Are you visiting Pula but don’t know where to stay in Pula? In this post, we share with you the best Pula accommodation and the three best areas to stay in Pula. Pula is the biggest town in Istria and a great place to base yourself when visiting the region.
When deciding where to stay in Istria, you can choose between popular coastal towns Rovinj, Porec, Rabac, Umag, or Vrsar, you can also choose to stay in the less crowded Istrian countryside, in places like Motovun, Groznjan, Buzet or Pazin, or you can stay in Pula.
Cheaper accommodations, better beaches, an urban vibe, a fantastic farmer’s market, a good choice of restaurants, and plane and bus accessibility are all valid reasons to choose Pula for your stay in Istria.
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Why stay in Pula?
There are many reasons to choose Pula for your stay in Istria. Accommodation in Pula is cheaper than in other popular Istrian coastal towns like Porec or Rovinj.
Beaches are another reason to choose Pula! The more south and east you go in Istria the better the beaches get. So, Pula along with Rabac has some of the best beaches in Istria.
Pula is a regional center and the largest town in Istria. It has around 60.000 residents, and other industries and businesses apart from tourism and tourism-related activities. It’s also a student town.
So, compared with other small towns in Istria, in Pula, you can feel a bit of an urban, city vibe.
Pula has one of the most excellent farmer’s markets not only in Istria but in the entire of Croatia. If you like local products and fresh produce, you’ll enjoy visiting the market during your stay in Pula.
Vodnjanka, Batelina, Alla Beccacia, Boccaporta, and Lanterna, are just some of the awesome restaurants in Pula and its surrounding that are worth a visit.
The only airport in Istria is located less than 10 km from the center of Pula. The airport is regional and seasonal, but hey, at least in the warmer part of the year, it connects Pula with many European towns. The same goes for buses – Pula is well-connected by bus with the rest of Istria and Croatia.
Three best areas to stay in Pula
Although the biggest town in Istria, Pula is still a small town according to any international standard. This is to say that it almost doesn’t matter where you stay in Pula because, wherever you are, you aren’t far away from anywhere else, even on foot.
In the city center, you’ll find the old town, all the historical landmarks, the town’s farmers market, and loads of restaurants, bars, and cafes, many open a year around. The city center is the best place to stay in Pula for first-time visitors to Pula, for those who visit for a short time, for people visiting off-season, and generally for anybody who doesn’t care about being close to the beaches.
Verudela, a tourist resort 5 km south of the center, is a great place to stay in Pula close to the beaches. It’s also an excellent place to stay for those who look for full-service hotels with lots of facilities like swimming pools, wellness center, sports facilities, half-board meal plans, etc…
Stoja, a beachside neighborhood a short distance from the center, is a perfect mix of both: a beach neighborhood with an urban vibe. Stoja accommodation offer includes vacation rentals, small hotels, and even a campsite.
Center – best place to stay in Pula for first-time visitors
Pula city center is a great place to stay if you want to be amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. This is where you will find the majority of Pula’s historical sights, including the Colosseum, Roman theater, museums, Roman mosaics, Temple of Augustus, Forum, and many more.
You will find small B&Bs and a great choice of vacation rentals in the city center. However, if you look to stay in a large hotel with splendid facilities, you won’t find any in the Pula city center, and you will have to look elsewhere.
The city center is the best area to stay in Pula because of its central location and charming accommodation. It’s also a great place to stay year around as there are always people, shops, and other activities in the center of the town, even in winter.
Verudela – Best place to stay in Pula For beaches
Verudela is a tourist resort 5 km south of the town’s center. The resort is located on the peninsula of the same name.
Here you will find a variety of hotels, restaurants, a marina, various beaches, walking paths, and Pula’s Aquarium, the best and largest aquarium in Istria.
Verudela is the best place to stay in Pula for beaches. This is where most Pula hotels are and it’s a popular area to stay, especially during the summer.
However, off-season, the area can seem a bit remote, and we recommend staying either in the center or Stoja neighborhood.
