Hotels in Pula

Pula Hotels

The sight of Pula’s majestic Roman Amphitheatre emerging, as you sail into the city’s port, is a clue that you’re approaching a cultured destination, with history dripping down every street. Sat at the foot of the sun-soaked Istrian Peninsula, your days here will fly by as you bathe on beaches, sail boats on the glassy Adriatic Sea, or dance under strobing neon lights at bouncing music festivals. You’ll rush to see the first-century amphitheatre on arrival - but be sure to take your time to delve into the rest of the town’s 3,000 year old history, and to absorb its beautiful balconies, spired churches, and storied ruins from the fallen empires of the past.

Things to see

Pula’s stunningly preserved arena is one of the 6 largest surviving Roman amphitheatres, and you can’t help but put yourself into the boots of the gladiators who battled to the death in its confines - especially if you watch the flashing swords of a re-enactment. The arena still serves as a venue for events and performances, and watching an early evening concert, with the ocean peeking through the arches, and the setting sun turning the sky purple, is nothing short of magical. See more of the city’s Roman remains by tracking down the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, and the Gate of Hercules, which contrast sharply against the modern buildings that have cropped up around them. Even the city’s aquarium is based in a beautiful old fort. Visit Aquarium Pula to see the suckers of octopus tentacles pressing against the glass, hear the splashes of baby turtle flippers in the water, and feel the rough skin of stingrays as they swim past.

Hotels in Pula

Pula may have one foot in the past, but its hotels offer all of the contemporary luxury you could want, with WiFi, air conditioning, and cable television available as standard. Exquisite boutique hotels in Pula are decorated with stylish colour contrasts, and offer attached spa and sauna facilities, designed to get you straight into holiday mode. Serve up an ace on the tennis courts, or get your endorphins flowing in fitness centres that are overflowing with treadmills, exercise bikes and weights. Choose a cheaper hotel to save money without missing out on experiences like breakfasting on your room’s balcony, watching as palm tree leaves wave in front of a cobalt-blue sea.

Where to stay

Let the smell of roasting Arabica coffee beans, from the traditional Turkish coffees that are being prepared in the local cafes, welcome you to a new day in your city centre hotel. Afterwards, wander lazily through the market, soaking in the energy as locals noisily banter and bargain. If you’re here to make the most of Croatia’s breathtaking coastline, then stay in Medulin instead. Head out from your hotel to paddle in the shallow water that laps against golden sandy beaches, or to take a boat trip out to caves where you can swim in water that glows luminous blue. In the evenings, taste soft Fuži pasta, or spend time sampling dark Teran wines, and savouring the peppery aftertaste of local olive oils.

How to get to Pula

Arriving by boat is the most romantic way to reach Pula, especially if you’ve sailed in by ferry from beautiful Venice. Taking the bus from The Floating City is another option, or you can drive yourself, which will take around 3 hours. If you’re flying, seasonal services land at Pula’s own airport from right across Europe, and there's a bus link to the city centre. You could also fly to Trieste Airport or Venice’s Marco Polo Airport, before hopping on a connecting bus service.