Pula sits at the southern tip of Istria, about 40 minutes from Villa Verde. Nowhere else on the peninsula is the density of well-preserved Roman monuments so high: the sixth-largest amphitheatre in the ancient world, a triumphal arch, a temple to Augustus right on the forum – all within walking distance of each other. Add a Venetian fortress, an early Christian cathedral, and the wildest stretch of coastline on the peninsula, and a day in Pula fills itself.
Pula Arena
The Pula Arena was built around 81 AD and held up to 26,000 spectators. Its outer wall rises 32 metres on the seaward side – making it the sixth-largest surviving Roman amphitheatre in the world. Gladiatorial combat, animal hunts, and reportedly even naumachia (staged naval battles): the Arena has seen it all.
Inside, a small exhibition traces the history of the Arena and Istrian viticulture. In summer the arena hosts concerts and the Pula Film Festival. The daytime visit alone is worth it for the architecture – and the view from the upper tiers over the bay.
Address: Flavijevska ul., 52100 Pula
Open in Google Maps
Admission: approx. €12–15 per adult (as of 2026)
ami-pula.hr
Parking: paid parking around the Arena, approx. €1.50/hr
Old town: Arch of Sergii, Forum and Temple of Augustus
Start the day at the Temple of Augustus on the Forum – quieter than the Arena in the morning. From there, all the sights are within easy walking distance. The Arch of Sergii is on the way to the Arena, about 5 minutes on foot.
The Arch of Sergii is a Roman triumphal arch from the 1st century BC, eight metres tall and elaborately decorated on one side – free to visit. A few minutes further on, the Forum holds the Temple of Augustus, the only fully preserved temple to Augustus outside Rome. Inside, a small display of archaeological finds from the Archaeological Museum of Istria.
- Arch of Sergii · Flanatička ul. 2 · free
- Temple of Augustus · Forum b.b. · interior €2, exterior free (as of 2026)
- Twin Gate (Porta Gemina) · ancient city gate · free
Pula Fortress (Kaštel)
High above the Arena stands the Kaštel – a star-shaped fortress with four bastions, built in 1630 on the city’s central hill, a site that had been fortified since pre-Roman times. Today it houses the Historical Museum of Istria.
From the ramparts, the view stretches across the entire Bay of Pula, the offshore islands, and on a clear day far out into the Adriatic. The walk up from the Arena takes around 10 minutes on foot.
Address: Gradinski uspon 10, 52100 Pula
Open in Google Maps
Admission: approx. €10 per family (as of 2026)
Parking: at the Arena, 10 min walk
Cathedral and Aquarium
The Cathedral of Pula (Trg Svetog Tome 2) is one of the oldest churches on the Adriatic – the site has been in Christian use since the late 4th century. Admission free.
Pula Aquarium is housed in Fort Verudela, part of the Austro-Hungarian fortification system built in the 19th century. Exhibits cover the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, and tropical seas. Tickets and opening hours at aquarium.hr (as of 2026).
Beaches around Pula
Gortanova Uvala is the nearest city beach, 10 minutes by car south of the Arena. Calm, with views over the bay – a good spot for a swim at the end of a sightseeing day.
For more wilderness, another 20 minutes brings you to Rt. Kamenjak: a nature reserve peninsula with rocky coves, turquoise water, and almost no infrastructure. Entry to the park is approx. €3–5 per car (as of 2026). Arriving early means having the coves almost to yourself.
Morning: Arena and old town (cool, fewer crowds). Midday: Kaštel fortress with panoramic views. Afternoon: Gortanova Uvala or Rt. Kamenjak for a swim. Evening: harbour promenade.
Practical info
Drive from Višnjan
approx. 40 min (55 km)
Arena admission
approx. €12–15 adult (2026)
ami-pula.hr
Temple of Augustus
Interior: €2 (2026)
Exterior: free
Kaštel Fortress
approx. €10 / family (2026)
Historical Museum Istria
Parking
Around the Arena
approx. €1.50/hr
Beaches
Gortanova Uvala (10 min)
Rt. Kamenjak (30 min)
Villa Verde as your base
Pula, Rovinj, Motovun – all of Istria’s major destinations are within 45 minutes. Villa Verde Višnjan sits at the heart of the peninsula, ideal for anyone who wants to explore and still have time to relax.
