Things to do in Pula

Cruise on a modern boat and take some time to admire Pula, Istria. Watch the beautiful sunset and take the opportunity to watch dolphins play. The three-hour voyage starts from the port of Pula and continues along the coast of the Brijuni National Park where you can see dolphins in their natural environment. Dolphins are frequent visitors to the Brijuni waters because of the abundance of fish that dolphins come to hunt in the evening. With beautiful sunset scenes, dolphins, and Brijuni National Park, enjoy dinner and drinks onboard. For dinner, choose between a Mediterranean fish menu, meat menu, or vegetarian menu. Drinks are served throughout the ride (coca cola, fanta, red and white wine, and water). Upon your return to the Port of Pula, take the opportunity to see the famous Pula giants and the Pula Arena at night.

Visit the ancient amphitheater of Pula, where the inhabitants of the city once gathered to be entertained by gladiators and animal hunts. Beat the crowds and explore this magnificent ancient site with your pre-paid entrance ticket. See an amphitheater that has become the symbol of Pula one of the most popular and beautiful venues in Croatia for events, like concerts, festivals, and even recreation of gladiatorial tournaments in the summer months.  Get access to the permanent exhibition entitled "Istrian Olive and Viticulture in Antiquity" located in the underground area used by the gladiators during their tournaments.  See reproductions of tools and equipment for oil and wine production, such as mills, presses, and sedimentation tanks, as well as amphorae, which were used as packaging for oil and wine transportation.

The starting point of this kayak experience is Cape Kamenjak, a protected natural park south of Pula. From one of its charming pebble beaches, you will start your adventure after a quick briefing from the tour guides. After settling in the kayaks, you'll paddle for approximately 50 minutes following the rugged coast while enjoying the summer scenery all the way to the Kolombarica Sea Cave. In the cave, you'll swim in the turquoise water lit by the sun rays that enter through a cave opening above. Snorkeling and exploring the vibrant sea life of Kamenjak is a memory you'll want to remember. That's why this tour includes free GoPro photos. If you're an adrenaline seeker, you'll love jumping from the cliffs (up to 15m high) after exploring the cave. If not, you can enjoy some time sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. On the way back, the tour guides will make short stops as needed. If you're interested, you can find out some amazing facts about the area. This tour is an ideal summer experience for friends and families. It's completely safe and suitable for beginners and kids.

Meet at the Verudela resort area and be introduced to the theory and techniques of kayaking, and the rules of conduct on the tour. It's then time to set off on your nocturnal sea kayaking adventure. The transparent bottom of the kayak equipped with LED lights will allow you to peak into the sleeping underwater world of the Adriatic sea. Kayak along the coast, where the sea depth is around 4-8 meters, so that you can watch everything that's happening on the sea floor. Imagine that you have a huge snorkelling mask but you don't have to get wet to observe what is going on under the sea. Experience transparent kayaking the way it's supposed to be. During the tour, catch a glimpse of various types of marine life. Your guide will also make sure that you have your once-in-a-lifetime memory immortalized as pictures and videos. Don't forget to look up at the starry sky and take in the heavens.

Embark on a boat trip to Brijuni National Park with dinner and drinks included. Experience the calm sea while sailing towards the Brijuni, spotting the dolphins swimming and admiring views of Pula illuminated at night. Depart from the marina in Pula. Cruise on the modern Arena boat which has 2 toilets, a sundeck, 3 terraces, a modern kitchen and a bar. Enjoy a traditional Istrian dinner on the boat, as well as unlimited drinks. Explore the Brijuni National Park from the seaside and discover its beautiful views. Encounter dolphins in their natural habitat as you cruise. Admire the picturesque views of the city of Pula lit up at night in the distance, and relax as the sun goes down on the horizon. After a relaxing journey on the water, return to the marina in Pula.

Explore hidden bays, cliffs, and beaches on this guided kayaking tour to a Blue Cave along Pula's coast. Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic sea, while some jumping enthusiasts can do cliff jumping from different heights from 1 to 5 meters. First, get set up for kayaking with safety instructions and help getting your equipment ready. After the introduction, jump into your kayak and paddle for an easy 20 minutes to the rocky beach at Seagull Rocks, right where the Muzil Peninsula begins. Next, enter the Blue Cave through a hidden entrance under the Seagull Rocks. Inside the cave, discover a hidden beach with waterproof torches. The tour guides share some exciting facts about the cave that only the locals know. After the cave, continue paddling along the coastline for about 30 minutes until you reach the hidden beach at the Muzil Peninsula where it is time to chill, swim, snorkel, cliff jump, and discover aquatic life. Enjoy some time for beach activities of your own choosing, be it swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, or simply sunbathing on the pebbled beach. In the final part of the tour, paddle at a relaxed pace back to the starting point. The tour is captured on a GoPro 10 camera in 5.3K quality. All the photos and videos will be sent to you after the tour, you also have the freedom to take your own pictures and/or videos with the camera.

