Pula

Pula is a city in Croatia that offers a wealth of Roman architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and a stunning coastline. It is also a great destination for sailing enthusiasts, as it has a variety of sailboat rentals in Pula, private boat rentals in Pula, luxury yacht charters in Pula, and boat tours to choose from. Whether you want to rent a sailboat in Pula for a week, a day, or an hour, you will find plenty of options to suit your budget and preferences. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide on sailing in Pula, including the best itineraries, experiences, activities, beaches, and safety tips.

Itineraries

Pula is located at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, which means that you can easily explore the nearby islands, bays, and towns by boat rentals in Pula with a captain, or if you rent a yacht in Croatia. You can even cruise here via Split sailing, or with a Dubrovnik yacht charter. The possibilities are endless, and most people prefer the commodity of motor boat charters in Croatia. Here are some of the top destinations that you can reach from Pula by boat:

Brijuni Islands National Park: This archipelago of 14 islands is a natural and cultural treasure that boasts rich biodiversity, ancient ruins, dinosaur footprints, and a safari park. You can visit the main island of Veliki Brijun by ferry or join a guided boat tour from Pula. Alternatively, you can rent a boat in Pula with the captain and explore the smaller islands at your own pace. Even more so, catamaran charters in Dubrovnik are always a good choice, and we highly recommend you to rent a boat in Split, Croatia and sail here. 

Rovinj: This picturesque town is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istria. It has a charming old town with colorful houses, narrow streets, and a majestic church on a hill. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands from its waterfront promenade. Rovinj is about 30 nautical miles from Pula and can be reached by sailboat in about 4 hours or more if you rent a catamaran in Croatia.

Kamenjak Peninsula: This protected nature park is located at the southernmost point of Istria and offers some of the best beaches and coves in the region. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or cliff-jump in crystal-clear water or explore the rocky trails and caves on land. Kamenjak Peninsula is about 10 nautical miles from Pula and can be reached by yacht charters in Pomer, Croatia in a few hours.

Medulin: This resort town is known for its sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and family-friendly attractions. You can relax on the golden sand of Bijeca Beach, have fun at the aquapark or the amusement park, or visit the nearby archaeological site of Vižula. Medulin is about 8 nautical miles from Pula and can be reached by boat in about 40 minutes. We highly recommend taking a boat rental in Zadar and sailing here. 

Premantura: This village is located at the entrance of Kamenjak Peninsula and has a charming atmosphere and a rich history. You can visit the 17th-century church of St. Lawrence, admire the lighthouse on Cape Kamenjak, or enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants. Premantura is about 9 nautical miles from Pula and can be reached by boat in about 45 minutes, but our suggestion would be to choose a boat rental in Sibenik and cruise here, the whole trip is splendid.

Top Experiences

Pula has a lot to offer to its visitors, from historical monuments to cultural events. Here are some of the top experiences that you should not miss when sailing in Pula:

Visit the Roman Amphitheatre: This impressive structure is one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world and dates back to the 1st century AD. It can seat up to 20,000 spectators and hosts concerts, festivals, and gladiator reenactments during the summer months. You can also visit the underground museum that displays ancient artifacts and learn more about the history of the amphitheatre.

Explore the Temple of Augustus: This elegant temple was built in honor of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century BC and is one of the few surviving examples of Roman architecture in Pula. It has six Corinthian columns and a pediment with sculptures depicting mythological scenes. You can also see some Roman statues and inscriptions inside the temple.

See the Lighting Giants: This unique attraction is a spectacular lighting display that illuminates the cranes of Pula’s shipyard at night. The cranes change colors and patterns according to a musical soundtrack and create a mesmerizing show that lasts for about 15 minutes. You can see the Lighting Giants from various points along the coast or from your Punat sailboat rental.

Attend a Music Festival: Pula is known for hosting some of Croatia’s best music festivals during the summer season. You can enjoy live performances by local and international artists in various genres such as rock, pop, jazz, electronic, or classical music. Some of the most popular festivals include Outlook Festival (a bass music festival held at Fort Punta Christo), Dimensions Festival (an electronic music festival held at Fort Punta Christo), Seasplash Festival (a reggae music festival held at Fort Punta Christo), or PUF Festival (a street theatre festival held in various locations around Pula).

Taste Istrian Cuisine: Istria is famous for its gastronomy that combines Mediterranean and continental influences. You can taste some of its specialties such as truffles, olive oil, prosciutto, cheese, and seafood. 

