Explore Pula and Rovinj in 5 Days: The Perfect Croatia Coastal Escape
Rovinj Port View
Five Magical Days in Pula & Rovinj, Croatia: Roman Ruins, Dolphin Cruises & Coastal Bliss
Imagine sipping cappuccinos by Roman ruins, diving into turquoise coves, and ending your day with a sunset dolphin cruise off the Istrian coast. That’s exactly what I found in Croatia—five unforgettable days split between the ancient wonders of Pula and the pastel romance of Rovinj as well as some top spots for foodies.
Pula or Rovinj: the quick answer
Choose Pula if you want Roman history, a working Croatian city with fewer crowds, and easy access from the airport. The Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, is worth the trip alone.
Choose Rovinj if you want the postcard: pastel houses stacked on a peninsula, cobbled lanes up to St Euphemia's bell tower, and some of the best golden-hour light on the Adriatic. It's busier and pricier, but it's the more photogenic of the two.
My pick: I feel in love with Rovinj, because of the buildings colours, the hidden bars on the shore with waves breaking gentley beneath as fish swim in crystal clear water.
The good news: they're close enough to do both. Base yourself in one and day-trip the other.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day One: Flight, coach trip, food and apartment check in.
Day Two: Exploring Pula's ancient Roman ruins
Day Three: Day trip to Rovinj
Day Four: Dolphin Sunset Boat Cruise & Beaches.
Day Five: Checked out, uber flight home and easier departure ever!
Flying into Pula: Total Dream
Jet2 made the journey stress-free, even for an anxious flyer like me. The pilot kept us informed, and the cabin crew were equally fantastic. I paid £180.40 for two return tickets, which included a 10kg cabin bag and under-seat carry-on—excellent value.
Pula Airport is tiny but efficient. After a quick border check, you’re practically in the car park. I took the 6€ shuttle to Pula Bus Station but recommend an Uber (9€) for better value if you're not travelling solo.
Although I caught the one stormy week (hailstones even hit Paris!), I felt very safe throughout the trip—a far cry from my January visit to Paris. In fact, Croatia was recently voted the safest place for solo female travelers to walk at night.
How to get from Pula to Rovinj
Pula and Rovinj are roughly 21-24 miles apart, about 40 minutes by car. Regular buses run between the two bus stations and take around 45 minutes to an hour. Check the current timetable before you travel, as services thin out in the evenings and off-season.
Day trip tip: Arrive in Rovinj mid-morning, have a meal on the shoreline, wander the old town, and stay for sunset on the harbour before heading back.
Where I Stayed: Airbnb in Pula
Four nights in a self-check-in apartment cost me £158.86. Just a 2-minute walk to the Arch of the Sergii and Forum Square, it was the perfect base. It was quiet at night despite being close to the nightlife.
If I return, I would stay in Rovinj and day-trip to Pula. Rovinj offers a more laid-back vibe, though it comes at a more premium rate (£150+ more). A pool-side apartment in Rovinj was £385 for four nights.
However, if you like wild swimming you have the coves that let you swim safely off the coast in the Mediterranean Sea.
Pula Overview
The Arena in Pula
Pula, is full of Roman History and is best know for its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre/Arena, which is the 6th largest in the world and it is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers entirely preserved.
Visiting Pula is like stepping back in time especially for Roman history.
Other must-sees include:
Porta Gemina: Twin-arched city gate
Gate of Hercules: Subtle yet historically significant
Arch of the Sergii: Built in honor of a prominent Roman family
Temple of Augustus: Dates from 2 BC to AD 14, dedicated to Emperor Augustus
Pula Cathedral: Built on a former temple to Jupiter
Further to the history of the Roman Empire, Pula once ruled under the Byzantine Empire, the Venetians, the Austro-Hungarian Empire before coming under Italian control after World War I and later became part of Yugoslavia.
The port is central to Pula’s fishing and shipbuilding industries. At sunset, the cranes light up in dazzling colours at sunset. Don’t be surprised to see yachts, cruise ships, and ferries too, you can actually take a ferry to Venice for but it will cost you between £112 and £383 and take you 3 and half hours.
Places to Eat in Pula
Fabbrica is a fantastic urban restaurant that has recently been renovated as it was an old tobacco factory. Fabbrica does the best cappuccino I’ve ever had costing 2.30€! So I was there daily for one when walking past. It’s actually great for sitting outside in the sun under the canopy, people watching. I ordered the fried calamari which came with chips and a lovely sauce for 13€, the flatbread and hummus was also very good for 9€.