Be collected at your accommodation in Zagreb and drive for approximately three hours to Pula. This is the biggest city and the center of the Istrian peninsula. The city was founded by an ancient tribe in the 10th century B.C. and it was well known by Greek travelers and sailors so is mentioned in many Greek myths. In the 1st century, the Romans made the city strong and today the vivid remains of this era can be explored. Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world and will take you back in time as you imagine gladiators battles. Other examples of Roman architecture to discover are the Temple of Augustus and the gates to the city including the Arch of the Sergii and the gate of Hercules.  Continue your journey for 45 minutes to Rovinj. This city was also founded by the Istrian tribes. It was built on a small island close to the mainland and in the 18th was connected to it. It was ruled for five centuries by Venice so both the Italian and Croatian languages are spoken in the city. During this period of occupation, walls were built around the city and the remains are standing still today. Rovinj is a real gem and adored because with every step you take you are compelled to take another photograph. Travel another 45 minutes to Porec. The Old Town is almost 2000 years old and is most famous for the Euphrasian Basilica, from 1997. It is on the UNESCO world heritage list and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istria. Notice the roman influence and architecture in the city as you walk through the main streets, still preserved in their original form.

Explore the breathtaking scenes of Cape Kamenjak on this 5-hour tour. Discover remarkable natural scenery, crystal-clear seas, and picturesque caves. You will spend a total of 2 hours kayaking and 3 hours snorkeling, swimming or relaxing. Departing from the local partner's office, paddle in your kayak to the caves of Big and Small Kolombarica. Spend some time exploring the caves using the snorkel equipment provided. Thrillseekers will have the opportunity to dive into the sea from atop a 15-meter high cliff. Afterward, reenergize with lunch and a drink at the famous Safari Bar before beginning your return journey.

Discover the most important historical highlights of Pula on a walking tour with a local guide. Visit the Cathedral, the Roman Forum, Augustus Temple, and City Hall. Begin your tour in front of the Pula Arena, and get a brief and informative overview from your guide. Next, continue on to the Pula Castle, built by the Venetians in the 17th century. Learn about its fascinating history and previous inhabitants. From there continue on to the Cathedral, and then to the Roman Forum, including the Augustus Temple and City Hall. See Roman mosaics along the way and visit the Arch of Sergii. Explore the Pula Market, established in the early 1900s, and then head to the ancient Gate of Hercules. Learn insider information as your guide regales you with in-depth knowledge about the history, architecture, culture, and rich heritage of Pula.

Hum is situated in the center of Istria with barely 20 inhabitants. Turn your trip to Hum into a beautiful story of Istrian small towns. This hidden part of Istria is extremely welcoming to visitors. According to the legend, Hum was built with the stones left over when giants were building towns in the river Mirna valley, an area in central Istria including the wonderful hill towns of Motovun, Roc, and Bale. Despite the small number of residents, Hum has preserved the ritual of Election of the Prefect for a Year. All the men from the parish gather at the Municipal Loggia (Town Hall) to elect the village superior by carving their votes into a wooden stick. Apart from being famous for being the smallest city in the world, Hum has recently become popular for Biska, which a brandy spiced with mistletoe and made according to an old recipe originating in Hum. Every year, at the end of October, the Grappa festival takes place here and hosts brandy producers from all over Istria.  In the north of Istria, located high above the Mirna River, is probably the most attractive and famous medieval town of Istria, Motovun. This fascinating site on top of a hill is a characteristic symbol of the interior of Istria. The bell tower, which is 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic, has a crown that is crenulated and dominates the center of the historic town from its position adjacent to St Stephen’s 17th-century parish church. In the center square stands the Romanesque Municipal Palace, which was Istria’s biggest secular building when it was built. Many other historical buildings surround it. Motovun’s forest which reaches down the Mirna River’s valley is particularly good for finding truffles, the alleged aphrodisiac malodorous fungus that grows underground. These white truffles of Istria, which are in season from September to December, are said to be as good as even the best French and Italian truffles. Vineyards surround the town from all sides and Istria’s finest wines including the red Teran and the white Malvasia are produced from the grapes of these vineyards. The whole locality is sprinkled with superb restaurants serving konobe. The city of Labin is an old medieval town located on a 320-meter hill with the new part of the town below. The Old Labin is the best preserved acropolis in Istria. Apart from many cultural and historical monuments, Labin is a city of artists. There are some 30 artists living and working there as well as several galleries. In nearby Dubrova, there is the Sculpture Par where International Sculptors Symposium have taken place for the past 40 years. In the summer, the old center is taken over by the Art Republic, which is a combination of music, performance, and fine arts. The town gates of St Flor, built in 1587, lead to the old town. There is also a 17th-century tower in the town offering a magnificent view.