Activities

Pula has a lot of activities to offer to its visitors, both on the water and on land. Here are some of the best ones that you can enjoy when sailing in Pula:

Kayaking: When not on your Hvar boat rental or catamaran rentals in Split, one of the best ways to explore the coastline and the islands around Pula is by kayak. You can rent a kayak from various locations in Pula or join a guided tour that will take you to some of the most scenic spots, such as the sea caves, the cliffs, or the dolphin-watching areas. Some of the most popular kayak tours include the Transparent Kayak Night Glow Experience, the Sea Cave and Cliffs Adventure Kayaking, and the Kayaking Tour Self-Guided.

Snorkeling: The clear and calm water of Pula is ideal for snorkeling and discovering the underwater world. You can see colorful fish, coral reefs, sea urchins, starfish, and even octopus. You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it from various places in Pula. Some of the best snorkeling spots include Felsen Strand, Beach Valvoline, Kamenjak Peninsula, and Brijuni Islands National Park.

Sailing: If you want to experience the thrill of sailing in Pula, you can rent a boat in Rijeka, rent a boat in Trogir, rent a boat in Sukosan, or join a sailing course or a sailing trip. You can learn the basics of sailing, practice your skills, or just relax and enjoy the views while Dubrovnik sailing. Some of the best sailing options include Istria in 1 Day Tour, bareboat yacht charter in Pula, and Private Half-Day Boat Excursion in Pula. You can also rent a boat in Pula for a week or try out the daily boat rentals in Pula, and if you want to travel more, keep in mind that you can also rent a boat in Milna, rent a boat in Rijeka, and the motor boat charters in Zadar.

Biking: Another great way to explore Pula and its surroundings is by bike. You can rent a bike from various locations in Pula or join a guided bike tour that will take you to some of the most interesting places, such as the Roman Amphitheatre, the Temple of Augustus, the Brijuni Islands National Park, or the Kamenjak Peninsula. Some of the most popular bike tours include Pula Highlights Bike Adventure, Bike Experience through Kamenjak, and Bike Tour: Discovering Rovinj & Lim Fjord.

Wine Tasting: Istria is famous for its wine production and quality. You can taste some of its finest wines at one of the many wineries in Pula or nearby. You can also learn about the history and culture of winemaking in Istria and enjoy some local delicacies along with your wine. Some of the best wine-tasting options include Wine Tasting Experience at the organic winery in Šišan, Wine & More: Private Tour with Wine Tasting from Pula, and Istrian Wine Roads Tour from Pula.

Top Beaches

Pula has some of the best beaches in Croatia, ranging from sandy to pebbly to rocky. Here are some of the top beaches that you should visit when sailing in Pula:

Hawaii Beach: This beach is located on Verudela Peninsula and is one of the most popular beaches in Pula, where Croatia sailing charter anchors often. It has a sandy shore and shallow water that is perfect for families with children. It also has a lot of facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals.

Hidrobaza Beach: This beach is located in Štinjan and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pula. It has a pebbly shore and clear water that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It also has a lot of facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals. People like to get sailboat rentals in Pomer, Croatia and anchor here for the night. 

Saccorgiana Cove: This beach is located near Stoja and is one of the most secluded beaches in Pula. It has a rocky shore and deep water that is suitable for diving and cliff jumping. It also has a natural shade from the pine trees and a stunning view of the sea, best seen after you rent a boat in Punat.

Safety and Emergency Information

When sailing in Pula, you should respect the environment and avoid any pollution or damage to the sea, the coast, or the wildlife. You should not throw any garbage or waste into the water or leave it on the shore. You should also not disturb or harm any animals or plants that live in or near the water. You should also follow the rules of the protected areas such as Brijuni Islands National Park or Kamenjak Peninsula. Local emergency contacts:

• Coast Guard - 108;
• Police - 100;
• Ambulance - 166;
• Fire Brigade - 199;

Conclusion

Pula is a wonderful destination for sailing enthusiasts and anyone who loves history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. It has a lot to offer in terms of sailboat rentals, private boat rentals, luxury yacht charters, and boat tours. It also has a lot to offer in terms of itineraries, experiences, activities, beaches, and safety. Whether you want to sail for a week, a day, or an hour, you will find something that suits your needs and preferences in Pula. We hope that this guide has helped you plan your trip to Pula and that you will have an amazing time sailing in Pula. Happy sailing!