Nello cafe which is just down from Pula Arena was a good spot off for coffee and an amazing slice of pistachio cheesecake! Sitting in the window gives you views of the arena too.
Old City Bar can be found in Danteov TRG Square and you can sit under a heated canopy in the evening, they did a beautiful meat pizza and feta salad that filled me and cost about 19€. the service was excellent service with the waiter speaking very good English and giving recommendations.
Gaucho Steakhouse Pula was the most expensive meal that I had, the Bruschetta starter was 6€, the Steak Tagliata with Rocket, cherry tomatoes, balsamic cream, Grana Padano was 20€ and Sweet potato fries were 5.50€ washed down with a Jack Daniels and coke which was about 6€ bring the total to 37.50€.
Fabbrica Pula
Nello cafe
Pula Beaches
Hawaii Beach
Hawaii Beach
Pula boasts a diverse coastline dotted with stunning beaches that cater to every type of traveler, one of the good things in Pula with these beaches/coves is that they are all short walk aways for each other.
Hawaii Beach (see images above was my favourite), located near Verudela, I’ve never the sea with turquoise waters like this before. The cove is private and perfect for swimming and even cliff jumping.
Other Beaches to consider are:
Gortan Cove: Quiet, shaded, and local
Histria Beach: Family-friendly near Hotel Park Plaza Histria
Cyclone Beach: Secluded, rocky coves
Valovine Beach: Deeprt water, popular with adventure seeker wanting to dive and even naturists
Pula Aquarium
Marine reef tank
I used to keep marine fish tanks many years ago when I was a hobbyist and being able to visit the Pula Aquarium was an absolute treat. The marine part of the aquarium is actually set in the old Pula fort that was used during the Austrian/Hungrain war.
Getting there was very straight forward in an uber from the centre of Pula and cost less than £8.
Being able to see cuttlefish change colour, jellyfish float about, sharks, the rescued sea turtle project and even crocodiles meant I could wonder round to my heart content while the thunder storm outside was going.
The highlight of the aquarium for me was watching the big reef tank (pictured above), which was very well maintained full of different types of corals and fish. Actually quite jealous and would love a tank like this at home!
So if you have want to spend some time indoors or have the kids on the holiday with you this is an absolute must as there is a kids trail that you can follow to see everything and keep them occupied. Just be warned there is a gift shop right at the end in order to get out.
Pula Aquarium Entry Prices:
Admission for adults is €23.
Students and seniors over 60 pay €20, as do children aged 7 to 18.
For younger children aged 3 to 6, tickets cost €16, while children under 3 can enter for free.
Video of Swimming Eels
Video of Marine Reef Fish
Discover Rovinj
Video of Rovinj Old Town
I’m not going to lie—Rovinj is absolutely breathtaking. With the Mediterranean Sea shimmering just steps away, pastel-coloured Venetian-style buildings, charming cobbled squares, and seafront restaurants perched right on the rocks, this Croatian coastal gem left me speechless. It’s one of those places where every turn looks like it belongs on a postcard, and the views are so magnificent, they’re seared into my memory for a lifetime.
Travelling to Rovinj from Pula was incredibly easy. I bought a €24 return ticket from the Arriva bus station stall in Pula, hopped on a coach, and just 25 minutes later, I was stepping into this picture-perfect town.
Out of my five-day itinerary in Croatia, this day in Rovinj had the best weather, blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and the sun lighting up the entire coastline. The colours of the buildings popped, and the Adriatic Sea sparkled like it was dancing. It was the best experience I had in Croatia.
At the heart of Rovinj lies Marshal Tito Square (see the picture below), where the Italian influence is immediately clear. The square is surrounded by pastel-coloured buildings, narrow alleyways, and old-world charm, all of which reflect the town’s 500-year history under Venetian rule, beginning in 1283.
Rovinji City Square Marshal Tito
If you want to eat at Rovinji then I’d highly recommend eating at Stella Di Maria which has some of the best views by the sea.
I never opted for a starter but was given bread and three different dips and sauces whilst I was waiting, the truffle one was nicest.
I went for the stuffed grilled squid with rice and shrimp and chargrilled vegetables.
Address: Stella Di Maria, Sveti Križ 4, Rovinj Croatia
Website: Stella Di Maria
Alternatively La Puntulina would be another choice as this is Michelin-recommended restaurant where you can find tables scattered on the rocks by popular Monte Beach where the sizzling shrimps in olive oil and garlic are practically famous amongst locals.
