Holiday lettings in Pula

With the population at a touch under 60,000 people, Pula might be one of Croatia’s larger cities, but it is still very easy to navigate. Built around the harbour, it is a busy commercial city, but with the friendly appeal of a small town. An apartment in the centre of the old town will mean being within walking distance of all the main tourist attractions, but there are also two popular tourist areas with some great accommodation available: Veruda and Stoja. They border each other on the Verudela peninsula and offer easy access to white sandy beaches and pretty bays. The Bay of Gortan is popular with tourists and locals alike for its immaculate white sand, clear water and beautiful views across the Aegean Sea. Stay near the blue flag awarded Valkane Beach for beach activities and a string of restaurants and bars.

For a small city, Pula boasts a wealth of remarkably preserved Roman ruins. Towering over the centre, is the imposing Roman amphitheatre, the world’s sixth largest. This engineering masterpiece dates back to the 1st century AD and was built entirely from local limestone. It is still used today as a major venue for concerts and shows. Head to the Archaeology Museum to learn more about the city’s past, or the 17th century Kaštel, a castle which holds the Istrian History Museum. Make the most of the beautiful coastline with a day trip by boat to the Brijuni islands, a Croatian National Park, or just enjoy the local beaches on the Verudela Peninsula. Head further down the coast by bike or bus to enjoy the stunning rocky landscapes and clear turquoise seas of Kamenjak, just 8 km from Pula and the southernmost point of Istria.

Due to its location, Croatian food spans two culinary traditions: fresh Mediterranean style dishes, and the heartier meals typical of central Europe. Pula’s coastal location means that seafood is fresh and plentiful and should not be missed: head to the Amfiteatar Restaurant on Amfiteatarska for local ingredients at reasonable prices in a beautiful outdoor setting. Delicious barbecued fish, typically sea bass or bream, is a popular dish at many local seafood restaurants. Wash your meal down with one a Croatian beer - Karlovacko or Ozujsko are particularly popular - and then finish off with a nightcap of the local medica, a tasty honey brandy, or rakija. Another popular rakija is Biska, made with mistletoe. Wine lovers should note that Istria is well-known for its red Teran and white Malvazija - order a local glass when eating out. Istria is rightly famous for its truffles, and a bottle of truffle oil makes a lovely souvenir.

Arriving in Pula is easy as it has its own international airport with direct flights from across Europe, including London and Amsterdam. Alternatively, arrive in style by hydrofoil boat from Venice for stunning views of the coastline. Once you have arrived, Pula’s small size makes it perfect for exploring on foot. The majority of the tourist attractions are in the ancient centre, which is a beautiful place to explore and discover hidden corners. There are three main bus routes which connect the city centre with the tourist-friendly areas of Veruda and Stoja, running at 20-30 minute intervals until midnight. Taxis are common and a popular form of transport, but make sure to only take one that displays the official Pula Taxi sticker. Pula’s main bus station is well-connected to other places in Croatia, especially in the Istrian Peninsula, and tickets and fare information can be found at the station.