What to do in PULA – my travel guide

I started my Croatian morning with a nice run along the beach, before heading to Pula, still on Istrian Coast. So, once there, what to do in Pula? Well, there is the Amphitheater, which is stunning, and Tito’s Island Brijuni, incl. a Safari Park, has plenty of history. You can definitely spend a day or two exploring either.

PULA

Pula is one of the largest city in the Istrian Coast sitting right on the lower tip. Apparently the city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times and is settled in the prehistoric era (incl. an Amphitheater, see below). It was my first (out of many later), and it was quite unique. I find seeing the Roman ruins in the middle of modern life and buildings is quite spectacular. It gave Pula’s city much more character.

Pula is definitely different to Rovinj and the other smaller towns of the Istria Coast, but I still like it. Personally, I want to see the old towns more than the new ‘highrise’ modern towns. I like the narrow streets, hidden corners and worn stairs with the pebbled roads. They are always full of character and history. Just gorgeous!

The best part in Pula however is the Colosseum (Amphitheater), or Pula Arena (as the locals call it) right in the city centre. It is spectacular and quite amazing. It happens to be also one of the most complete Roman colosseums in the world. (The other Amphitheater as complete as this one, is the one in Rome).

And as I am always early, there was nobody around. What a great spot to take lots of photos! So if you wonder what to do in Pula, definitely go inside this Amphitheater. And don’t forget Tito’s Island Brijuni (see below).

Tito’s Island Brijuni

After Pula and the exploring of the Amphitheater, I drove to the coastal town Fazana, to take a guided tour to Tito’s Island Brijuni.

Tito  was a Yugoslav communist revolutionary and political leader, until his death in 1980. During his regime has been receiving lots of animals from all over the world and he kept them all on his Brijuni island. So there is a great small Safari to see. Amazing. I was goats (plenty of them, elephants and plenty of zebras. The ones who are no dead, are stuffed and on display in the Tito museum. Although I am not a fan of guided tours, it was a great way to learn about history.

Trip summary ‘What to do in Pula’

The Istrian Coast is still one of the most memorable areas I have visited. From Pula to the Amphitheater, and Tito’s Island Brijuni, there is plenty of interesting things to see. Stay at one place for a week and drive around to all the little towns. And if you want some nature, remember to walk the Kamenjak National Park. As for me personally, I certainly will be back! 

In addition, stock up on local Olive Oil as well! There are plenty of ladies selling them along the streets, directly from their own farm. Perfect! Where to next? The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia maybe?