Are you planning a trip to Pula? This port city is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, as well as a waterfront that stretches from the beaches of Verudela to Brijuni National Park. We’ve tried out several hotels and explored the main neighborhoods to help you choose where to stay in Pula. Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
- our top picks among the accommodations we tested,
- a guide to the 4 neighborhoods to help you choose where to live,
- Our selection of hotels by category, with reviews and booking links.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Best Hotels in Pula: Our Top Picks
Before discovering our detailed reviews of each of the establishments we have selected, take a look at our 2 favorite addresses.
Luxury Hotel in Verudela: Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Located on the Verudela Peninsula, just a few meters from the Adriatic Sea, the Grand Hotel Brioni Pula combines contemporary architecture with top-of-the-line amenities. We were charmed by its indoor and outdoor pools, as well as its terraces overlooking the sea. Looking for a 5-star hotel in the southern part of the city? We highly recommend this hotel without hesitation.
See photos, prices and availability.
Adults-Only Boutique Hotel: Hotel Monvidal by Bura Hotels
Located east of the old town, the Hôtel Monvidal features a garden, an outdoor pool, and contemporary décor, offering a more intimate atmosphere than the larger hotels in Verudela. We recommend this adults-only hotel to couples seeking peace and quiet, just a few minutes’ walk from the Roman monuments. The pool offers an unobstructed view that invites you to unwind at the end of the day.
See photos, prices and availability.
Where to Stay in Pula: Best Neighborhoods + Map
Why stay in Pula?
Pula is the largest city in Istria and one of the most well-rounded destinations on the Croatian coast. Its1st-century Roman amphitheater, the beaches of Verudela, and its proximity to Brijuni National Park make it an ideal starting point for exploring the southern part of the peninsula.
We found that the city is just as well-suited for a cultural getaway as it is for a family beach vacation. However, Pula remains a very popular destination in July and August.
If you’d like, check out our article: Where to Stay in Istria?
Map of Pula and Its Neighborhoods
Here is a map to help you locate the four areas we highlight below:
1. Staying in the Old Town
Pula’s Old Town is centered around the Roman amphitheater and the Arch of the Sergii, with its cobblestone streets, bustling squares, and Venetian-style facades. We appreciated the immediate proximity to the main monuments as well as the selection of restaurants located on the Forum. This neighborhood is ideal if you want to see everything on foot, without having to rely on a car.
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Monvidal
Benefits:
- Walking distance to the amphitheater and the main monuments
- Many restaurants and outdoor seating areas in the evening
Disadvantages:
- There are few hotels with a pool or an ocean view
- Limited and expensive parking
- No direct access to the beach
2. Staying in Stoja
West of the city center, the Stoja Peninsula offers a good balance between the old town and the coast, surrounded by pine forests and rocky coves. The neighborhood remains residential and quiet, yet is just a short walk or bus ride from the amphitheater. We found this area convenient for alternating between cultural visits and swimming, without having to rely entirely on a car.
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Milan
Benefits:
- A location halfway between the city center and the sea
- Quiet neighborhood with good bus service
- Close to coves such as Ciklonska Beach
Disadvantages:
- Fewer restaurants and shops than in the Old Town
- Limited nightlife
3. Staying in the south, in Verudela and Pješčana Uvala
South of Pula, the Verudela Peninsula and the neighboring Pješčana Uvala area are home to most of the large hotels and developed beaches. There you’ll find a wide range of options, from 5-star resorts with pools and spas to small, charming hotels located almost right on the water’s edge. We’ve noticed that this area is particularly well-suited for families and travelers looking for direct access to the beach. It’s about a 15-minute bus or bike ride from the historic center.
Our favorite hotel: Grand Hotel Brioni Pula
Benefits:
- Direct access to beaches and swimming
- Wide selection of hotels with pools and spas
- Family-friendly area
Disadvantages:
- Some distance from the historic center (bus or car recommended)
- More of a beach town vibe than a historic one
- Higher rates during peak season
4. Staying in the north, in Štinjan and Fažana
North of Pula, the villages of Štinjan and Fažana offer a more peaceful alternative, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Fažana retains its fishing-village charm, with its colorful houses and a waterfront lined with restaurants. It’s also the departure point for ferry services to Brijuni National Park. We enjoyed the laid-back pace of this area, which is nonetheless well connected to Pula by bus.
