Pula Croatia

Why go

Because even with its wealth of Roman architecture, Pula is still not as well-known or overrun with tourists as it deserves to be.

Local hotspot

Giardini Street is a wide, tree-lined stretch next to the old city walls where locals gather for drinks late into the evenings.

You probably didn’t know

Istria’s regional produce, including excellent wines, extra virgin olive oils, prosciutto, asparagus and wild rocket has earned it the nickname ‘Little Tuscany’.

Suggested reading and viewing

To read: Dante’s Divine Comedy rather ominously references Pula as one of the circles of hell, thanks to the Roman graveyards the 14th-century poet saw outside the city walls while visiting the city. To watch: Pula’s Roman amphitheatre features in the 1999 fantasy film Titus starring Anthony Hopkins.