Making the most of Pula
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise terminal is on quay Rijeka near the amphitheatre; the Castle and Historic Center are just under a 15 minute walk away.
Smaller ships can dock at the pier, whereas larger vessels may anchor offshore and tender passengers into the port area.
The Arena is the 6th largest surviving Roman amphitheatre. This huge structure towers over nearby buildings and was almost destroyed several times, chiefly by Venetians planning to move it to Venice stone by stone to demonstrate Venetian empire might. Although many stones were taken to build houses and structures around Pula, the practice stopped before the Arena was entirely lost. Entry (20 kn) allows you to explore inside the Colosseum and its caverns beneath; the audio tour is very worthwhile.
At the city center's main square, the Forum occupies the site of the ancient Roman forum. It has city hall, built in 10th century using parts of an old temple visible on the hall's rear side, and the Temple of August from the first century.
Pula is Istria's largest city and a major Adriatic port in Croatia peninsula. Like the wider region, it has a mild climate, crystal clear sea and unspoiled nature, alongside long traditions of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding and tourism.
Nearby places
Visit Brijuni, a scenic island group that is a holiday resort and Croatian National Park. Settled in roman times and once part of the Republic of Venice, it also contains the now famous Tito, former Yugoslavia leader, residence. Boats leave from Fažana, the small town near Pula.
Food and shopping
Sergijevaca street has many small and souvenir shops, bars and even sweet shops.
Istria is known for truffles and a variety of truffle products.
Money
Currency: Euro.
Staying connected
Croatian is spoken, and English is well spoken.
Opening Hours and
Banks and post offices generally operate 7AM to 7PM without breaks; public offices run Monday to Friday, 8AM to 4PM. In tourist season, post offices usually remain open until 9PM, including Saturdays.
Pula's shops and department stores open continuously between 8AM and 8PM.
Shopping hours have not been regulated since 2009, so most stores in tourist destinations open 7 days a week.