Our favorite hotel: Heritage Chersin Hotel
Benefits:
- A small-town atmosphere, quieter than downtown
- Starting point for Brijuni National Park
Disadvantages:
- A ways from the historic center of Pula (requires a bus or car)
- Not much nightlife
Other useful tips to keep in mind
Pula is a popular summer destination. We recommend that you book your accommodations several months in advance if you plan to visit between June and September. Parking in the Old Town is limited: check with your hotel about parking options before you arrive.
Also, if you’d like to visit Brijuni National Park, the ferry shuttles depart from the port of Fažana: it’s best to book your ticket the day before during peak season.
Finally, if you want to explore the surrounding area (Rovinj, the Baredine Caves, and the Istrian hinterland), renting a car is still the most flexible option.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
Our curation: best hotels
To help you find the accommodation that best suits your needs, we’ve sorted our recommendations by category. Below you’ll find our detailed picks, as well as other inspiring addresses.
Best Luxury Hotels in Pula
There is only one 5-star hotel in the selected neighborhoods that clearly meets our criteria, but it alone is worth the trip.
The one we reviewed: Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, A Radisson Collection Hotel
The Grand Hotel Brioni Pula occupies a prime location on the Verudela Peninsula, right by the sea. The hotel’s contemporary architecture features several spaces offering unobstructed views of the Adriatic Sea.
What sets this hotel apart is the combination of its two pools—one indoor and one outdoor—along with a full-service spa. We were impressed by the overall quality of the amenities. The staff was attentive throughout our stay, and we recommend this hotel to travelers looking for a high-end beach vacation.
- Neighborhood: South, Verudela Peninsula
- Price range: 5 stars
- Family Rooms: Connecting rooms or specially adapted layouts are available
- Indoor and outdoor pools, full-service spa area
- Amenities: terraces with views of the Adriatic Sea, direct access to the sea
- Free public parking, valet service
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our curation of other excellent options
In the selected neighborhoods, no other establishment fully meets the criteria for a 5-star rating. If you’re looking for a high-end hotel on a more intimate scale, check out the Boutique Hotel Valsabbion, featured in the next section.
Best Boutique Hotels in Pula
If you prefer small, charming establishments, Pula and its surrounding area have several to offer.
The one we reviewed: Hotel Monvidal by Bura Hotels – Adults Only
Located east of the old town, the Hôtel Monvidal features contemporary décor, a landscaped garden, and an outdoor pool overlooking an open space. This adults-only hotel offers a more intimate atmosphere than the large resorts in Verudela.
We appreciated the tranquility of the location as well as its proximity to the historic center, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. What sets this hotel apart is the balance between its privacy and its central location—a balance we’ve rarely found elsewhere in Pula.
- Neighborhood: Pula, east of the Old Town
- Price range: high-end boutique, adults only
- Outdoor pool, garden
- Amenities: contemporary decor, well-maintained outdoor spaces
- Free public parking nearby
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
The second one we tested: Hotel Milan (in Stoja)
Located in the residential neighborhood of Stoja, Hotel Milan offers air-conditioned rooms, an à la carte restaurant, and an outdoor terrace. The level of comfort exceeds that of a typical 3-star hotel, while still remaining within a reasonable price range for Pula.
We found the welcome to be particularly warm—a point that many travelers also mention in their reviews. The proximity to the beach and the quiet neighborhood make this a good alternative to the old town for those looking for a little more space.
- Neighborhood: Stoja
- Price range: 4-star, moderate rates
- Restaurant: Yes, serving Mediterranean and international cuisine
- Beach within walking distance
- Parking: garage or on-site parking
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our curation of other excellent charm options
- Valsabbion Boutique Hotel
, South: Pješčana Uvala
A small design hotel located almost right on the water. Several rooms feature a balcony with a view of the sea or the garden; the hotel also has an outdoor pool and a private beach.
Check photos and availability - Heritage Chersin Hotel
North: Fažana
A boutique hotel housed in a historic building in Old Fažana, about 100 meters from the sea. The rooms combine traditional elements with contemporary decor; the hotel does not have a pool.
Check photos and availability - Villetta Phasiana
, North: Fažana
A small Mediterranean-style hotel located in the historic center of Fažana, near the harbor, beaches, and restaurants. It features a wellness area with a sauna and a hot tub, but no swimming pool.
Check photos and availability - Oasi Boutique Hotel
, South: Pješčana Uvala
A modern and quiet hotel just a few hundred meters from the beach. It features an outdoor pool, a wellness area, and several rooms with a balcony or a partial ocean view.
Check photos and availability - Joyce Suites Boutique
Old Town
Modern suites in a very central location, just a stone’s throw from the Arch of the Sergii. A good choice for exploring Pula on foot, though there is no pool and no notable sea view.
