Pula Holidays

You can’t miss the huge amphitheatre that’s sat bang in the middle of Pula – it’s three storeys high, takes the crown for the most well-preserved ancient monument in all of Croatia, and dates back to the 1st century. Back in the day, it could hold over 23,000 Roman spectators. You can also see Hercules Gate, the Temple of Augustus, and the Triumphal Arch of the Sergii.

This national park’s made up of 14 islands parked off of the Istrian coast. It’s an easy daytrip from Pula – just catch a bus to nearby Fazana, and make the 20-minute ferry journey across the water to the main island of Veliki Brijuni. Here, you’ll find rolling pine forests snaked with walking trails and ancient Byzantine monuments, like St Mary’s Basilica. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for rare animals and plants, like the wild cucumber.

Pula’s a little short on the sandy stuff, but that doesn’t mean its beaches don’t deliver. You’ll need to make tracks out of the town centre to find them, but this part of Croatia’s home to loads of pretty shingle stretches. And, the sea ticks all the tropical boxes – it’s clean, clear and bright turquoise.