PULA

Pula is part hard-working port city (Istria’s largest, with more than 65,000 people) and part a must-see tourist attraction because of its.famous 1st century Roman ruins.  Smack in the middle of town, looming out of nowhere is the sixth largest Roman amphiteatre in the world and nearby a just as impressive 1st century Triumphal Arch of Sergius, which even Michangelo knew about and studied.  But the city hasn’t been able to move much beyond these ancient relics and all the Roman ruins can easily be seen in an afternoon.  So Pula and its  airport serve as a first jumping off point for the gorgeous villages up the coast like Rovinj and Porec, for cruise ships and ferries that have ports of call here (just a few hours from Venice) or to hop a bus or rent a car and take off to the interior for some of the fabulous small hilltop villages (with bistros that are so good, Italian gourmands drive for hours just to enjoy the often truffle-infused locals specialties) . Considering its extraordinary history--remains dating back to 1 million years B.C. have been found near here and the city itself dates back to the 10th century BC—with some more effort, Pula could attract a lot more visitors.

Tourist office