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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.09.2021
Pick Pula Croatia for your next city break. It's a natural choice after Dubrovnik and Split. It's laidback and cosmopolitan. Home to some impressive Roman ruins. And it retains a refreshing sense of authenticity. The compact historic centre is as picturesque as any in Croatia. But its shipyard's giant cranes indicate a working city.
Pula's also an ideal hub for exploring Istria. A region of Venetian towns, olive groves and forests. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
customize ⤍Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
customize ⤍Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
customize ⤍Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
customize ⤍Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
customize ⤍Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
customize ⤍Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
customize ⤍Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
customize ⤍The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
customize ⤍Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
customize ⤍The city's old-town streets are a fascinating mix. Byzantine chapels mingle with Venetian townhouses. You can even see Hapsburg palaces. Graceful Roman ruins stand in the Forum. This has been Pula’s main square for over 2000 years. Look for tall Corinthian columns. That's the Temple of Augustus. And it's one of several ancient sites involved in Pula's annual Spectacvla Antiqva.
Look for the Holy Rock at the peninsula’s western tip. It's a dreamy vantage point for sunsets. And good for dolphin spotting too.
Want more guaranteed sightings? Take a sunset dolphin watching cruise from Pula.
The Brijuni islands have links to Josip Broz Tito. He was the former President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. And, for an Eastern European dictator, remains oddly popular. There's even a Tito on Brijuni photo exhibition. You can see it at Veli Brijun’s ferry dock. It contains images of Tito entertaining everyone from Fidel Castro to Sophia Loren.
Veli Brijun also has Roman ruins, cycling routes and forest trails. Or you can visit the remaining residents of Tito’s private zoo.
Try a Brijuni National Park boat tour to explore Tito's stomping ground.
Istrian truffles are famously rich. Try them simply grated over pasta.
Istria's the top olive oil producer in the world. And the oil created here has a warm, spicy kick. Long-living locals recommend a daily spoonful.
Local chefs claim Istrian waters are home to Croatia's densest concentration of seafood. Typical dishes include brodet sa palentom (fish stew with polenta). Or there's stuffed squid and crni rižoto (risotto with cuttlefish ink).
Try the Dolce Vita-themed Bistro Alighieri restaurant. Or eat on the vine-covered terrace at Pizzeria Jupiter. Or head out of Pula. The best Istrian cooking is found in nearby villages.
Overlooking Pula Marina, Ribarska Koliba is known for seafood. And budget-friendly Stara Konoba is on Fažana's harbour. Don’t miss their njoki s tartufima (homemade gnocchi with truffle).
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Croatia or Croatia Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Tours can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Croatia expert.
Arty Pipistrelo in Pula has a prime central location. Boutique Suites Joyce is an interesting pick. It occupies a language school where Joyce once taught English. Apart from that it also has great views of the Arch of the Sergians.
Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to Croatia. Read more about the best time to go to Croatia, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the Croatia Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to https://www.books.roughguides.com/travel-insurance/?_ga=2.217601554.507231792.1632048345-48127756.1631030096">buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.09.2021
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