ISTRIA - Pula

Istria is one of the largest Croatian peninsulas, and is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, delicious cuisine and beautiful cities.

I've been vacationing in Istria for a couple of years now, and every year it delights me anew with its beautiful beaches, buildings, monuments and people.

The first stop of my trip in 2022 was Brseč, i.e. Brseč beach, to which you have to walk approximately 20-25 minutes from the parking lot, there is also a train that takes people to and from the beach, but I would definitely recommend walking because you walk through a beautiful forest. Next to the beach there is a cafe where you can eat, the prices are affordable, and the view is beautiful. You can see the beautiful colors of the Adriatic Sea and it's really something that takes your breath away.

Then I headed to Labin, a beautiful small town in the heart of Istria, where I ate one of the best pizzas in Croatia at the Ramore pizzeria. Located on the hills that sway over the crystal clear sea of the Adriatic, Labin is like the jewel of Istria. When you step into this beautiful city, you will immediately feel the history that has been deposited here for centuries. Narrow stone streets full of historic buildings and architectural wonders testify to the long past of this city. Its medieval core radiates authenticity, and charming squares invite you to enjoy coffee or traditional Istrian food in local restaurants. But what makes this city special is the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. While walking through its narrow streets, you can enjoy a stunning view of the coast and the surrounding islands. Labin is surrounded by green hills, vineyards and olive groves that provide a true oasis of peace.

After Labin, I headed to my destination, which is Pula.

Pula, the largest city on the Istrian peninsula, attracts visitors with its rich history, culture and beautiful coastal landscapes. This city is a real treasure trove of archaeological sites. The most famous symbol of Pula is certainly the imposing Amphitheater, which dates back to the Roman era. The amphitheater serves as a reminder of Pula's glorious past and often hosts numerous cultural events, including concerts and festivals. So, in 2022, I also went there to the Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala concert. I think that the Pula Arena contributed significantly to the atmosphere of the concert and it was really something spectacular, special in its own way and a wonderful memory to remember. Also, Pula offers many museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Istria and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which display various aspects of the history and art of the region.

However, Pula is not only a place where you can come and see its history, it is also a place to have fun and enjoy its nature and nightlife. One of the most beautiful attractions is the Brijuni National Park, a group of islands that stretches along the coast of Pula. Here you can enjoy nature walks, visit the zoo and see numerous cultural and historical sights. Pula has a handful of excellent bars and clubs where different types of music are played and where you can meet a lot of people, mostly foreign tourists, so my friend and I were in a bar and in a nice but also somewhat funny way we met two girls from Italy with whom we still hear from each other today. The bar was full and we pushed our way through the mass of people to try to find a free table and when we saw it we literally ran towards it so that no one would take our place and as we took a chair to sit down the girls from Italy also took the other two to which all four of us looked at each other in wonder and were like who will leave the table to whom now. Since none of us wanted to be left without a table, we sat down together and that's how a wonderful friendship began.

Unfortunately, the beaches are not that close to the city center, but there are buses that run very often, so this is not such a problem for those without a car. Pula offers beautiful beaches and a turquoise sea, providing an ideal place for swimming and relaxation, for example Verudela Beach, Galebov Stijene Beach and Cape Kamenjak, or Premantura, which is really a story in itself that leaves you breathless. Also, each beach has one or more cafes that are decorated in a very cool way, one of them is the Lost bay beach bar, which was decorated in a cool way and the service was very, very accessible and kind.

In the southern part of Istria, not far from the town of Premantura, there is a hidden gem - Cape Kamenjak. This natural wonder offers visitors the opportunity to completely lose themselves in the untouched landscape and outdoor activities. Cape Kamenjak offers beautiful beaches, from sandy shores to hidden coves and rocks. Here you can go cycling, hiking, diving, kayaking and surfing. The paths and viewpoints offer spectacular views that really stay in the memory for a long time.

Istria, especially Pula, has a big place in my heart and I really always recommend everyone to visit that part of Croatia.