Modernly designed 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom holiday villa sits on private plot of 620m2 and offers lap pool, lounge with outdoor cinema and alfresco dining table.

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Pješčana uvala IV. ogranak 47, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Pješčana uvala IV. ogranak 47, 52100 Pula, Croatia
Rovinj old town rising above the Adriatic
Explore beyond Pula

Best Day Trips from Pula: Discover the Beauty of Istria

Coastal towns, island nature, clear coves and timeless hilltop villages.

Discover the day trips
Your base in southern Istria

A new side of the peninsula every day

Pula has more than enough beaches, history and restaurants to keep you busy for several days, but one of the best things about staying here is its location. From Pula, you can easily explore some of Istria's most beautiful coastal towns, islands, nature reserves and hilltop villages.

Rent a car and within an hour or so you can find yourself walking through the colourful streets of Rovinj, swimming beneath the cliffs of Cape Kamenjak or enjoying lunch in the Istrian countryside. If you have a few extra days in your holiday itinerary, here are some of the best day trips from Pula.

Coastal towns Island escapes Wild coves Hilltop villages
Brijuni island shoreline at sunset02

Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park is one of the easiest day trips from Pula.

First, drive to the nearby fishing town of Fažana, where boats depart for the islands. The journey across the water is short, but arriving on Veliki Brijun feels like entering a completely different side of Istria.

The island combines Mediterranean nature, archaeological remains, fascinating 20th-century history and a Safari Park.

Adriatic view towards the islands from the Istrian coast03

Plan Time for Fažana

Allow several hours for your visit to Brijuni and save some time for exploring Fažana before returning to Pula.

Its colourful waterfront and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere make a pleasant beginning or end to your island day.

Pula shipyard cranes silhouetted at sunset
04 Wild nature

Cape Kamenjak

Drive south towards Premantura and you'll reach Cape Kamenjak, one of the most beautiful natural areas in southern Istria.

The protected peninsula is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves and remarkably clear Adriatic water. Rather than coming for just one beach, spend some time exploring and find a swimming spot that suits you.

Bring water, sunscreen and swimming gear and make a day of it. Kamenjak is especially enjoyable if you prefer natural surroundings to organised beaches.

05

Motovun – A Hilltop Village

For a complete change of scenery, leave the coast behind and head into the Istrian countryside.

Motovun is a medieval hilltop town overlooking forests, vineyards and the Mirna River valley. The views alone make the journey worthwhile.

Walk through the old streets, explore the historic centre and stop for lunch. This part of Istria is particularly famous for truffles, so keep an eye out for local pasta dishes featuring them.

The journey from Pula takes longer than some other trips on this list, but it shows you a completely different side of the peninsula.

Vineyards and green countryside in inland IstriaColourful historic building in an Istrian old townHilltop town overlooking the Istrian countrysideTraditional Istrian stone window with flowers
06 History beside the sea

Poreč

Poreč is another beautiful coastal town that can easily be visited from Pula.

Its best-known attraction is the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with origins dating back to early Christianity.

But don't rush away after seeing it.

The historic centre is perfect for wandering, while the waterfront provides plenty of places for a coffee, lunch or ice cream overlooking the Adriatic.

Colourful waterfront and small harbour in Fažana
07 Close to Pula

Fažana

Many visitors pass through Fažana only because it is the departure point for Brijuni National Park. It deserves more attention than that.

This former fishing village has a colourful waterfront, small harbour and relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for an easy half-day trip.

It's also very close to Pula, so you don't need to plan an entire day around your visit. Come for a morning walk, have lunch near the sea and return to Pula for an afternoon swim.

Ostriches in the Safari Park on Brijuni
08

Grožnjan – The Village of Artists

If you are already exploring central or northern Istria, add Grožnjan to your route.

This tiny hilltop town is known for its artistic character, galleries and stone streets. During the warmer months, music and cultural events bring extra life to the village.

Grožnjan is small, so you don't need an entire day here. It works particularly well when combined with Motovun for a road trip through inland Istria.

Clear pebble cove surrounded by pine trees in Istria
09 A quiet alternative

Bale

Not every day trip needs to involve a famous attraction.

Bale is a small historic town between Pula and Rovinj, and that's part of its charm. Its old stone buildings and narrow streets create a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy summer coastline.

Stop for coffee, walk through the old centre and enjoy a slower side of Istria.

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Which Day Trip from Pula Should You Choose?

If this is your first visit to Istria, Rovinj is difficult to beat. For nature and swimming, head south to Cape Kamenjak. Brijuni is ideal for combining history, nature and an island experience, while Motovun and Grožnjan are perfect if you want to discover inland Istria.

Travelling with children? Brijuni and its Safari Park can be an excellent choice. Looking for a relaxed afternoon without much driving? Fažana is just around the corner.

See more of the peninsula

Make Pula Your Base for Exploring Istria

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Pula is that you don't have to choose between a city holiday, a beach holiday and exploring Istria. You can have all three.

Spend one day discovering Roman Pula, another swimming in the Adriatic and the next driving through vineyards, coastal towns and centuries-old villages.

And after a day on the road, you can return to Pula for a relaxed dinner, a glass of Istrian wine and perhaps one more sunset by the sea.

Plan Your Stay