Pula Travel Guide: Excursions

Surrounded by the verdant greenery of Istria’s southern landscapes lies a city of immense beauty and culture. Since Pula’s founding over 3,000 years ago, Istria’s largest city has been revered as one of the Adriatic’s most important trading harbours, and more recently as a tourism treasure. This seaside resort shines brighter than many other destinations, housing an astounding number of historical monuments as well as its glorious beaches and stunning countryside. By far the most impressive icon of the Roman influence on Istria is the city’s magnificent Arena – the sixth largest coliseum on the planet. Many world famous artists such as Sting, Norah Jones and the late Pavarotti have performed within its spectacular arched interior in recent years. Concerts, film screenings and open-air theatre now grace an ancient stage where once gladiators battled to the death. However, the Arena is not the only place endowed with exciting summer events. Musical and theatrical extravaganzas such as the Histria Festival, the most popular festival in Croatia, pack the city with pulsating performances. ‘Seasplash’ infuses Pula with the vibrant energy of reggae for three sensational days in July, and street performers colour its cobbled streets with a pageant of music and colour throughout July and August.Most of the hotels and tourist accommodation lies two kilometres to the south on the pine-cloaked Verudela peninsula surrounded by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic. It’s a scene of startling natural beauty, where the rich green of Mediterranean parkland contrasts deeply with the azure blue of cloudless skies and a calm, sparkling sea. Many tourist destinations boast of ‘having it all’. Pula is one of the very few that truly has.