This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Pula.
Picturesque Pula is a great base for travelers wanting to explore Croatian Istria. The Old Town is packed with historic treasures, the highlight of which is the magnificent Roman amphitheatre. Substantial parts of the old city walls and gates remain and there are many old churches and monasteries, and the unearthed remains of palaces and houses from antiquity. Although Croatia can be expensive, Pula has a lot to offer budget travelers with low-cost accommodation options, cheap places to eat, and inexpensive tourist attractions.
You can catch a boat each morning from Pula Harbor to the beautiful Brijuni Islands, which are designated a national park; they were much beloved by statesman Marshal Tito, who had two houses there. There are also boat excursions to other resorts along the coast, such as Porec and Rovinj.
Events such as the Pula International Film Festival ensure that the city is lively year round, but Pula is primarily a summer resort (the best beaches are a couple of kilometres outside the city). It's a popular clubbing resort for younger visitors. Visit Pula and you’ll see families, older holiday makers, and groups of young people happily coexisting.
There are plenty of options for lower-priced accommodation and hostels in Pula. In high summer, local people with rooms to rent to tourists wait for new arrivals at the town’s bus and train stations. If taking a room this way, be sure to ask to see on a map the exact location before you agree to anything as the cheapest accommodation is usually some distance from the main sights. Alternatively you can make your way into town and knock at houses showing the sign of a bed or the notice "Sobe," which means "rooms to let." Outside of the centre, conventional hostels can be found in nearby Fazana.
Written by local enthusiast for Pula hostels
Fiona Thompson
