Set close to the Istrian peninsula’s base, Pula is a historic Croatian city. Once a major settlement of the Illyrian tribe, it grew and prospered as a colony of the ancient Roman Empire. Today, it continues to grow as a major tourist destination. Set beside the shimmering Adriatic Sea, it draws beach lovers from all over. Meanwhile, Roman ruins, world-class festivals, and delicious cuisine attract history and culture enthusiasts. So, if the idea of an extraordinary Balkan vacation sounds appealing, check out our recommended hotels in Pula, Croatia.
Where To Stay In Pula
Pula enjoys a mild climate, a calm sea, and many sunny days in a year. Roughly a 3-hour drive from Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, it’s composed of wonderful neighborhoods. In the city center or downtown area, you’ll find many of the Top Things to Do in Pula. Ancient Roman structures including the Pula Arena and the Temple of Augustus are two of the district’s famous landmarks. Thinking of a Pula Riviera beach holiday in Croatia? If so, consider a hotel or resort in southern neighborhoods like Verudela, Stoja, and Pješčana Uvala. These places are home to various lodging options that are steps from the sand and the sea.
Park Plaza Histria Pula Hotel
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Located in Verudella, Park Plaza Histria Pula is one of the excellent beach hotels in Pula, Croatia. Besides splashing in the sea and sunning yourself on the sand, there are many things to do here. Play a friendly game of tennis, mini-golf, or squash outdoors. Indoors, challenge a friend to a billiards match. Feel like a swim? There’s a large outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool with seawater in the spa. The spa also offers terrific facilities such as a Finnish sauna, heated loungers, and a Turkish bath.
This 4-star hotel features spacious and airy rooms and suites. Step out onto your private balcony to enjoy sweeping views of the hotel grounds and the sea. Inside, relax in air-conditioned comfort while watching your favorite show on satellite TV. Once hunger sets in, make your way to the hotel’s amazing restaurants. You can choose from delicious Istrian cuisine and familiar international fare.
Boutique Hotel Valsabbion
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The 4-star Boutique Hotel Valsabbion opened its doors for the first time in 2014. Since then, it’s been attracting guests because of its beautiful rooms and fabulous amenities. Sun-worshippers love this hotel because it’s steps from the beach and the Adriatic Sea coastline. Located in Pješčana Uvala, the hotel is a mere 3 km (1.86 mi) from downtown Pula.
Having undergone a full renovation in 2015, the rooms and suites are modern in every way. You can keep cool in your air-conditioned room. Or, for a breath of fresh air, step out onto the balcony and enjoy stunning views of the sea or the lush garden. Minibars mean that refreshments are always close at hand. What’s more, the in-room safe keeps your valuables secure when you go out.
You can take advantage of the hotel’s sublime amenities during your stay. An outdoor heated pool, for example, makes swimming pleasant even in chilly weather. You can pamper yourself with a massage at the spa or in the lounge area on the beach. What’s more, the hotel offers outdoor fitness equipment, so you can exercise in the cool sea breeze.
Hotel Amfiteatar
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Located in the historic city center, Hotel Amfiteatar is a great base for sightseeing. The Pula Arena amphitheater, dating from 27 BC, is steps from the front door. Likewise, other major landmarks are within walking distance. These include the Istrian Museum of Contemporary Art and Pula Cathedral.
This mid-range hotel offers single rooms and double rooms painted in uplifting colors. Modern comforts like A/C, free Internet, and flat-screen TVs make for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. At the stylish restaurant, you can start the day with a breakfast buffet. Sample traditional Istrian dishes, which you can pair with a good glass of wine. Also, there’s a terrace where you can spend time when the weather is good.
Rock Hostel Pula
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If you’re looking for affordable yet comfy hotels in Pula, Croatia, then check out Rock Hostel Pula. This budget property offers air-conditioned twin rooms with either single beds or bunk beds. Each room has its own bathroom. Music memorabilia and instruments are some of the pieces of decor in the rooms, the lobby, and the hallways. You’ll also find photographs of rock music icons like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
Feel free to whip up a quick meal in the kitchen. Later, make new friends in the shared lounge or mingle with other guests over drinks in the bar. This budget property also has a terrace where you can relax while making use of free Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the hostel. When you’re ready to go exploring, you can walk to attractions like the MEMO Museum and the Pula Twin Gates.
Hotel Scaletta Pula
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Mid-range hotels don’t have to be mediocre, as Hotel Scaletta shows. The pastel colors of the rooms will soothe you while in-room comforts will ensure a pleasant stay. You’ll enjoy free toiletries in the private bathroom and keep yourself entertained with the flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. In the morning, you can choose to indulge in a buffet breakfast and a strong cup of coffee in the charming dining area.
The 3-star Hotel Scaletta sits in picturesque Old Town. Take a walk around the neighborhood and admire the amazing Roman ruins. These include the Roman Arena and the Temple of Augustus. Also, shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants are all within walking distance.
Arena One 99 Glamping
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Are you craving luxury but wanting a different kind of hotel experience? If so, Arena One 99 Glamping might be what you need. Glamping means glamorous camping, and that’s what you’ll experience here. Choose from this 4-star property’s lodge and safari tents. Some have two or three bedrooms, ideal for larger groups. Stay in air-conditioned comfort while enjoying modern perks like satellite TV. Refresh yourself in a private bathroom’s walk-in shower and cook a meal in the equipped kitchenette. Also, each tent has a terrace where you can shoot the breeze.