Check photos and availability
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Croatia a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Best 3-star hotels offering good value for money in Pula
Pula is still a tourist town, but you can also find affordable, well-located places to stay there.
The one we reviewed: Hotel Amfiteatar
Just a short walk from the Roman amphitheater, the Hôtel Amfiteatar offers 18 rooms renovated in a simple, contemporary style. The hotel has neither a pool nor a specific ocean view, but its location in the old town more than makes up for this.
We appreciated the simple yet functional design of the rooms, as well as the fact that all the sights were within walking distance. In our opinion, this 3-star hotel is one of the best options for a no-frills city getaway.
- Neighborhood: old town
- Price range: 3 stars
- No pool
- Amenities: 18 renovated rooms, contemporary decor
- Parking: no
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our selection of other great options
- Park Plaza Arena Pula
South: Verudela
A 3-star hotel set in a pine forest near several beaches, with an outdoor pool and areas overlooking the sea.
Check photos and availability - Villetta Phasiana
, North: Fažana
A small 3-star hotel in the historic center of Fažana, right by the waterfront, featuring a wellness area but no pool.
Check photos and availability
Not selected: The Hotel Scaletta, which is also very close to the amphitheater, remains an attractive 3-star option, but its current rating falls below our usual selection threshold.
Best Hotels and Resorts for Families in Pula
Traveling with your family to Pula often requires accommodations with multiple rooms or extra beds. Here are our recommended places to stay, located mainly in Verudela and the immediate surrounding area:
- Park Plaza Arena Pula
South: Verudela
A family-friendly hotel surrounded by pine trees, with quick access to the beaches and an outdoor pool. Some family rooms have multiple beds; many rooms offer views of the sea and the greenery of Verudela.
Check photos and availability - Ribarska Koliba Resort
, South: Verudela
A resort located next to a marina, offering rooms, suites, and apartments with kitchenettes. It features an outdoor pool, a playground, and many accommodations with balconies or views of the sea and boats.
Check photos and availability
- Arena Verudela Beach
, South: Verudela
A large apartment complex featuring a kitchen, living room, and balcony, with a variety of family-friendly layouts. The units are spread throughout a pine forest facing the beaches, with a swimming pool and numerous ocean views.
Check photos and availability - Adrion Aparthotel
North: Štinjan
An aparthotel featuring studios and apartments equipped with a kitchen, a living room, and a balcony. It has an indoor pool; some apartments include two bedrooms, a sofa bed, and a view of the sea.
Check photos and availability - For a family vacation in a more upscale setting, the Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, described above, also offers connecting rooms.
Best Aparthotels and Residences in Pula
For a longer stay or greater independence, several residences offer fully equipped apartments with kitchenettes:
- Ribarska Koliba Resort
, South: Verudela
Rooms, suites, and apartments featuring a kitchenette, a balcony, and, in some cases, a view of the marina or the sea. Outdoor pool, restaurant, and beaches just a few minutes’ walk away.
Check photos and availability - Arena Verudela Beach
, South: Verudela
A vacation resort offering apartments equipped with a private kitchen and a balcony. Swimming pool, access to the beaches, and many units with views of the sea or the pine trees.
Check photos and availability - Adrion Aparthotel
, North: Štinjan
Air-conditioned studios and apartments, each with a kitchen, living room, and furnished balcony. Indoor pool, and some apartments feature a terrace with a view of the sea.
Check photos and availability
Bonus: Sleeping in Brijuni National Park
If you’d like to extend your exploration beyond Pula, you can stay overnight right in Brijuni National Park, an archipelago accessible by ferry from Fažana. The experience is quite different from a typical city stay.
The one we reviewed: Hotel Neptun
The Neptun Hotel is located right in the harbor of Veliki Brijun Island, in the heart of the national park. The building has retained its Austro-Hungarian-era charm, featuring spacious rooms and long terraces shaded by century-old pine trees.
We chose a room facing the sea and enjoyed a view of the harbor and the Istrian mainland. Staying on the island allows you to enjoy the park outside of regular visiting hours, once the day’s tour groups have left, which we recommend to those seeking peace and quiet.
- Neighborhood: Veliki Brijun Island, Brijuni National Park
- Price range: 3-star, park-specific rate
- Restaurant: yes, Mediterranean cuisine
- Access: by ferry from Fažana only
- Amenities: terraces with ocean or park views, bike rentals
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Other Types of Accommodations in Pula
See the top-rated accommodations in Pula. You can also find:
- B&Bs
- apartments for rent
- guest houses
- and youth hostels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Clara
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