Pula

Istria's largest city, home to the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and a layered history spanning Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian periods. It serves as the region's cultural and transport hub with museums, galleries and waterfront cafés.

Things to do

• Amphitheatre of Pula — Walk through this first-century Roman arena, one of the best-preserved in the world, which once hosted gladiator fights and can be climbed for views over the Adriatic.
• Fortress of Henry (Kaštel) — Explore this star-shaped Austro-Hungarian fortress perched above the old town with panoramic views and a museum inside documenting Pula's military history.
• Museum of Ancient Glass — Discover one of Europe's finest collections of Roman glass vessels and fragments, many intact or reconstructed, displayed in a restored Austro-Hungarian palace.
• Waterfront walk and harbour promenade — Stroll along the Lungomare coastal path lined with cafés, passing shipyards and views of the Austro-Hungarian naval arsenal buildings.
• Temple of Augustus — Visit this remarkably intact first-century Roman temple in the main square, still featuring its original portico and now housing a museum of Roman sculptures.
• Brijuni Islands day trip — Take a ferry or tour boat from Pula's harbour to these fourteen islands, a national park with Austro-Hungarian villas, safari park, and Venetian fortifications.
• Ulysses Cave (Grotta d'Ercole) — Hike to this natural seaside cavern north of Pula with Roman inscriptions carved into the rock, reputedly linked to Odysseus in local legend.

Food to try

• Maneštra istarska — A hearty Istrian vegetable and bean stew, often made with cabbage, potatoes, and white beans, served as a warming winter staple in local restaurants.
• Brodet — A rich fisherman's stew of mixed local seafood, tomatoes, and white wine, typically eaten with polenta and characteristic of the Adriatic coast.
• Truffle pasta (Fuži s tartufima) — Fresh handmade ribbon pasta dressed with local black or white truffles and olive oil, showcasing Istria's renowned truffle tradition.
• Istrian prosciutto (Pršut) — Dry-cured ham aged in Istrian winds, sliced paper-thin and often served with local cheese and olives as an antipasto.
• Scampi na buzaru — Fresh Adriatic langoustines cooked slowly in a closed pot with tomatoes, garlic, and white wine, creating a concentrated, intensely flavoured sauce.
• Istrian wine and food pairing experience — Seek out local wine bars offering tastings of Malvazija white and Teran red wines paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and seafood.

Local customs & good to know

• Summer festival season — Pula hosts numerous open-air performances, concerts, and theatre productions throughout July and August in and around the Amphitheatre, drawing both locals and tourists.
• Respect for Roman heritage — Locals take pride in the city's Roman legacy; visiting the major sites with attentiveness and using local guides enhances understanding of the layered history visitors will encounter.
• Café culture and evening passeggiata — Join locals in the tradition of lingering over coffee or wine at waterfront cafés in the late afternoon, and strolling the promenade as the sun sets—a cherished daily ritual.
• Island-hopping mindset — Pula serves as a gateway to nearby islands and coastal towns; renting a car or using local ferries is common, and day trips to Brijuni or Rovinj are expected tourist behaviour.

Nearby

• Pazin — 41 km
• Poreč — 42 km
• Vrsar — 42 km
• Cres Island (Kvarner) — 45 km