Istria, where Pula is located, was our favorite region when we were in Croatia with our dogs. From its coastal towns to the food it made it to the top of our list. You might be wondering what to do in Pula with dogs, and here I tell you the best activities to do in Pula with our dogs.
When we come back we would spend more time here. Istria is a bilingual region, Croatian and Italian. I found that while most people spoke English, they preferred Italian as a second language!
As our ferry pulled into the port, we got a glimpse of Pula’s own Colosseum lit up for the night. The Pula Amphitheater also called Arena of Pula pulls you into a different time where gladiators fought inside its walls. To our right, we could also see the lit up Svjetleći divovi. These water cranes are cleverly turned into an art installation at night. Pula is a mix of ancient Roman ruins, Venetian influences, Austro-Hungarian touches, and Adriatic charm.
The city of Pula is very walkable. Anywhere you stay will be a great option from hotels to splurge on to hostels. We had a car so we rented a holiday home on the outskirts of the city where our two dogs had enough space to run. Renting outside the city made it easy to visit other cities in Istria.
Pula is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. You can fly into the Pula airport, take a bus from another major city like Zagreb, or arrive by ferry from Venice like we did. We rented a car and went on an amazing Croatia roadtrip to some must visit Croatian cities with dogs. Here are the best things to do in Pula, Croatia with your dog:
Where to stay in Pula
Best pet-friendly hotels in Pula
Boutique Hotel Valsabbion⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
beach, free parking
Emma’s Rooms B&B ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
city center, breakfast
Apartments Forum ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
in city center, free parking
Top 5 things to do in Pula with dogs:
Pet-Friendly Tours in Pula
1. Pula Arena
The top thing to do in Pula with your dog is a visit to the Pula Arena. The colossal amphitheater was completed in the 1st century AD under Emperor Vespasian. He was the same emperor who commissioned the Roman Colosseum. It is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. And yes, gladiators did fight within its walls while 20,000 spectators watched. In the middle ages, it hosted knights tournaments and fairs.
Today, it hosts the Pula Film Festival, concerts, opera, ballet, and some sports. During the summer the Pula Amphitheater or Pula Arena hosts a historical show called ‘Spectacvla Antiqva’ where modern day gladiators fight. Its underground passages had an exhibition on viticulture, including replicas of machines to produce olive oil and wine, and its amphorae for storage.
The entrance to the Pula Arena costs €10 for adults and €5 for children. The Pula Amphitheater is open from 8:00am to 9:00pm during the summer months (July-August), from December-March from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our dogs entered free of charge.
There is both paid street parking and a paid parking lot nearby that make the Pula Arena easily accessible.
The Pula Arena is dog friendly, making it one of the top attractions in Croatia to visit with dogs.
2. Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus (Augustov Hram) is in the Forum, its white columns draw you in. It is dedicated to goddess Roma and Emperor Augustus, hence the name.
The temple has been used as a church, granary, and museum. In 1944 it was completely destroyed and rebuilt after the war. Today, it is used as a museum. Seeing the Tempe of Augustus is one of the top 5 things to do in Pula with your dogs.
It costs €2 for adults and €1 for children. Or just enjoy a much needed break like we did sitting in the shade of this magnificent temple!
3. Forum Square
One of the top 5 things to do in Pula with dogs is right there by the temple. Trg Forum is the main square of Pula and full of life, especially during dinner time. You can hear live music, enjoy ice cream, or eat at one of the restaurants in the square.
Once upon a time, there were twin temples. Today, only the Temple of Augustus stands, but the back wall of its twin can be seen built into the Communal Palace. Agrippina’s House was found during construction of new buildings and was part of the ancient Forum. You can visit the ruins for free.
From the Forum Square take Sergijevaca Street towards the Triumphal Arc of the Sergi built between 29 and 27 BC by the Sergi family to honor its family members. This street is filled with little shops where you can buy Pula souvenirs, Istrian brandy, ice cream or have some food.
4. Pula Citadel
The Venetians built Pulski Kaštel as a fortress to protect Pula as an important trade city. The Republic of Venice or Venetian Empire expanded throughout the Adriatic coast due their maritime trade. Antoine de Ville, a French military architect, built the Pula Citadel. It houses the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria and Zerostrasse.