Address: Puntulina Restaurant, Ul. Sv. Križa 38, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia
Website: puntulina.eu
Grilled squid with rice and shrimp and chargrilled vegetables
Exploring Rovinj will let you walking through the old town streets seeing pastel colour buildings and small shops. As you venture further by the coast you will stroll through the cobbled streets of Ul. Sv. Križa, one of the most beautiful alleyways in the old town. It is a narrow street full old houses that opens up occasions for breathtaking views of the sea.
This is where you will find the entrance to the very cool Mediterraneo Bar that is tucked away on the rocks, as you through the arched ochre-coloured entryway, large stone steps lead you down to the strikingly cyan sea, with tables scattered along the shore, these a great selection of drinks and local wines. Drinking cocktails at Mediterraneo Bar was a highlight of the day and trip for me, this incredible quirky little bar lets you experience the sea close up practically washing over your feet whilst treating yourself to a great cocktail. This is an instagram hotspot! but is a real must if your are in Rovinj. Just make sure if it’s sunny you have your suncream as its sun trap!
Rovinj is also home to some of the nicest coastal areas with the clearest water you can swim in, and it would be a shame if you travel all the way here without swimming in the Adriatic Sea.
Just beyond Mediterraneo Bar, you’ll discover Plaža Balota (see images below), a hidden local swimming spot where people dive straight from the stone steps into crystal-clear water. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay all day, watching the boats drift by. From here, you can continue wandering along Rovinj’s rugged coastline, weaving through shaded alleys and sunlit squares, soaking up the town’s unique blend of Mediterranean charm, Croatian culture, and seaside serenity.
Pastel Colour Shops and Homes in Rovinj
Sunset Dolphin Boat Trip Around Brijuni National Park
Pula Arena View from the Boat in the Port
Taking a sunset dolphin trip around the Brijuni National Park will set you back 46€ for 3 hours. The boat leaves at 5pm, you get an option of a meal which is fish, chicken with salad or a veggie alternative (just don’t feed the seagulls).
One of the highlights of my trip was a three-hour dolphin boat cruise from Pula around the stunning Brijuni National Park. I sailed along the Adriatic Sea at sunset, soaking in incredible views of the Istrian coastline. Whilst this was not the first time I have seen dolphins it was the closest I have seen them in the wild and made the evening feel special.
The boat offered a laid-back vibe with a Mediterranean dinner of fish, chicken or vegetarian, unlimited soft drinks, local wine, and plenty of space to relax upstairs or downstairs. I chose to stay upstairs as it give me better chance to take photos. Just been warned the boat can be quite rocky so make sure you have your camera strap on over your should rather than just round your neck.
The first hour and half dolphin hunting, second hour is riding around the national park and then the last part you get to watch the sun come down before returning to port. You can see the images in the gallery below.
Click here to book your Pula: Brijuni Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Dinner & Drinks via Get Your Guide, which I use every time I travel for tours as it’s all verified.
Is Rovinj or Pula better for a first visit to Istria?
Can you do Pula and Rovinj in one day? Yes. They're under an hour apart, so you can explore one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, though an overnight in each is better for photography.
Which is better for photography, Pula or Rovinj? 100% has to be Rovinj for classic old-town and sunset shots, I just wished I had a drone to take a shot of the island with the buildings on the hill. Pula has some for Roman architecture and a little grittier street scenes, but I’m not sure this is a hot sport for street photography like Rome.
Final Thoughts
In summary, I’d advise the following:
Fly into Pula
Stay in Rovinj
Early day trip to Pula to see the history
Book the dolphin cruise
Try a same-day flight to Zadar if you can (30min from Pula)
Pula is a very interesting town and very different to Rovnij and there was still a lot in Pula that I didn’t get to see (mainly due to the weather) such as the Zerostrasse, which are the underground tunnels built during the WW1 for sheltering people in case of air raids and Fortress Kaštel Pula which literally sits on top of the entrance of the Zerostrasse.
For me though the history within Pula meant that I could stand back and begin to imagine how the old roman ruins would have looked in the heyday of the Roman Empire and daydream.
Speaking truthfully, I never imagined I’d be the kind of person to sit by the ocean, letting time slow down over a seafood meal, waves almost touching my feet, and the Mediterranean stretching endlessly before me. But in Rovinj, I had just that.
I would go back in a heartbeat.
The sunlight, the islands, the peace—it made me feel deeply grateful and also realise I need to slow down and enjoy more rather than operating at a million miles an hour.
Would I go back: Not to Pula but I would 100% fly into Pula to go to Rovnij and stay, I’d love to explore more of Croatia too!
Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