Tour guides Croatia > Pula

5 ideas for guided tours in Pula

• Pula amphitheatre

  

  Arriving in the city, the Pula Amphitheater appears almost suddenly, a massive stone structure set by the sea. Its perfectly spaced arches form an impressive circle, still standing after centuries as if time had simply slipped past its walls.

  Inside, the arena keeps its simple form — steep stands, narrow passageways. It’s easy to picture the ancient crowds, the noise, the dust rising from the ground. Today, the site sometimes hosts concerts or film screenings, a striking contrast with its history.

  All around, the city reveals other remains, such as the Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus, witnesses of the same Roman era. Follow the narrow streets and you’ll also find stretches of old walls, quiet fragments that keep the city’s ancient memory alive.

• Istrian Archaeological Museum

  

  Housed in a former Venetian castle, the Archaeological Museum of Istria preserves traces of history spanning several millennia. Room after room displays simple glass cases, carved stones, and amphorae recovered from land and sea.

  You move from prehistoric objects to Roman mosaics, then to medieval jewelry — each piece telling part of the region’s story. Some fragments seem modest, yet they leave an impression through their simplicity: a broken pot, a half-erased inscription.

  Not far from the museum, the Pula Amphitheater stands as a reminder of Roman power, its imposing structure still intact. Higher up in the city, the Arch of the Sergii leads the way into the old streets, a blend of small shops and architectural remains.

• Augustus’ temple

  

  On the main square, the Temple of Augustus stands out with its simple façade, Corinthian columns still upright after centuries. The gray stone bears the marks of time — wind, rain, and the countless hands that have touched its steps.

  Inside, the hall has been turned into a small museum displaying Roman fragments: statues, bronze pieces, and ancient inscriptions. The space is compact, almost austere, which makes the objects feel even more present. It’s easy to picture the temple filled with worshippers two thousand years ago.

  The square itself is worth a pause, lined with cafés and buildings from different eras. Nearby, the Town Hall occupies what was once a medieval temple, creating an interesting contrast of styles. Heading uphill, you reach the Roman Forum, the administrative heart of the ancient city.

• Pula’s beaches

  

  Around the city, Pula’s beaches scatter between rocky coves and strips of smooth pebbles. The water is crystal-clear, deep in places, with fish visible right from the surface. Narrow shaded paths often lead you to a quiet, hidden cove.

  The Valkane Beach draws families and walkers, with a mix of concrete sunbathing areas and more natural spots. Farther along, Histria and its hotels line the coast, but the rocks remain open to all, offering flat surfaces for lounging. Each place has its own mood — some lively, others peaceful.

  Continuing south, Arena Stoja and the coves of Verudela reveal cliffs where young people leap fearlessly into the sea. The nearby aquarium is a reminder that here, the ocean feeds curiosity as much as it invites swimming. The coastline balances raw nature with modern facilities, giving it a unique rhythm.

• Kamenjak National Park

  

  At the southern tip of Istria, Kamenjak National Park stretches along a wild coastline carved into coves, cliffs, and small pebble beaches. The sea shifts color throughout the day — a dazzling turquoise at noon, deep and dark when the wind picks up.

  Dirt tracks cut through dry meadows bordered by pines and tall grasses. Every now and then, you might stumble upon a makeshift bar in a wooden hut, with hand-painted tables and a laid-back vibe. Below, divers slip from the rocks into the clear water — a quick splash, then silence.

  Heading back toward Pula, you pass other notable spots, like the Verudela Fort and the aquarium housed within its walls. Farther on, the narrow streets of the old town lead you back to the Roman Amphitheater, its massive stone presence contrasting with the lightness of the coast.