Pula and Istrian Coast holidays

Culture, cuisine and coastlines – Pula and the Istrian Coast has got them all and more. This picture-postcard part of Croatia has heaps of history and knockout beaches, with a generous spritz of Italian-inspired dolce vita on the side. Sun-seekers, history buffs and foodies have plenty to play with here, as modern seaside resorts rub shoulders with Roman ruins and majestic Mother Nature in all her glory. And these shores were made for romance. Think pretty promenades, trattorias serving up lemon-sprinkled seafood under the stars and buckets of old-world charm.

Popular Pula and the Istrian Coast holiday resorts

Valamar Parentino Hotel

Porec, Pula and Istrian Coast

Our rating

Based on 571 reviews

Close to the beach
Lovely pool area
Splash park and slides
Brilliant children's club
Perfect for exploring the local area

Hotel Parentium Plava Laguna

Porec, Pula and Istrian Coast

Our rating

Based on 719 reviews

Seafront location
Stunning views
Indoor pool
Spa facilities
Relaxed pool scene

Park Plaza Verudela

Pula (Resort of), Pula and Istrian Coast

Our rating

Based on 1252 reviews

A peninsula paradise
Great range of sports and activities
Pool with sea views
Close to blue flag Ambrela pebble beach
Stylish accommodation

Hotel Mediteran Plava Laguna

Porec, Pula and Istrian Coast

Our rating

Based on 821 reviews

Stunning views of the sea and pine forest
Great range of facilities
Close to historic Porec

Family Hotel Amarin

Rovinj, Pula and Istrian Coast

Our rating

Based on 616 reviews

Great beachfront location
Children's clubs for all ages
Games console zone
Range of sports facilities
Rejuvenating spa

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Language

Croatian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£2.50

3 course meal

£55.50

Flight times

2.5hrs

Historically popular

The Romans, the Venetians and the Austrians have all ruled the Pula and Istrian Coast region at one time or another. And it’s easy to see why they were so keen on the spot. It comes with 250km of sun-soaked coastline backed by dense forests, hill-hugging villages and rocky cliffs.

Modern resorts

The region is a summer holiday hotspot and a sprinkling of modern resorts has sprung up to cater for the sun-seeking crowds. Pula town, Rovinj, Poreč, Umag and Medulin are all geared towards fun and sun, but look more closely and you’ll still find plenty of traditional charm.

Ancient attractions

The Romans have left their mark all over the region – the beautifully preserved amphitheatre in Pula is a real highlight. It’s actually one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the world! But you should keep your eyes peeled for Venetian architecture too, especially in the port town of Rovinj.

Porec

An Italian-accented town on the Adriatic coast, Poreč mixes beautiful natural scenery with architectural heritage and plenty of seaside fun.

Pula (Resort of)

With its rich blend of Roman history and unspoiled coastline, Pula offers its visitors a diverse taste of Croatian culture.

Rovinj

Sitting pretty on the water, with its Italian touches and Mediterranean finishes, dense, wooded surroundings and crystal clear beaches are waiting in Rovinj.

Umag

The pretty old town of Umag is all burnt orange roofing and mazes of old-world streets, encased in tall walls.

Rabac

White bays and wide-reaching scenery make Rabac a great coastal pick for Croatian beauty.

Vrsar

Centred on a pretty port, the picturesque village of Vrsar runs at a gentle pace and preserves classic Croatian culture in spades.

Labin

Medieval and Mediterranean merge together in this circle of terracotta rooftops, snuggled within dense hillside.

Medulin

Perched on the Istrian peninsula, south-east of Pula, Medulin is an old fishing village that’s evolved into a quaint resort.

Novigrad

On the western coast of Pula, you’ll find the town of Novigrad, where it’s all paint-by-numbers pastel-coloured houses, museums, small eateries, and calm seafronts.

Beaches

Most of the resorts are fronted by places to bathe rather than your typical beach, but you’ll find some pretty pebbled stretches around both Rovinj and Poreč. If you’re craving the feeling of sand between your toes, plonk your towel down on a family-friendly plot over in Medulin.