Stoja – Great Place to stay in Pula for Budget Travelers
If you are looking for an area to stay that feels somewhat in between the city center and the beaches, then Stoja might be the best choice for your stay in Pula.
Stoja is a Pula neighborhood consisting of family houses, a campsite, and beaches. You will also find here Pula’s largest shopping mall.
Stoja is located on a beautiful green peninsula of the same name. Some of Pula’s most attractive swimming spots, like Galebove stijene, are located in this area.
The area is only 3 km south of the center. The two are well connected by public bus, but you can also easily reach the center on foot.
Stoja is a great place to stay if you want a tranquil area close to the beaches but not far from the city center.
Best hotels in Pula
You will find two types of hotels in Pula: large full-service hotels within tourist resorts on Pula’s Verudela peninsula, and small family-run boutique hotels in downtown Pula.
The majority of big hotels, if not all, belong to Arena Hospitality Group, the local hotel chain, and one of the top 10 largest hotel chains in Croatia. Some of their hotels operate under the Park Plaza and Radisson franchises.
These Pula hotels offer a variety of amenities including onsite restaurants, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, sports facilities, spa and wellness centers, and alike. The biggest drawback to staying in such a hotel is the hotel’s size. They all feature over 200 rooms and some hotels have as many as 370 rooms and suites. They can feel quite crowded and impersonal. Otherwise, they are fine properties, many of them recently renovated, run professionally following a set of standards, and often offer a good value for money especially when they run on low occupancy.
On the other hand, small family-run hotels are scattered throughout the town, in residential, historic, and beach areas of Pula. They feel cozier, more personal, and friendlier than big resorts. However, they often lack extra amenities, they are rarely located at the seafront, and sometimes they can lack quality standards.
You can’t make mistake staying at any of them. The choice really comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and availability at the moment of booking.
Below we list recommended Pula hotels for different budgets and travel styles.
Grand Hotel Brioni Pula (Radisson Collection) – $$$$
Long-anticipated renovations of this iconic Pula Hotel have finally been achieved in March 2022. The Grand Brioni Hotel is the only 5-star hotel in Pula. Located at the seafront and surrounded by the greenery of Verudela Peninsula the hotel boasts incredible views from every corner. Grand Hotel Brioni is without a doubt Pula’s most luxurious hotel.
Interiors are stylish, rooms are spacious, and the outdoor infinity pool with sea water and a large deck is absolutely gorgeous. Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, wellness, spa, gym, fast charging station for 8 EVs, various bars, and restaurants.
Ask for a room on higher floors with a sea view. It is worth the money!
The prices start at 290 € for a double room with breakfast.
Boutique Hotel Valsabbion – $$$$
If you are in for an elegant and luxurious yet tranquil stay in Pula by the sea, Valsabbion is THE place to be!
Located in nearby Pjescana uvala, just across the road from the sea, this boutique hotel offers 10 meticulously designed rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the most divine breakfast, and lovely bay views.
The prices start at 250 € for a double room with breakfast, and room-only rates start at 200 € for a double room. Check the latest prices and availability here!
Hotel Milan – $$$
Milan is a nice, family-owned boutique hotel with amiable staff and a good onsite restaurant. Rooms are spacious with nice large balconies. Milan serves the best hotel breakfast in Pula!
Onsite restaurant Milan at a certain time was one of the best addresses in Pula, famed for its superb food, friendly service, and nice decor. The restaurant is still popular, just not as popular as it used to be.
It’s located in the Stoja neighborhood, the room comes with breakfast and parking included, and the town’s center is a 20-minute walk away. You can also take a bus or a cab to reach the town.
Prices start at 160 € for a double room with breakfast.
Hotel Park Plaza Arena – $$
This large hotel managed by the Park Plaza hotel chain is located in Verudela Resort, near a wonderful pebbly cove.
