| Pula is one of Istria's most authentic and complex cities. Unlike other Istrian destinations, Pula has a flourishing life apart from the tourist business. It's an important shipbuilding centre, an industry that dates back to the days when it was an important naval port under the Austro-Hungarian empire. Even the Romans liked Pula's position and made it their administrative headquarters.
Pula's historical centre of town is mainly devoted to business, government and commerce. When the locals want to play they head to Verudela peninsula (only a few kilometres away). During the day they play on the beach and at night, they head to one of the restaurants or nightspots that are scattered across the peninsula. There's not a lot going on in the town centre unless there's an event at the amphitheatre. Most of the hotels in Pula are also on Verudela peninsula. Even though the bus system is excellent, the oddly bifurcated nature of life in Pula makes it helpful to have a car.
The town centre is dotted with Roman ruins, the most impressive of which is the spectacular Roman amphitheatre.Try to catch an open-air performance there in the busy summer season. Note also the 1st century Triumphal Arch of Sergius. Artists and architects from Michelangelo to Robert Adam studied and sketched this exceptionally well-preserved monument. In the centre of town is the Roman Forum containing the Temple of Augustus.
If beach fever grabs you, head out to Verudela peninsula 2km south of the town centre where you'll find many rocky beaches. Pula beaches go in and out of fashion but Valkana Beach, Hawaii Beach, Kolumbarica Beach and sandy Debeljak Beach are usually the most popular with the locals.
The Brijuni Islands, off the coast of Pula makes a lovely day trip, easily arranged by one of Pula's many travel agencies.
Pula is one of Istria's most accessible destinations whether by plane, ferry, bus or train. Pula has an excellent city bus system with modern buses to whisk you to Verudela peninsula, Premantura, Medulin and other outlying areas.
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