
• Slovenia - Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: consular.zagreb@gov.si, phone: +385 1 631 10 00
• Switzerland - Embassy of the Swiss Confederation to the Republic of Croatia, e-mail: zagreb@eda.admin.ch, phone: +385 1 48 78 800

For a comprehensive list of diplomatic missions in Croatia, visit Embassy Worldwide.

Hospitals and Pharmacies

For medical emergencies, head to:

• General Hospital Pula (Opća bolnica Pula) – The main hospital in the Istrian region, located about 40 km from Rovinj.
• Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka (Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka) – A large hospital in Rijeka, providing advanced care and specialized medical treatments.

Both facilities have 24/7 emergency departments. For non-urgent medical needs, pharmacies (Ljekarne) are widely available across Istria.

Roadside Assistance

If your vehicle breaks down or you encounter a road issue, contact HAK (Croatian Automobile Club) at 1987 .

How to Move Around

Istria is filled with countless transportation ways that let you discover its quaint towns, striking countryside, and picturesque coastlines:

• Buses: You'll find intercity buses linking significant locations like Rovinj, Poreč, and Umag. Buses in Istria are both cheap and dependable, making them a favored option for intra-city travel.
• Car rentals: If you're keen on sniffing out the rural beauty of Istria, trailing through vineyards or visiting hilltop hamlets like Motovun and Grožnjan, renting a car is your best bet. The roads are well-kept and distances manageable.
• Cycling: Istria is a heaven for cyclists! Witness lovely landscapes and age-old sites on marked trails such as the Parenzana route.
• Taxis and ride-sharing apps: Taxis are in larger towns while ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt service certain regions ensuring an easy commute.
• Walking: Breathe in the simplicity and cultural richness of compact areas particularly within Rovinj  and Poreč – best viewed at a walker's pace.

Useful Tips

• Currency: Croatia uses the Euro (EUR).
• Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn are ideal for enjoying Istria’s charm without peak-season crowds.
• Tap water: Safe and drinkable! Feel free to refill your bottle.
• Tipping: While not mandatory, a 5-10% tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated.
• Quiet hours: From 10 pm to 6 am, Istria follows a tranquility rule. Please respect the peace.