Pula in winter: the city without the crowds
When the tourists leave, Pula goes back to its locals. The Arena is quiet, coffee is taken in the sun and the sea is calm. Here is how to spend a day in the city out of season.
The Arena without the queue
The Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century is one of the best preserved in the world. In summer it is full of concerts and visitors; in winter you can walk around it in peace and stop at every arch.
A walk through the old town
From the Arch of the Sergii, Sergijevaca Street takes you to the Forum and the Temple of Augustus. It was the Roman square, and today it is the place for a coffee in the sun.
If you have time, walk up to the Kaštel. The fortress looks over the city, the harbour and the sea, and houses the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria.
December in town
From the first Sunday of Advent, the city centre hosts Advent in Pula, with stalls, music and mulled wine. The city publishes the exact dates and programme on the Advent website, so check them before you come.
Lunch by the sea
End the day in Marina Polesana. Restaurant Katarina is open all year, and a table by the window looks out at the sea and the moored sailing boats. Parking is right next to the restaurant.