Although only a 3-star property, Park Plaza Arena is actually a very stylish hotel, recently refurbished, and it comes with a tone of amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, bars, restaurants, in-suite Ily coffee machine, wellness, and spa, etc… It guarantees gluten-free environment for all celiacs and gluten-intolerant people. This hotel offers the best value for money in Pula.
The prices from the end of April start at 125 € for a double room with breakfast.
Boutique hotel Oasi – $$
Spacious rooms, copious breakfast, friendly staff, a small and intimate vibe, and a quiet location makes boutique hotel Oasi one of Pula’s best hotels for couples.
A nice though smallish wellness and spa center consists of a Finnish and Turkish sauna, a cold water dipping pool, and a hot tub. Massages and facial treatments are available. An outdoor swimming pool and free parking are huge bonuses.
The hotel is located on the outskirts of Pula, in the village of Pjescana Uvala, within a walking distance from the beach.
Prices start at 120 € for a double room with breakfast.
Hotel Modo – $$
This is a brand new small hotel located in the Stoja neighborhood. a mere 50 m from the sea but with unobstructed views, and direct access to the beach.
The interiors are modern with gray, green, and blue notes, the staff is friendly. A copious breakfast and parking are both included in the price and free of charge. The bus stop is right next to the hotel and the bus takes you to Pula’s center in no time. Some of the most popular swimming spots in Pula are within walking distance of the hotel.
The prices start from 100 € for a double room with breakfast.
Hotel Scaletta – $$
Scaletta is another small hotel located in downtown Pula. Located within short walking distance from the Coliseum and other historical sites, the hotel offers simple but clean and comfy accommodations, good and varied breakfast, friendly staff, and overall good value for money.
Stay here if you are looking for reasonably priced and centrally located accommodation and if you are not in Pula for the beaches but to explore and feel the vibe of the town.
The prices start at 105 € for a double room with breakfast.
Park Plaza Histria – $$
This full-service hotel is located at the tip of the Punta Verudela peninsula, surrounded by the sea and amidst pine trees.
The hotel has a heated outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, a wellness and spa center, a number of bars and restaurants, daily entertainment, etc… However, this is a big hotel, and it can seem impersonal and overcrowded in the high season.
Breakfast is good, the staff is helpful. Public spaces and rooms have been slightly refurbished in 2020, but furniture and carpets in some rooms still reflect wear and tear.
The prices start at 130 € for a double room with breakfast.
Hotel Amfiteatar -$
Centrally located with a good restaurant, decent rooms, friendly staff, and reasonable rates, make guests choose hotel Amfiteatar for their stay in Pula.
So if you are looking for where to stay in Pula for a couple of days while exploring the town. the hotel Amfiteatar can be an answer. It is literally a few steps away from Pula’s Coliseum and within short walking distance from Pula’s major historical sites.
Check the prices here! They start at 75 € per double room with breakfast.
Apartment rentals in Pula
In Pula, you will find a variety of apartment rentals scattered throughout the city. From charming apartments in the historical center to luxurious beach apartments, everybody will find a vacation rental in Pula to fit their budget and travel style.
Many apartments in Pula have great facilities like a fully equipped kitchen or amenities you won’t find in the hotels like a washing machine, a full stove with oven, a microwave, or an individually regulated A/C unit.
Comfort, space, and a price advantage make vacation rentals in Pula a preferable choice for visitors. If you decide to rent an apartment in Pula, make sure it provides a parking spot if traveling by car.
Apartments in Pula just like hotels have seasonal prices. Prices in July and August are the highest. Expect to pay around 50 € for a one-bedroom apartment in the off-season, 75 € in the shoulder season, and 120 € in the high season. The earlier you book the better price you should get. Read all our tips on saving money in Croatia!
Check Airbnb and Booking.com for the best choice of apartments in Pula.
Casa Dei Fiori offers four studio apartments in downtown Pula, within walking distance from all the landmarks. The studios are beautifully decorated, well-equipped with all mod-cons, and super clean. The owners are friendly! This is a great choice of Pula accommodation for couples.
