About the Port
Pula anchors the tip of Istria on Croatia's Adriatic coast, its skyline still dominated by one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, the Arena once staged gladiatorial contests and today hosts a stroll through nearly two thousand years of continuous history. Nearby, the Temple of Augustus and a well-preserved triumphal arch reveal the city's long life as a Roman port and administrative center.
The old town's narrow streets, framed by Venetian and Austro-Hungarian facades, sit within easy walking distance of the pier, making independent exploration simple. Beyond the ruins, harborside cafés and a lively fish market reflect Pula's identity as a working port city rather than a museum piece. The surrounding Istrian countryside, known for olive groves and vineyards, adds a rural counterpoint to the urban Roman core, rewarding those who venture a short distance inland.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Pula.
Explore the Zerostrasse Tunnels
Wander this underground network of WWI-era passages beneath the old town, now open for self-guided walks just steps from the Arena; a cool, atmospheric detour into military history.
Visit Brijuni National Park
This cluster of islets off the coast holds Roman ruins, safari-style grounds, and dinosaur footprints; reaching it requires a short boat transfer, so book ahead if time in port is limited.
Hike Cape Kamenjak
A wild, undeveloped peninsula south of the city with limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and walking trails offering sweeping Adriatic views, best reached by taxi or bike for a quick nature escape.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Pula
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 10 | $6,299 | |
| Aug 13, 2026 | Ponant Cruises | Le Bougainville | 7 | $6,480 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 10 | $3,899 | |
| May 7, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Shadow | 10 | $6,544 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Shadow | 12 | $8,100 | |
| Aug 4, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Dumont D'urville | 7 | $5,940 | |
| Aug 15, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 21 | $7,699 | |
| Aug 18, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Dumont D'urville | 7 | $5,940 | |
| Aug 25, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 11 | $4,159 | |
| Sep 1, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Dumont D'urville | 7 | $6,630 | |
| May 22, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 10 | $3,249 | |
| Aug 2, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Dumont D'urville | 7 | $7,000 | |
| Aug 6, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Dawn | 20 | $10,800 | |
| Aug 15, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Dawn | 11 | $6,320 | |
| Aug 16, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Dumont D'urville | 7 | $5,860 | |
| Aug 22, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Champlain | 7 | $5,860 | |
| Aug 26, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 70 | $19,559 | |
| Aug 30, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Dumont D'urville | 7 | $5,860 | |
| Oct 3, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 8 | $2,879 |