Pamper yourself with a massage or a turn in the sauna in the outdoor wellness area. Sports activities and yoga programs are also on offer. And if you have kids in tow, they’ll enjoy the property’s programs geared towards children. Meanwhile, the restaurant and beach bars offer a diverse menu of tasty food and drinks. The property is steps from Pomer Beach while Scuza Beach is within walking distance. Meanwhile, downtown Pula is an 11-minute drive away.
Hotel Modo Pula
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Seaside hotels in Pula, Croatia, are perfect for beach getaways and Hotel Modo is no exception. Here, you can have all the fun in the sun you could ever want. This is because this 4-star property sits amid Valovine Beach, Zelenika Beach, and Stoja Beach. If marine adventures are your jam, you’ll love the Adriatic Sea’s warm water. Here, you can go swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, or kayaking. Of course, you can simply stroll on the pebbly shores and collect seashells.
From your bright and airy room or suite, you can enjoy sweeping sea views thanks to large windows. Some also have separate sitting areas or terraces/balconies where you can have breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, a sumptuous buffet spread awaits you each morning. The restaurant also serves delicious food throughout the day. Meanwhile, you can enjoy your spirit of choice at the lounge bar.
Boutique Hotel Oasi Pula
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The 4-star Boutique Hotel Oasi enjoys renown for its status as an eco-friendly property. One of the remarkable things about is its use of solar energy to heat water and indoor spaces. The rooms likewise boast heated floors, a welcome perk during the colder months. Other room features that will help make your stay a pleasant one include satellite TV and a minibar. What’s more, you can make use of free toiletries in the private bathroom.
Like many other luxury hotels in Pula, Croatia, Boutique Hotel Oasi has a wellness area where you can indulge in massages and soak in a hot tub. Also, there’s a charming outdoor pool with loungers ideal for basking in the sun. If you’d rather swim in the sea, you can walk a few minutes to get to the beach. When it’s time to eat, head to the hotel restaurant and enjoy the traditional fare on offer. Macrobiotic and vegetarian cuisine is available as well. The hotel is in Pješčana Uvala, a few minutes’ bus ride from Pula’s historic core.
Resort Del Mar
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Expect a luxurious seafront holiday at the 4-star Resort Del Mar. Located in Banjole, it’s about 7 km (4.4 mi) south of Pula’s city center. Here, you can have your pick of spacious, air-conditioned apartments. Large windows, balconies, and a light color palette result in accommodation that’s bright and airy. You can spend lazy days watching satellite TV in your room or repining on a sun lounger by the pool.
Getting a bite to eat is a pleasurable affair in this luxury hotel. There are two restaurants, as well as a cafe-bar and ice cream parlor. All have terraces where you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea while you eat and drink. And if you want to shed those excess calories, head to the hotel gym for a workout.
Ribarska Koliba Resort
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If you’re considering a seaside vacation in Pula, consider staying at Ribarska Koliba Resort. It’s located in the lovely Verudela district, a quick drive from Old Town Pula. This 4-star property offers spacious rooms, suites, and apartments. Most of them have private balconies or patios overlooking the Adriatic Sea. You’ll also enjoy soothing views of the surrounding pine forest. Each room features tasteful furnishings plus 21st-century amenities like satellite TV. And if you book an apartment, you’ll get a well-equipped kitchenette as well.
Enjoy a delicious meal in the scenic restaurant, where you can watch boats bobbing in the water outside. On sunny days, head to the outdoor pool to swim a few laps. Of course, you can also go for a leisurely stroll to nearby beaches. Saccorgiana Beach, Pješčana Uvala Beach, and Ambrela Beach are all within walking distance.
Park Plaza Verudela Pula Hotel
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Set on a tongue of land in Veridella beside the Adriatic Sea, Park Plaza Verudela Pula impresses. This 4-star complex is among the largest hotels in Pula, Croatia. In fact, it’s composed of several buildings housing lavish rooms and suites. Here, you can watch the sun setting over the sea from your own balcony. A well-equipped kitchenette means it’s easy to prepare a meal. Plus, an LCD satellite TV lets you relax while watching your favorite show.
When it comes to recreation, the hotel doesn’t hold back. If you’re the sporty type, you’ll enjoy the multiple outdoor pools, mini-golf, and squash and tennis courts. Shopaholics will enjoy the complex’s supermarkets and myriad shops. When hunger strikes, head to one of the cafes, restaurants, and pizzerias. But if you feel like heading to town, it’ll be easy since Pula’s city center is a mere 10-minute drive away.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Pula:
- Boca Bar – Treat yourself to some of the best tapas in town and wonderful Istrian wines and spirits. Located on the city’s oldest street, it’s within easy reach of many hotels in Pula, Croatia.
- Premium Wine Tour – Visit some of the best wineries in Istria. You’ll learn about the winemaking process and taste excellent regional wines.
Recommended Activities In Pula:
- Pula Film Festival – Launched in 1954, this is Croatia’s oldest film festival. It’s usually held in the summertime at the Pula Arena. Public film screenings and the Golden Arenas awards are two of the festival’s major events.
- Half-Day Kayak, Cliff, and Cave Tour – Get ready to explore Pula’s breathtaking marine environment! Kayak through sea caves, swim with schools of fish, and dive from a cliff into clear aquamarine waters.