D&A Central Luxury Apartments are perfectly located, just steps away from Giardini, a lifeblood of Pula’s social life. The apartments are 35 to 50 m2 in size and can accommodate up to 4 adults. Apartments are comfortable, tastefully decorated, and clean and come with free private parking and WiFi.
Deluxe Rooms and Apartments Korzo are located literally on Giardini, the famed Pula’s gathering place. Modern, comfy, and clean with extra amenities and a friendly host, make Deluxe rooms and apartments Korzo a perfect choice for a boutique stay in Pula.
Vincent House is a gorgeous property in the heart of Pula. A historic house renovated with lots of taste, an awesome sound system, an outdoor space with BBQ, attention to detail, and private parking make this property one of a kind and one of the best places to stay in Pula.
Sky is a studio apartment with a lovely bright interior and amazing sea views. It’s located near Valsaline Beach. The owners are super friendly, and the apartment is clean and well-equipped. It offers great value for money. The parking is free.
Campsites in Pula
Camping Stoja is the only camping in Pula downtown. Other campsites are located in the vicinity of Pula, in the neighboring villages like Medulin and Fazana.
The campsite is located on the Stoja peninsula, within walking distance from the old town Pula, yet in a quiet neighborhood, right by the beach.
The facilities are a bit worn out, but they keep them clean. Nature is wonderful, with rocky beaches, a thick pine forest, and some wonderful rocks nearby for diving. Besides pitches, you can also stay in this Pula camping in a mobile home rental.
Villas in Pula
Villas in Istria are very popular accommodation options, and Pula is no different. The majority of villas in Pula are actually located in the villages around the town, and not the town itself.
The quiet surrounding, a location within easy reach from Pula Airport, Pula Downtown, and the beaches, as well as the availability of villas to rent, make Fazana, Marcana, Loborika, and adjoining villages popular destinations for anybody who wants to rent a villa in Pula.
Villas are interesting accommodation options as they offer lots of space, and great amenities like en-suite bathrooms in every room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and summer kitchen with BBQ, a private swimming pool, and an enclosed garden providing full privacy. For what they offer they are much cheaper than hotels, and if you are a group of friends, couples, or families sharing the villa, they can become even cheaper than apartment rentals.
Expect to pay 200 € a day for a 3-bedroom villa with a private pool in the off-season, 350 € a day in the shoulder season and 600 € a day in the high season.
Villa Vitassi is a wonderfully restored villa on the outskirts of Pula. It consists of 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, open space living, a dining room, and kitchen, a covered terrace with a BBQ, and a wonderful outdoor swimming pool. It also offers lots of privacy. The prices start at 275 € per day for 9 people.
Villa Astarea is a wonderful 4-bedroom villa in the village of Divsici, 20 km away from Pula. The villa has. wonderful design, in and out. A covered terrace with BBQ for dining al fresco, and a private pool are where guests spend most of their time. The prices start at 250 € per day for 8 people.
Villa Luka is a wonderful property in Fazana, within walking distance from the beach. The house has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, one half-bathroom, an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a children’s playground in the enclosed garden. It’s a great place to stay near Pula. The prices start at 285 € per day for 9 people.
A Travel Guide To Pula, Croatia
Pula is a charming coastal city located in the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia. This ancient Roman settlement boasts an impressive history, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches. Whether looking for historical landmarks, delicious cuisine, or a relaxing vacation by the sea, Pula has something for all travelers.
Our Comprehensive Travel Guide To Pula, Croatia, dives into the must-see attractions, best restaurants to try, and top activities to experience in Pula during your visit. From exploring the well-preserved Roman amphitheater known as the Pula Arena to indulging in a traditional Istrian meal at one of Pula’s many cozy restaurants, this guide has got you covered.
We hope this post answered your question about where to stay in Pula and gave you a good idea about the best places to stay in Pula. If you have any questions or comments regarding Pula accommodation, please leave them in the comments section below.
