Pula

As the largest city on the Istria Peninsula – and offering a wealth of Roman ruins to boot – Pula draws its fair share of international visitors. Culture-minded tourists tend to focus their attention on the remarkably well preserved amphitheatre, and the three-star Hotel Galija (Epulonova 3) enjoys a central location in Pula itself, making it a good bet for city-breakers. Meanwhile, sunseekers are drawn by the area’s pleasant climate and coastal scenery, which means the 422-room Park Plaza Verudela Pula (Verudela 11) holds appeal – it’s a large family-friendly resort situated on the seafront. Striking a balance between the two is the charming Oasi Boutique Hotel (Pješčana uvala X-12a), with just nine rooms.

Souvenir hunting is made easy in Pula by the presence of some of Istria’s foremost products, such as herbal oils and truffles. For crafts and fresh produce head to the City Farmers’ Market (Narodni trg 9), while Sergijevaca and Kandlerova are busy shopping areas popular for jewellery and clothes. Aromatica (Laginjina 4), specialises in soaps and essential oils, and Zigante Tartufi (Smareglina 7) offers a myriad of truffle-based goods.

A little way out of town, but with a reputation as one of Istria’s very best restaurants, is Konoba Batelina (Čimulje 25), renowned for its seafood dishes. If you're into Italian head to the more basic Jupiter Pizzeria (Castropola 38), and for some Croatian dishes thrown amongst the pizza and pasta try Farabuto (Sisplac 15). For further traditional dishes Vodnjanka (Vitezica 4) comes highly recommended.

Days of Antiquity

June

Immerse yourself in Pula’s Roman past over three days of historical re-enactments and celebrations at three of the city’s ancient sites. Expect to find workshops and costumed performances as you wander past gladiators and legionaries.

PUF International Alternative Theatre Festival

July

You may need to brush up on your Croatian but this festival brings the streets of Pula to life as national theatre groups showcase their latest efforts to the crowds.

Seasplash Festival

July

Check out the boat parties and alternative workshops at this dance and lifestyle festival that combines amongst other genres reggae, ska, jungle and electro.

Pula Film Festival

July

Pula’s amphitheatre takes centre stage at this film festival as some films are dramatically screened open-air at the historic landmark. The festival has been around for over six decades, and takes place over 15 days.

Outlook Festival

August-September

Festival-goers from across Europe descend on the popular Outlook festival, which draws some of the biggest names from the world of dance music, and is billed as the ‘largest bass music and sound system culture festival in Europe’.