Pula is the largest city in Istria β and the one most visitors underestimate. Yes, the Colosseum in Rome is bigger, but Pula's Roman amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, holds 20,000 people and is in extraordinary condition. It's still used for concerts and events every summer. The whole city is a living archaeology museum β Roman temples, triumphal arches and mosaics scattered among perfectly ordinary streets and cafΓ©s.
Pula is 235 km from Ljubljana, about 2h 45min by car.
Getting There
Shared shuttle β good for solo travellers
GoOpti runs shared shuttles from Ljubljana to Pula. They pick you up at your address and drop you at your accommodation. Journey time typically 3β4 hours including pick-ups en route. Good value if you're travelling alone and flexible on timing.
Direct β 2h 45min to Pula
We drive you from Ljubljana to Pula without stops β hotel, amphitheatre, bus station, wherever. For 3β4 people, the cost per person is competitive with GoOpti and the journey is an hour shorter. A van is available for larger groups.
Why Pula Surprises People
Most visitors to Istria go to Rovinj or PoreΔ and skip Pula because it's further south. They're missing something.
- The Arena (amphitheatre) β walk inside one of the six best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. The underground tunnels contain a museum of Roman oil production. In summer, check the concert calendar β watching a show inside the Arena is an unforgettable experience.
- Temple of Augustus β a perfectly intact Roman temple from 27 BC in the city's main forum square. One room is now a small museum of Roman sculptures.
- Triumphal Arch of the Sergii β 1st-century Roman arch standing at the entrance to the old town. The detail in the carvings has survived 2000 years remarkably well.
- Cape Kamenjak β 15 km south of the city, a wild nature park at the very tip of the Istrian peninsula. Rocky coves, crystal water, a beach bar. Rent a bike or scooter in Pula to explore it.
- Pula Airport (PUY) β if you're flying in or out, we cover airport transfers between Pula and Ljubljana directly.
Questions
Is Pula worth visiting if I only have one day?
Yes β the amphitheatre, the temple and the old town can all be done in half a day. Combined with a swim at one of the nearby coves, a full day in Pula is very satisfying. That said, the drive from Ljubljana and back (2h 45min each way) makes a day trip tiring β staying overnight is much better.
What's the best way to get from Pula Airport to Ljubljana?
We offer direct transfers from Pula Airport (PUY) to Ljubljana β about 2h 45min. Ask for the Pula Airport transfer rate when you get in touch.