Title
About Pula and Istrian Coast
Image
Text
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.
Reveal Button
Hide Button
Image
Title
Hotels in Pula and the Istrian Coast
Hotel ID
71639
Hotel ID
79489
Hotel ID
70471
Hotel ID
70346
Hotel ID
73466
Hotel ID
74720
Destination Page
https://main--holidays--jet2-plc.aem.page/destinations/croatia/pula-and-istrian-coast
Heading

Information

Icon

Language

Croatian

Icon

Currency

Euro (€)

Icon

Time difference

+1hr

Icon

Local beer

£2.50

Icon

Meal for two

£55.50

Icon

Average flight time

2.5hrs

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.

Heading

Discover holiday inspiration on the Jet2Blog

Subheading
Want to find out more about Pula and Istrian Coast? Head over to our jam-packed Jet2Blog for all your holiday inspiration...
Blog

Best beaches in Pula and the Istrian Coast

On many beaches along Pula and the Istrian Coast’s staggering 540km coastline, Blue Flags wave, turquoise waters shimmer and the rays reflect off the sun-bleached shores. But which beaches are worthy additions to your bucket list? From bustling beachfronts to blissful bays, we’ve lined up a handful of the hottest, worthy-of-a-visit spots.

Blog

Ultimate family guide to Pula and the Istrian Coast

A sprinkling of history, a smattering of beaches and plenty of fun in the sun – yep, that’s about the make-up of holidays to Pula and the Istrian Coast.

Blog

Where to stay in Pula and the Istrian Coast

Set your sights on Pula and the Istrian Coast? What a choice! Now onto picking the resort for you… We’ll admit, most of these dinky spots feature a little bit of everything, so it’s hard to go wrong here, but just in case you wanted to be totally sure – here’s the lowdown on each resort in western Croatia!

Button
Visit the blog

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.
3

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.
3

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.
3

Eating and drinking (beaches)

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.
3

Shopping (beaches)

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.
3

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.
3
Title
FAQs
Sub Text
Accordion

What is the best time of year to visit Pula and the Istrian Coast?

The peak season for visiting Pula and the Istrian Coast is between June and September, offering the warmest weather for swimming and sunbathing. However, for a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, May and October are ideal. During these shoulder months, the sea is often still warm enough for swimming, and the temperatures are perfect for exploring historical sites without the intense summer heat.

Accordion

What are the best beaches in the Istrian region?

The Istrian peninsula is famous for its diverse coastline. In Pula, Gortanova Bay and Hawaii Beach (Veliki Brijun) are popular choices. Just north of Pula, Pješčana Uvala (Sandy Bay) is one of the few sandy beaches in the area. For crystal-clear turquoise water, head to Croatia Beach (Kaštelet) or explore the rugged coves of Medulin, located 10km south of Pula.

Accordion

Why is Istrian cuisine considered special?

Istria is a gastronomic paradise. The region is famous for its truffles, which grow wild in the Motovun forest. You can join truffle-hunting tours and sample truffle-infused pasta, cheese, and oil. The region is also known for high-quality Malvasia wine (a crisp white), Istrian prosciutto, and fresh seafood, particularly scampi (buzara) and shellfish.

Accordion

Is Istrian coast suitable for family holidays?

Yes, the Istrian Coast is extremely family-friendly. Many hotels and resorts offer kids' clubs and childcare. The calm Adriatic Sea is generally safe for children, and there are numerous shallow bays, particularly around Medulin and Fazana. Furthermore, family attractions like Aquapark Istralandia (near Novigrad) and the Pula Aquarium are within easy driving distance.