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Golden Cape Beach

Rovinj, Pula and Istrian Coast

The wild and rocky Golden Cape Beach is on the edge of a forest park. In summer, you can hire canoes or boats to get out on the water, and in the forest, there are places you can stop at for a bite to eat.

Amarin Beach

Rovinj, Pula and Istrian Coast

Amarin Beach, with a Blue Flag and warm waters, is the perfect spot for some fun in the sun and sea. You can hire deckchairs to catch some rays and top up your tan. It’s part of the hotel’s resort so there’s a...

Sights

The Arena in Pula Town is one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the whole world, and rivals the Colosseum in terms of its magnificent preservation. The streets of Rovinj are lined with beautiful Venetian architecture, while Poreč is home to a seriously impressive Romanesque basilica.

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Pula Arena

Pula (Resort of), Pula and Istrian Coast

The first-century old Roman Amphitheatre is one of Pula’s most famous sights. It was originally built to host gladiator contests, and is still used as an entertainment spot, regularly hosting concerts with...

Lighting Giants

Pula (Resort of), Pula and Istrian Coast

Watch in awe at one of Pula’s most popular night-time attractions; an illuminated light display at the Uljanik shipyard. Cranes burst into life, shining bright with 16,000 different colour schemes. The show...

Activities

The Pula and Istrian Coast region is just as pretty inland as it is by the sea. Take yourself on a walking tour through its rambling countryside, admiring the mountain views, medieval settlements and lush vineyards along the way. It’s a web of natural wonders, so getting out and about is essential.

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Eating and drinking

The local cuisine has more than a hint of Italy about it – you’ll find plenty of pasta and risotto dishes on the menu. The seafood tends to be top-notch and fresh from the net. For a hearty Istrian specialty, tuck into a bowl of manestra, a sort of vegetable stew.

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Bars and restaurants along Verudela Marina

Pula (Resort of), Pula and Istrian Coast

Exploring Croatia by boat is all the more pleasurable when you get to moor up in a well-organised marina, like this one. Set in the stunning Bay of Veruda, it makes an inviting haven and its position provides...

Dine around the Port of Rovinj

Rovinj, Pula and Istrian Coast

The lively port of Rovinj is a great place to enjoy a coffee or a meal as you sit and watch the world go by. Choose from the many cafés and restaurants that line the harbour. Whether you’re in the mood for an...

Shopping

Souvenir-seekers won’t go home empty-handed. The local markets are brimming with handicrafts, from red coral jewellery to earthenware jugs – it’s a real mixture of wares. Foodies won’t be able to resist the lavender honey, olive oil and fresh truffles. From stalls to malls, you’ll really find it all.

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Market Square

Pula (Resort of), Pula and Istrian Coast

Found right in the heart of the city, near the Arch of Sergii, Market Square is the thriving central hub of Pula, filled with souvenir shops, boutiques, cafés and fish markets. Pick up a handmade souvenir and...

Carrera Street

Rovinj, Pula and Istrian Coast

The bustling pedestrianised Carrera Street is lined with shops of all kinds. You can snap up shoes and clothing as well as interesting souvenirs for the folks back home, like sea shells and local grape brandy....

Nightlife

In the towns, the after-hours scene is usually quite laid-back, with cosy bars and street musicians serenading the squares. But Pula, Umag and Poreč all come with their fair share of beach bars where the party doesn’t stop until dawn. Whatever you fancy, there’s a night out for you.

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Cool café-bars

Pula (Resort of), Pula and Istrian Coast

Enjoy a relaxing break for refreshments, surrounded by the bustling goings on of Pula's historical streets and piazzas. After a hard day's sightseeing, you may be tempted by one of the city's various coffee...

Kandlerova Street

Pula (Resort of), Pula and Istrian Coast

Lively bars line the street, with great live music and a buzzing atmosphere getting people going. The friendly, laid-back bars and ample shopping opportunities of Kandlerova Street are ideal for a great evening...