🇭🇷Croatia · Places to discover

What to see in Pula?

18 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.

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Map of places in Pula, numbered like the cards below
Explore on the map
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Landmarks & heritage

6 places

  • Pula Arena1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Landmark

    Pula Arena

    One of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, with capacity for 20,000 spectators. Summer concerts here are a unique experience under the stars.

  • Arch of the Sergii2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0

    Landmark

    Arch of the Sergii

    Roman triumphal arch from the 1st century BC erected in honour of the Sergia family. Less visited than the arena, it blends seamlessly into the everyday life of the city centre.

  • Porta Gemina (Twin Gate)3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Landmark

    Porta Gemina (Twin Gate)

    Double Roman gate from the 2nd century providing access to the old town, flanked by two elegant arches. Little known to hurried tourists, it merits a photographic stop.

  • 4

    Landmark

    Landmark

    Hercules Gate (Porta Herculis)

    Pula's oldest Roman gate, dating from the 1st century BC, with a carved Hercules head still visible. Hidden away in a discreet alley of the historic centre.

  • 5

    Landmark

    Landmark

    Mosaic of the Punishment of Dirké

    2nd-century Roman mosaic displayed in the open air on the old town hill, often overlooked by visitors. An archaeological treasure freely accessible to all.

  • 6

    Landmark

    Landmark

    Pula Roman Forum

    Once the heart of Roman public life, now an animated square surrounded by local terraces. The atmosphere here is authentic, far removed from the bustle of well-trodden sites.

Museums

1 place

  • 7

    Museum

    Museum

    Istrian Archaeological Museum

    Museum housed in a former Austrian arsenal, charting 10,000 years of Istrian history through Roman, prehistoric and medieval collections of remarkable richness. Surprisingly quiet despite its treasures.

Religious sites

2 places

  • Temple of Augustus8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Religious site

    Temple of Augustus

    Remarkably intact 1st-century Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, nestled on the Forum square. One of the best-preserved Roman temples in the Adriatic region.

  • Church of Saint Francis of Pula9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Religious site

    Church of Saint Francis of Pula

    14th-century Franciscan monastery with a serene Gothic cloister and a museum containing Roman artefacts recovered from the city. A tranquil refuge amid the summer bustle.

Castles & fortresses

1 place

  • Pula Castle (Kaštel)10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Castle

    Pula Castle (Kaštel)

    17th-century Venetian fortress perched on the central hill with 360° panoramic views over the city and bay. Houses the Museum of Istrian History.

Parks & gardens

1 place

  • 11

    Park

    Park

    Brijuni Islands National Park

    Archipelago of 14 islands designated as a national park, former estate of Tito, offering safari, Roman ruins and unspoilt beaches. The ferry crossing from Fažana takes 15 minutes.

Viewpoints

1 place

  • 12

    Viewpoint

    Viewpoint

    Sunset Panorama from Kaštel

    The castle terrace unveils Pula's most breathtaking vista—Roman rooftops and the Adriatic bathed in golden light. Locals treasure this moment as their own private sanctuary.

Activities

3 places

  • 13

    Activity

    Activity

    Cycling on the Punta Corrente Peninsula (near Rovinj)

    Coastal cycle path connecting Pula northwards through pine forests and coves towards upper Istria. The route to Fažana traces the shoreline with constant views of the Brijuni Islands.

  • 14

    Activity

    Activity

    Open-Air Cinema Ljetno Kino

    Summer outdoor cinema set within the ruins of a former Venetian arsenal, screening films beneath the stars during July and August. A uniquely local cultural experience.

  • 15

    Activity

    Activity

    Kayak Rental at Valsaline

    Sea kayak excursions departing from Valsaline bay to explore the isolated coves inaccessible by foot around the Pula peninsula. A distinctive way to discover the Istrian coastline.

Beaches

1 place

  • 16

    Beach

    Beach

    Havajski Zaljev Beach

    Tiny hidden cove nestled in the Valsaline peninsula, reachable on foot or by bike from the centre. Pristine waters, laid-back atmosphere, and a firm favourite with Pula's young crowd.

More to discover

2 places

  • 17

    Place

    Place

    Veruda Quarter and Marina

    Waterfront residential neighbourhood with a lively marina, beach bars and a relaxed atmosphere away from the main tourist centre. Where locals spend their summer evenings.

  • 18

    Place

    Place

    Pula Covered Market

    Austro-Hungarian market hall dating from 1903, bursting with Istrian cheeses, truffles, olive oil and seasonal produce. Come morning, locals gather here to shop, swap gossip and haggle.

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