Nestled between the idyllic deep blue waters of the Adriatic and Istria’s rolling hills, there’s more than meets the eye in Pula; the jewel atop Croatia’s coast. It’s a city for all ages, filled with must-see festivals, events, landmarks, and activities. To make your 2024 summer holiday that little bit easier, we’ve rounded up eight of the best things to do into one handy guide.
See musical stars under the stars
Watching your favourite artist is always an amazing experience. Watching them perform live in one of the world’s oldest Roman amphitheatres though? Simply unforgettable. Catch performances from global superstars like Dua Lipa, Duran Duran and Andrea Bocelli throughout the summer and party like it’s 1999 BC in the ancient Pula Arena.
Amble about the cobblestone streets of Old Town Pula
The Arena’s surrounding streets are just as charming as the amphitheatre itself. Need a historic backdrop for your holiday selfie? Visit the Roman Arch of the Sergii and Temple of Augustus. Keener to see what the shops are like? Sergijevaca Shopping Street offers modern retail in centuries-old buildings. Want to see where the locals meet? Pula Market serves up two floors of treasures, trinkets, and sundry local produce.
Spend the day exploring Brijuni National Park
Stunning safari and ancient Roman ruins aside, this 14-island archipelago packs multiple days’ worth of fun into its relatively small landmass. Enjoy a spot of kayaking, scuba diving, cycling, and a round of golf, or spend the day discovering dinosaur footprints and talking to Koki: a yellow-crested cockatoo who speaks, struts and, if you’re lucky, will shake your hand!
Climb, swing, and zip-line through the trees
For anyone with kids (or is a kid at heart), a day out at Jangalooz Pomer Adventure Park is the ultimate outdoor adventure. A 15-minute drive from Park Plaza, it’s packed with zip lines, 12-metre-high free falls, rope climbing, treetop trails, and more. And don’t worry if you’re scared of heights: there are six difficulty levels to choose from, so you’ll never feel out of your comfort zone.
See all the friends of the sea at Pula Aquarium
Right on your doorstep, based in an old naval base, you’ll find Pula Aquarium. Not just any fish tank, come face to face with rays, crabs, eels, starfish, anemones, seahorses, jellyfish, caimans, octopuses, and a huge Indian python. Don’t skip the rescue centre either: it’s one of the only places in Europe where endangered loggerhead turtles are rescued, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild.
Shop until you drop on Verudela Shopping Avenue
Speaking of places nearby, stop by Verudela Shopping Avenue if you’re in need of a little retail therapy. Whether it’s fashion, souvenirs, local produce, good coffee, a quick bite to eat, or even a fresh new frock you’re looking for, you can find it here.
Soak up the sun on Ambrela Beach
Calm waters, shallow shores, shady greenery — Ambrela Beach is everything a beach should be. An always-popular choice for local families and tourists alike, this pristine corner of Croatia’s coastline comes with easy access to showers, changing facilities, and an excellent cafe nearby. Sunbeds and umbrellas are also available to rent, so don’t worry about carrying a big beach bag around. And to top it all off, it’s located right next to the hotel.
Run through Roman history in the Pula Half Marathon
Starting at the amphitheatre, this late-September special offers you the chance to follow in Pheidippides’ footsteps and run through Pula’s ancient cobblestone streets at night. Kicking off on Saturday 21st, experience the city’s highlights and iconic landmarks as you speed through the city at your own pace. If you don’t feel like doing the full 21km, there’s 5km and 10km races too.
And the best place to stay to get in on the action? Park Plaza. Explore all our Pula properties and book your summer stay today.
