Ask a local about Pula and Istria

Hello, istriaunlocked,

We are considering chartering a sailboat for 3 days out of Pula. Can you provide any contacts for sailboat charter companies in Pula?

Thanks.

Any recommendations for out-of-the-way boutique hotels with a pool in the interior of Istria? Really great restaurants out in the countryside?

Could you please give us your favourite hidden gems in Pula? For example: your favourite café and restaurant , viewpoints, any interesting museums, scenic streets. The Roman arena is famous, but it would be great to get your insight on other interesting sites which tourists might overlook.. I will be there next month!
Hvala!

Hi Susan,

Great question – Pula has a lot more to offer beyond the Roman Arena if you know where to look 🙂

Here are a few local favorites and slightly “hidden” spots:

• Zerostrasse tunnels – underground tunnels beneath the city, very interesting and often overlooked
• Monte Zaro park – a peaceful park with great views over the city, perfect for a short escape from the crowds
• Chapel of St. Mary Formosa – small but historically very important, most tourists miss it
• Kastel (fortress) – not just for history, but one of the best viewpoints in Pula

For cafés and food:
• Caffe Uliks – relaxed atmosphere in the old town
• Street Food Two – simple but very good local fast food
• Farabuto – a bit outside the center, but worth it if you want something more authentic

If you like scenic spots, I’d definitely recommend exploring the coastline south of Pula – places like Cape Kamenjak or the small islands nearby are beautiful and much less crowded than the city center.

One thing many visitors don’t realize is that some of the best experiences around Pula are actually from the sea – hidden bays, small islands and quiet swimming spots that you simply can’t reach by car.

I also run a blog focused on Pula and the surrounding area, where I share local tips, hidden places and practical advice based on real experience.

If you’re interested, I can share the link here – it might give you a better idea of what to explore beyond the usual tourist spots 🙂

Hope this helps – enjoy your trip!
If you need any more local tips, feel free to ask 🙂

@mm For boutique stays with a pool, I’d recommend looking around areas like Motovun, Grožnjan and central Istria villages – you’ll find small properties surrounded by nature, vineyards and olive groves, usually very peaceful and much less crowded than the coast.

One place I can personally recommend is a small boutique-style stay near Pula, set in a quiet green area with olive trees, a relaxing pool zone and a really calm atmosphere – ideal if you want to slow down and enjoy the countryside. It’s a bit off the typical tourist path, which is exactly what makes it special.

When it comes to restaurants, definitely try:
• Konoba Vela Vrata (Buzet) – amazing local food, especially truffle dishes
• Toklarija (Sovinjak) – very authentic and traditional, more of a slow dining experience
• Stari Podrum (Momjan) – great combination of local cuisine and wine

Also, don’t miss small family-run konobas – often the best meals are the ones you don’t plan 🙂

If you plan to stay a few days in the interior, I’d also recommend taking one day to explore the coast by boat – it’s a completely different perspective of Istria, with hidden bays and small islands you can’t reach otherwise.

If you need more specific suggestions depending on your travel style, feel free to ask 🙂

Hi istriaunlocked, thank you for this insider info!

Can you share the name of the "boutique stay" near Pula that you recommend (hotels and private property rentals would be great!).

And also, if we wanted to book either a boat tour to visit hard-to-reach swimming spots, or a place where we can rent our own boat for a few hours and explore the coastline on our own - where's the best place to do that?

Lastly, konobas are exactly what we're looking for! Please share your tips on the best ones you know for leisurely meals in the countryside :)

Thank you!

Hi! Just to clarify – are you specifically looking for a hotel?

Apart from hotels, the most common type of accommodation in Istria is actually apartments. That usually means there’s no on-site restaurant, but you have your own kitchen and the option to prepare your own meals, which many guests find very convenient.

There are also properties located in nature that offer additional amenities such as a pool, barbecue areas, spaces for sports and socializing, and various other activities – which can be a great option if you’re looking for a more relaxed and authentic stay.

If that kind of stay works for you, the next question would be what level of comfort you’re looking for – something simple, comfortable and focused more on experiences and activities, or a more luxurious hotel-style stay?

This is fun, thanks for sharing. I visited Rovinj last summer, and despite its resort nature and crowds found myself enjoying it a lot. Mainly due to its amazing natural swimming areas. Are there any similar beaches and towns that don’t get the attention they deserve?

I was also intrigued to see adverts for opera at the Pula Arena. Have you attended and would you recommend making time for it?

Hi awrzsinski,

Glad you enjoyed Rovinj – it’s beautiful, but yes, it can get crowded. Around Pula you’ll find quite a few similar spots, especially if you explore the smaller islands or places like Cape Kamenjak where the water is incredibly clear and less busy.

Yesterday I was there with my family at Safari Bar on Kamenjak. It’s holiday time so it was a bit busy, but it’s such a beautiful place. It’s actually the southernmost point of Istria, set on cliffs, so the views are really amazing. I wouldn’t really recommend it in July and August because of the heat, but right now it’s great – and also September and October are perfect.

I’ve also put together a blog with different local tips – from coffee spots to historical places – so if anything there looks interesting, feel free to ask and I can share more details.

https://about.me/istriaunlocked