Entrance costs €7 for adults and €3 for children older than 5 as well as seniors. It is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm from May to September, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm the rest of the year.
The Pula Citadel is pet friendly! Dogs are allowed in the Pula Citadel grounds if you want to visit with your furry friend and enjoy the scenic views of the coast and of Pula.
5. Beaches in Pula
One of the best things to do in Croatia with dogs is enjoy its beautiful sea and beaches! Traveling in Croatia with dogs requires a little more research to find dog friendly beaches. Thankfully, the South Istria website is a great resource to find pet-friendly beaches in Pula. Most beaches are rocky so don’t forget to bring water shoes and sun protection for both you and your dogs as most beaches don’t have umbrellas or loungers to rent.
We went to Lost Beach in Stinja a rocky cove with clear blue water and where our dogs were able to swim. There is a bar with limited options for food. Our dogs swam in Stinja as it is a dog friendly beach in Pula!
Verudela Canyon has many free dog friendly breaches as well and its an easy bus drive from Pula’s city center. Its beaches are popular, so arrive early!
Since we had a car, we also ventured into Cape Kamenjak and went to the beach by Safari Bar, Mala Kolumbarica. I had the best calamari sandwich I have ever had. Truly delicious and worth the trip all the way to this secluded rocky cliff where you can swim and beat the Croatian heat. This was probably my favorite beach in Croatia. We paid a fee to enter the national park, but Kamenjak is pet friendly!
Where to eat in Pula
A 5 minute walk from Forum Square, in a nice little square you will find Bistro Alighieri with typical Istrian cuisine. If available, don’t miss the Pljukanci with truffles. If not, try any of their Pljukanci dishes which is a traditional Istrian pasta!
For some tuna burgers or tacos, amazing calamari and fish and chips, head to 69 Food. Or maybe you crave more traditional Istrian seafood from Restoran Popaj. Or maybe a more creative take on typical dishes at Backyard.
Food in Pula has strong Italian influences from its history as a Roman Empire and as part of the Republic of Venice. And yet it is very much uniquely Istrian. The food was different than when we were inland near Plitvice as well as in Split!
Escape outside of Pula
If you don’t have a car, take a tour to amazing cities in Istria.
For amazing day trips from Pula with dogs we visited Rovinj, a charming little town on a peninsula. We had breakfast at Maestral Restaurant, with good food and sea breeze it provided an incredible view of the city of Rovinj. Walk around the city and cool off in its public beaches like Plaža Balota. Our dogs weren’t able to get in the water here but they were able to watch us while we swam in the Adriatic Sea and enjoyed the sunset with us.
Another great day trip from Pula is Bale. Bale is a medieval hillside town in inland Istria with incredible food options and beautiful scenery. If you have the time it is worth a visit as it was one of the best things to we did in Pula. it was definitely one of our highlights on our Croatia roadtrip.
We heard so much about the island of Brijuni a boat ride away from Pula and where you can walk around and enjoy the beaches with your dog. You can also see dinosaur footprints. We decided against it and opted to explore Kamenjak.
Pula has amazing olive oil! The whole of Istria is a major producer of delicious olive oil since Venetian times. Go to one of the many farms for an olive oil tasting. We went to Chiavalon and loved their oil as well as their many homemade products like tomato sauce and a chocolate hazelnut spread!
Croatia is an amazing place to travel with your dog. If you only spend one day in Pula or several, with its historical buildings, interesting architecture, delicious food, and gorgeous beaches, Pula is definitely worth a visit when you go to Croatia. It is one of the top cities to visit while in Croatia With dogs.
For more dog friendly Croatia guides
Croatia With Dogs: All You Need To Know To Travel With Your Dogs
9 Dog Friendly Activities In Croatia
Pet Friendly Beaches In Croatia
8 Best Cities In Croatia You Have To Visit With Your Dog
5 Reasons Why You Should Roadtrip Croatia With Dogs
What To Do In Split With Dogs: Top 5 Activities
Plitvice Lakes With Dogs: A Guide To Exploring Croatia’s Natural Wonder
More on Dog Travel
How To Travel With Your Dog: The Essential 5 Tips For Dog Air Travel
Travel To Europe With A Dog: Complete Guide For Easy Dog Vacations
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Me encanta que vuelvas a escribir y ver esa hermosa sonrisa!!