6 best locations for day trips near Pula

If you are an adventurous type of person and like to explore new places, Pula surroundings offer you numerous possibilities. We offer you six amazing locations near Pula you should definitely visit during your stay in the city. It would be great if you have your own vehicle, but if you don’t you can rent one, or use public transportation system.

 

Premantura and Cape Kamenjak

Premantura and Cape Kamenjak

Premantura and Cape Kamenjak

Premantura is a small settlement on the most southern part of Istrian Peninsula, just a couple of kilometers away from Pula. Premantura has around 600 residents, and because of its location, it was always an important military lookout. You can see the Church of St Lawrence (the patron) from 1632 and enjoy a beautiful view from the “Turanj”, a village tower. There is a House of nature in the center of the village, where you can get more information about the natural wealth of Premantura and Cape Kamenjak.

Premantura is naturally connected with Cape Kamenjak – a protected landscape characterized by unaffected nature with over 25 km of idyllic beaches and many endemic plant and animal species. You can get to Kamenjak by car and motorcycle or rent a bike and explore the whole area. There is a ticket in the entrance and is worth all day. During the visit to Cape Kamenjak, we recommend that you go to the legendary and unique Safari Bar to see the footprints of a dinosaur, as well as a dinosaur park in Grakalovac, or visit an Istrian farm above Polje Cove. You can also enjoy or take a break in one of many beach bars located near the coast. World famous tourist guide, Lonely Planet, placed Cape Kamenjak on a list of 5 top Mediterranean destinations, which is a great recommendation to definitely visit this unique place. Read more

Kamenjak Peninsula Bike Tour and Optional Wine Tasting from Pula

Kamenjak Peninsula Bike Tour and Optional Wine Tasting from PulaCycle through the scenic landscape of the protected nature reserve Kamenjak and enjoy a wine tasting and Istrian specialties (if option selected). Cape Kamenjak, a small peninsula 9,5 km long, 1,5 km wide and with its deeply indented coastline 30 km long. The waters of the sea are nowhere more bluish green and crystal clean than in this locality – the southernmost tip of Istria. The rocky beaches alternate with sandy coves.


 
 

The National Park Brijuni Islands

The National Park Brijuni Islands

The National Park Brijuni Islands

Brijuni Islands are the only National Park in Istria County. How many islands are there in Brijuni? Brijuni Islands are composed of 14 islands, and they were given a status of a National Park in 1983. Charming beauty of unaffected nature of Brijuni, blended with turquoise sea will leave you breathless. There are over 680 autochthonous plant species on the islands along with many other exotic animal specimens such as the elephant, zebra, camel, gazelle, peacocks… The islands were inhabited during the Neolithic, so you can enjoy in many archeological sites, especially the one from Roman times. Besides its natural beauties and rich animal life and historical attractions, Brijuni are famous for being the residence of Josip Broz Tito, who held his trendy gatherings of the world elite at the time.

Brijuni are located several kilometers from Pula, and you can get there in two ways: you can reserve your place on a boat that starts from Pula’s boardwalk or call and agency. You can drive with your car or motorcycle or take a bus to Fažana which is 15 kilometers away from Pula. You can buy the tickets on Fažana boardwalk, where a boat to the National Park Brijuni Islands set sails several times during the day. Read more

Recommended tour to visit Brijuni Islands

brijuni-national-park-boat-excursion-from-pula-in-pulaThis tour will be arranged on a board of the comfortable ship around the Brijuni National Park and will last 5 hours. The Park is located on the islands in the sea. This place is famous because of its former owner Josip Broz Tito, who had a very rare hobby – he collected exotic animals. You will have a guide on the board of the ship, who will conduct a sightseeing tour around all islands of the National Park and will tell lots of interesting facts about the islands and its famous owners.

 

 

Fažana

Fažana

Fažana

Fažana is a small fishing and touristic settlement located by the sea in the western coast of Istria, 8 km from Pula and 6 km from Vodnjan. Because of its mild Mediterranean climate and natural resources, Fažana was famous from ancient times for its production of amphorae, wine and olive oil and as a main harbor for their export. We recommend that you visit the following cultural and historic attractions in Fažana: THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST KUZMA AND DAMJAN, the Church of St Mary from Karmel AND the Church of St Elysees.  Take a walk on a beautiful Fažana boardwalk and sit in one of many Fažana restaurant and bars and feel the Mediterranean atmosphere of a small coastal town.

If you have the time, we recommend a walk on the maintained boardwalk to Valbandon and back. There are many restaurants on the boardwalk that will satisfy the most demanding with their offer of traditional sea-food meals. Read more

 

 

Vodnjan

Vodnjan

Vodnjan

Vodnjan is a picturesque town located in the southwest of Istrian Peninsula, around 12 kilometers north of Pula. Main activities of the population were agriculture, winery and olive oil production, so it is not surprising that today there are top-quality wine and olive oil being produced in this area. Vodnjan has a rich cultural and historical ancestry, and its biggest attraction are the mummified remains of three saints in the Church of St Blaise, which are admired because of their preservation. The surroundings of Vodnjan has a large number of the “kažuna”, round stone field houses which were used as a cover for the cattle and people and for keeping tools and marking territories. Besides with rich historical ancestry, Vodnjan is famous for its gastronomic offer of the autochthonous Istrian meals. Read more

 

 

Fratarski otok / Veruda Island

Fratarski otok Veruda Island

Fratarski otok / Veruda Island

Fratarski otok is a favorite beach place for the local population of Pula. It has a camp inside. We recommend a one-day trip to this small island located in the vicinity of Pula so you can enjoy in the shade of the thick pine forest or swimming and diving in a beautiful and clean sea. You can to the island by driving to Verudela and turning towards Ribarska Koliba. Close to the bar Bunarina there is a pier where every couple of hours, ship “Posejdon” departs towards the island. The tickets can be bought on the ship and the trip is 15 minutes long.

Pula Snorkeling and Kayak Tour near Fratarski Island

Pula Snorkeling and Kayak TourThis great family friendly tour will help you to explore beautiful world of Adriatic sea. Get ready for a simple and memorable adventure! Take a single or double kayak, and your own or our set of equipment, and start this great tour with your snorkeling guide! There’s a possibility to choose whether you want to buy a set of professional high quality snorkeling equipment, or you just want to borrow one from us free of charge.


 
 

Verudela Pula and Pula Aquarium

Verudela Pula and Pula Aquarium

Verudela Pula and Pula Aquarium

Verudela is a peninsula located in the southwest of Pula and it is a part of Pula’s touristic offer. There is a resort, apartment settlement and three hotels. The location is suitable for leisure, walks or sports activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, squash, grass football and different water sports.
Verudela Aquarium is located at the site of an old Austrian-Hungarian fort which was decorated for the needs of the Aquarium which is the biggest in Istria. The easiest way to reach Verudela is by vehicle, bike or public transportation (bus) which runs daily.