Pula in Croatia could be called “Little Rome” because of its similarity and same architecture. Pula has a Mediterranean climate of around 25 degrees between July & August. Here are some interesting facts you may or may not know about Pula, Croatia:
• The most famous sight in Pula – is the Roman amphitheatre, which is called The Arena. Built during the 1st century AD
• The Arena is the only Roman amphitheatre with four side towers and three Roman architectural orders preserved
• Largest city in Istria County, Croatia and the eighth largest city in the country, situated at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula
• Istria is one of Croatia’s most developed wine-producing regions,
• The most famous wines to try are: Red wine – Teran & White wine – Malvazia.
• Most people speak Italian along with Croatian. The reason for that is because Pula was actually a part of Italy from 1918 to 1947
• Pula has its own International airport.
• You can fly to Pula from most UK airports with the major budget airlines, such as Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Jet2 and British Airways.
Pula is relatively unknown holiday destination, but certainly its popularity is rapidly growing. A rise of 42% in tourists from 2018 to June 2019 has been reported.
We asked our Sales Team Leader Lora Bocking, (who the last time we spoke to her spent a crazy week in Ibiza with her friends), all about her more sedate and family holiday in Pula, Croatia.
TLG: Not everyone’s first choice for a holiday location, why did you choose Croatia and Pula in particular?
LS: I visited Split in Croatia back in 2015 and instantly fell in love with the country. My family and I have spent the last two years on a villa holiday in Vilamoura and we fancied something different this year. I recommended Croatia as I’ve always wanted to go back and none of my family had ever been. Whilst searching package holidays we stumbled across Pula and the more we read about it, the smaller our shortlist became until Pula was top of the list.
TLG: How did you book this holiday, was it through the high street travel agent or through an online travel company such as Expedia etc?
LS: We found it through an online travel agent and then went to a local travel agent to better the deal.
TLG: As we said in the introduction, you chose to travel with family. Holidays are so important but it must be very special to be able to travel with family and create wonderful memories?
LS: It really is. My son and I went with my parents, my brother, my sister in law and my niece and nephew, so a good variety of ages and company for us all. We all enjoyed the history of the amphitheatre. We have never spent so much time in the sea as we did in Pula… The Adriatic is one of the cleanest seas in the world. It was beautiful and excellent for snorkelling which my son and niece got to experience for the first time in their lives. We also enjoyed the obstacle course on the sea… So much so that my son, brother, niece, nephew and I did it 3 times. It was also good entertainment for the rest of the family that weren’t up to doing the activity as they got to enjoy seeing us make fools of ourselves whilst trying to stay on the obstacle course!
TLG: You went away for just 10 days, with so much to see, how did you plan your holiday?
LS: We like to eat out wherever we go on holiday, so having done a villa holiday the last two years, we made sure we went self catering and researched the location of our accommodation before going. We knew we were close to Pula town where the history was and where there were plenty of restaurants. Also the Croatians are very proud of their country and love to talk about it and its history, so we were never short of recommendations of where to go and what to see.
TLG: Pula looks such a beautiful holiday location with breathtaking scenery, would you recommend it.
LS: Very much so. I don’t think I have ever recommended a place as much as I have Pula. The amphitheatre is breathtaking to visit, as was the National Park islands that we saw and visited during a boat trip. The sea is the cleanest and clearest sea I personally have ever experienced and the people are just delightful.
TLG: Holidays usually focus on food and drink, did you try the local dishes, what was your favourite?
LS: Absolutely! I managed to gain half a stone in just 10 days!! I think that’s rather impressive!! I think my favourite meal was actually the fish I had during our boat trip around the National Parks. This was fresh white fish caught that day and cooked on board. I don’t usually “do “ fish that is whole (as in head/eyes still intact) but wanted to give it a go and I am so glad I did, it really was the nicest fish I have ever eaten! They have converted me!
TLG: As a holiday location, did it suit you as a family? Did it cater for all ages?
LS: Yes!! As previously mentioned I went with my family which consisted of 3 generations, the youngest being my nephew, aged 8 and my Dad being the oldest at 79. Every single one of us enjoyed it. There was something for everyone… Sea activities, boat trips to national parks, stunning scenery, history, delicious food and drinks, lovely people and wonderful weather.
Pula: It’s About Making Memories
TLG: What were the best moments of this vacation?
LS: Wow, too many to list. Top of the list would be the obvious… Time spent with my family. There really is nothing better than being in a beautiful place making memories with your loved ones.
As for Pula, the boat trip around the Brijuni islands was very special. We got to see many beautiful islands, whilst enjoying the local food on board. We then got to stop off at the island of Sveti Jerolim where we could explore the island and enjoy the sea. We came across some derelict buildings which we later found out was once a women’s military prison. There were peacocks and donkeys on the island and apparently many more different animals, but we didn’t get to see them. There was also an area to jump into the sea from which was a lot of fun. It really was a stunning day for us all.
We went into Pula town for 7 out of 10 nights. We had to; it was such a pretty and characteristic place. My brother described it as Venice without the water. My niece who will be starting a course in photography in September had a great time with her camera as everywhere is so picturesque.
Another top moment was paddle boarding. None of us had ever done this before and we all aced it! And!! None of us fell off! Much to the disappointment of my mum and sister in law, who would’ve enjoyed seeing us fall.
I really could not recommend Pula enough; I will definitely go back one day, that’s for sure.
