Pula or Rovinj? Where to Stay in Istria

Deciding between a base in metropolitan Pula or picture-perfect Rovinj is a quandary for many visitors to Croatia’s delightful Isrria region.

Istria is an incredible region and in an ideal world, you would have time to dedicate a week or more to exploring the area. However, if you only have a short amount of time to explore Istria, choosing the best base for your interests and travel needs is going to be essential.

In general, choose Pula if you’re after a more urban escape with lots of things to do, incredible history and a local feel. On the other hand, choose Rovinj for a picturesque old town, easy access to beaches and swimming spots and for a romantic escape.

Pula

The largest city in the Istrian region, Pula has been an important port in Croatia. Like the entirety of Istria, Pula has a fascinating history dating back centuries and draws a number of cultural influences.

Once under the rule of ancient Rome and the Venetians, more recently Pula has been part of Austria-Hungary, Italy, and Yugoslavia before Croatia became its own independent country in the 1990s.

From ancient Roman times until 1991, Pula was the administrative capital of Istria. Because of all of the influences, there are many layers of Pula that just beg to be discovered.

So is Pula worth visiting? Though it isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as Rovinj or some other towns in Istria, Pula has a lot to offer tourists from its ancient amphitheatre to a number of interesting museums.

Accessibility

If you’re only planning on visiting Istria as part of your Croatia itinerary, Pula is the most logical starting point as it is home to the region’s only international airport, located only about 8 kilometres outside of the city centre.

Though the airport is largely seasonal, it serves a multitude of destinations across Europe from most both major and budget airlines, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, and Norwegian.

There is also a central bus station in Pula that has direct connections with most major Croatian cities and international cities in neighbouring countries, along with most destinations and points of interest within Istria itself.

Because it is the largest city in Istria, Pula is definitely the region’s transport hub, so it is easy to reach just about everywhere in the region. For instance, if you choose to base yourself in Pula but still want to visit Rovinj, you can easily reach the latter town by bus or car within about 45 minutes to an hour.

However, if you want to use Pula as a base and explore the rest of Istria by day trip, then it is worth knowing that some places of interest (such as hill towns to the north) might be a bit of a journey.

It can help to rent a car, but the main tourist attractions on the west coast are within closer proximity to Rovinj vs Pula.

If you want to rent a car while you’re in Istria, we recommend looking for great deals on RentalCars.com which aggregates prices from many major companies.

Pula is, however, closer to the lesser-visited east coast of Istria with picturesque seaside villages like Opatija and Rabac or hill towns like Labin or Pazin.

Things to do in Pula

If you’re looking for a base where you can take some interesting day trips but also enjoy a number of fun things to do within the city, then Pula is the place for you!

Pula’s most iconic tourist attraction would have to be the Pula Arena, an excellently preserved Roman colosseum built between 27 BCE – 68 CE. It is easy to spend an hour or two wandering around this impressive ancient structure.

Pula also has quite a few interesting museums, including Zerostrasse (a series of tunnels beneath the city that was originally intended for use as a bunker but is now a local art exhibition), the Istrian Museum of Contemporary Art, and the House of Istrian Olive Oil.

All of these museums will give you insight into Pula and Istria as a whole from ancient times to the present day.

Another benefit to choosing to stay in Pula over Rovinj is its proximity to the wonderful Brijuni Islands. The main island was once the summer residence of former Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito and today it is a nature reserve and wildlife park.

Spending a day riding a bicycle around the islands is one of the best things you could do on your trip to Istria.

Affordability

If you’re trying to stick to a budget and you’re struggling to choose between Rovinj or Pula, then it might help you to know that Pula, on the whole, Pula is the slightly more affordable Istrian city.

Maybe because it is bigger or maybe because it just doesn’t have quite the romantic charm of Rovinj (it is considerably more industrial, but this does not take away from it in the slightest!), but Pula hasn’t attracted the tourism numbers quite like Rovinj has and its prices match that.

There are a few more budget accommodation options, Airbnb properties (both private rooms and whole apartments) are about 10-15% cheaper, and the rooms in smaller hotels are slightly less as well.

The same goes for restaurants — while there are certainly several restaurants in Pula that are geared toward foreign tourists with prices to match, the upcharge isn’t quite as significant as it is in Rovinj.

All in all, if you’re looking to cut a bit from your overall Croatia trip cost, then Pula might be the best option for you.

Where to Stay in Pula

Boutique Hotel Oasi – A lovely hotel with a swimming pool and free on-site parking, they offer comfortable villas suitable for couples and families. There is also breakfast and it’s well-located for exploring Pula.

Boutique Hotel Valsabbion – If you’re looking for a little bit of luxury during your stay in Pula, then this boutique hotel is a fantastic option. They have a range of plush rooms available, a chic, modern swimming pool and an unbeatable beachside location along with numerous other amenities.

Private Rental – This is another fantastic option if you’re looking for some privacy in a whole apartment such as this comfortable city apartment.

Crazy House Hostel – Centrally located, this hostel is a great place to stay if you’re on a tight budget or travelling solo. It has both dorm and private rooms on offer and also a nice outdoor terrace to relax on warm days.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Pula!

