Built on seven hills and crowned by its monumental Roman Arena, Pula is a city where every stone breathes history and every sunset over the Adriatic feels eternal. The largest town of Istria - known through centuries as Pietas Iulia, Pola, Puola, Pulj - is both ancient and vibrant, timeless and alive. Once the principal naval port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, today it’s the region’s cultural heart, blending Roman grandeur, Italian elegance and Croatian coastal ease into one unforgettable destination.
Handpicked Holiday Villas in Pula - History, sea and pure comfort
Our
luxury villas in Pula with private pools bring you the best of both worlds: the laid-back atmosphere of Istria’s countryside and the pulse of a historic Mediterranean city.
Each villa is selected for its
authentic design, exceptional comfort and excellent location — from peaceful olive groves on the outskirts of Pula to desirable spots close to the sea and beaches. Expect sun-drenched terraces, modern interiors and private pools with inviting outdoor areas where you can unwind after a day of exploration.
For guests travelling with pets, many of our
Pula villas are dog-friendly, offering enclosed gardens and easy access to dog beaches around the city. Every villa promises privacy, style and the kind of understated luxury that defines Villas Kalmar.
Why choose Pula for your next holiday?
Pula is as urban as Istria gets - a living mosaic of cultures, colours and centuries. Here,
3,000 years of history merge seamlessly with the rhythm of daily life.
At its centre stands the
Roman Amphitheatre - the Arena of Pula, one of the world’s best-preserved arenas and a proud symbol of Istria. Built in the 1st century, it once hosted gladiatorial battles; today it hosts
the famous Pula Film Festival, open-air concerts and world music performances under the stars - from classical to contemporary.
The city’s old town is a labyrinth of cobbled alleys, buzzing markets and cafés shaded by ancient arches. Every step takes you past relics of empires: the
Arch of the Sergii, the
Temple of Augustus on the Roman Forum, or the
Venetian Fortress Kaštel overlooking the port. In the evenings, head to the shipyard where the legendary
“Lighting Giants” show transforms industrial cranes into a symphony of colour across the night sky.
Beyond the city walls lies nature in its purest form: the protected
Cape Kamenjak Nature Park, a coastal paradise of turquoise coves and rugged cliffs perfect for swimming, cycling or diving into the clear Adriatic waters.
What to do and see in Pula:
- Visit the Arena - one of the six largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the world, still alive with concerts and film screenings
- Stroll through Forum Square - admire the Temple of Augustus and enjoy coffee where Romans once gathered
- Explore Zerostrasse, the secret network of underground tunnels built during Austro-Hungarian times
- Walk the Lungomare promenade - connecting the beaches of Valkane, Gortanova and Stoja
- Discover the Arch of the Sergii - the “Golden Gate” leading into the historic core
- Visit the Museum Olei Histriae (House of Istrian Olive Oil) - learn about Istria’s ancient olive-growing tradition and join a guided tasting
- See the Lighting Giants - a nightly light show illuminating the cranes of Uljanik Shipyard
- Take a day trip to Brijuni Islands National Park - explore the archipelago’s lush nature, Roman ruins, and open-air safari park just off Pula’s coast
- Visit the Archaeological Museum and Kaštel Fortress for sweeping city views
- Experience Pula Superiorvm - Days of Antiquity, the annual festival where gladiators, patricians and Roman feasts come to life
- Join the locals at the Pula Market, a masterpiece of Habsburg iron architecture from 1903
- Explore nearby Verudela, Medulin and Premantura for more beaches, watersports and coastal adventures
Book Your Luxury Villa in Pula Today
From the echoes of the Roman Empire to the sparkle of the Adriatic, Pula offers a holiday unlike any other - a perfect balance of culture, sea and serenity.
Our exclusive collection of
holiday villas in Pula with private pools is designed for travellers who seek authenticity, comfort and style.
Let Villas Kalmar help you discover the finest side of Istria —
BOOK YOUR VILLA IN PULA TODAY AND START YOUR TIMELESS MEDITERRANEAN STORY!