Rovinj

Located in the middle of the west coast of Istria, Rovinj is arguably the most beautiful town in the region. The pedestrian-only old town is situated on a small peninsula, dominated by the iconic bell tower of St Euphemia’s Church and surrounded by a rocky coastline.

The town itself is undeniably picturesque and it is sure to charm you with every turn down a narrow cobbled lane.

Because of its beauty and Croatia’s increasing presence for international tourism, however, the small city can get quite crowded. Despite this, Rovinj remains a must-visit destination in Istria, be that for just a day or for a few nights.

Accessibility

If you’re arriving by plane, the closest airport is Pula International. There are bus connections from the airport to Rovinj but do make sure to check the timetable before your flights to make sure they are running when you land/take off as they don’t run as frequently as you might think.

The Rovinj Bus Station is located just outside of the Old Town so it’s very convenient to reach, as well.

If your flight arrives too early or late, it is also possible to organise a transfer with a local company, however, these will be significantly more expensive than relying on public transport.

Another popular option is to rent a car, especially if you plan to take a number of day trips from Rovinj. While a car is certainly not necessary in Rovinj itself — the Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone as it is and everything is within easy walking distance — having a car to explore elsewhere in Istria will allow you to see the sites you want on your own time without being beholden to bus timetables or expensive tour operators.

If you’re interested in seeing some sites just outside of Rovinj’s Old Town, it is also worth knowing that the town is very cycle-friendly and you can hire a bicycle for a couple of hours or multiple days at affordable prices.

Things to do in Rovinj

Though definitely more traditionally beautiful than Pula, Rovinj is significantly smaller and doesn’t have as many activities or things to do in the city — especially if you’re more interested in the cultural and historic side of Istria.

That being said, however, Rovinj is arguably the better option if you are after a relaxing seaside holiday in a beautiful setting. The main draw of Rovinj is inarguably its postcard-perfect Old Town and many hours can be spent just strolling around the narrow cobbled streets.

Visiting St Euphemia’s Church and braving the climb up its bell tower is one of the best things to do in the town and it can provide spectacular views over Rovinj and the surrounding areas.

There are also a number of rock and pebble beaches and swimming areas within very easy reach of Rovinj, including Monte Beach — which is located directly below the church in the Old Town.

Rovinj is also a great base for exploring some of the most beautiful parts of Green Istria and enjoying the unique gastronomy that the inland region has to offer.

The charming hill towns of Bale, Buje, Groznjan, and Motovun are closer and easier to reach from Rovinj than from Pula and no trip to Istria is complete without marvelling at the beauty of these medieval towns.

Rovinj is also a great location to go wine tasting — Istria is one of Croatia’s top grape-growing regions and the wines produced from hundreds of vineyards are unique and delicious.

All in all, if you’re after a more relaxing seaside holiday, then Rovinj might be the better option for where to stay in Istria.

Affordability

As mentioned earlier, Rovinj is definitely the biggest tourist draw in Istria and it has prices to match. Therefore, it is noticeably more expensive to visit and stay there than Pula — with prices much more akin to those you will find in other, more popular European destinations.

While the prices certainly aren’t quite as high as those in, say, Dubrovnik, it’s not exactly a budget travel destination.

There are a seemingly endless amount of restaurants in Rovinj’s old town, most catered specifically toward tourists with prices to match. You have to search hard to find a quality, local eatery and often you have to walk a significant distance outside the old town or seaside in order to get there.

Drink prices as well are significantly higher, especially if you want to enjoy a cocktail directly on the water.

Because it is a popular tourist destination, there are a number of accommodation options in Rovinj, from high-end beach resorts to small guesthouses to private apartment rentals. This is much the same as most towns in Istria, however, you will notice that nightly rates are higher here than in Pula.

Where to Stay in Rovinj

Hotel Angelo d’Oro – Located in the centre of Old Town Rovinj, this small boutique hotel has a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and also a free breakfast for its guests!

Rooms Barbieri – Though not located in the Old Town proper, this small hotel is within five minutes’ walking distance of the most beautiful areas in Rovinj. There are double and family rooms available, a terrace, free parking and a lovely garden.

Private Rental – There are also a number of options in Rovinj for private rentals such as this beautiful sea view apartment in the Old Town. Click here to see the best private rentals in Rovinj!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Rovinj!

Pula or Rovinj? The Verdict

If you’re still struggling, we would recommend staying in Pula if you are travelling on a smaller budget and want to save money on potentially expensive airport transfers and accommodation options.

Pula might also be the better option if you want a wider wealth of cultural opportunities, including numerous museums and historical sites to explore, as well as a more local feel that is less geared toward foreign tourists.

Rovinj is a great option if you’re after a more quintessential Croatian seaside escape. Its stunning, romantic Old Town and proximity to some of the best beaches and swimming areas in the region make Rovinj an appealing choice for where to stay in Istria as well.

While there aren’t as many cultural activities as there are in Pula, Rovinj makes up for it in its undeniable charm. It is also a good option if your budget is more flexible and not as fixed.

Wherever you choose to stay on your Istrian adventure, there is no denying that this is one of the most underrated regions of Croatia and you’re sure to have a fabulous time!

Are you struggling to choose between Pula and Rovinj? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

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