Pula Or Rovinj: Which One Is Better To Visit In 2025
Wondering is Pula or Rovinj better place to visit?
As a Pula local who spent countless hours in Rovinj, I’ve got you covered!
Situated in the magical Istria region, Pula and Rovinj are just about 30km away from each other. Yet, these two cities offer a very different experience!
Pula will win you over with its impressive Roman heritage, while Rovinj is one of the most romantic cities in Croatia.
Although you can visit both in one day, you’ll still have to decide where to stay.
Let’s find out if Rovinj or Pula is the better choice for you!
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Is Pula Or Rovinj Better?
The short answer is: They are different.
Rovinj is more picturesque, but Pula has more impressive historical landmarks.
Both are lively tourist towns with great beaches.
An Overview Of Pula, Croatia
Pula is one of the biggest cities in Croatia. It’s been very industrialized for decades. The main source of the town’s prosperity was the shipyard in the city center, cement factory, and glass factory.
In recent years, people started discovering the immense historical beauty of Pula.
The city had an important historical role from Roman times through the Habsburg Monarchy era.
This lively city is a great base to explore the Istra region and is usually more affordable than Rovinj.
An Overview Of Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj is a much smaller town with an impeccable pedestrian-only city center.
It is not nearly as industrialized as Pula, and you can enjoy strolling the seafront and charming cobblestone streets.
Thanks to its picturesque Old Town and relaxing seaside town vibes, Rovinj is one of the most popular places to visit in Istra.
The downside to its popularity is that in peak summer months, Rovinj can feel overcrowded.
Should You Stay In Rovinj Or Pula?
As Pula and Rovinj are just 30km from each other, you can’t go wrong with staying in either and visiting the other one on a day trip.
Pula is traditionally a more budget-friendly option, and you’ll even find a couple of backpacker hostels.
Most hotels are outside the city center, close to the beaches, and there are plenty of family-run accommodations.
Rovinj offers many family-run AirBnB type of flats dotted around the Old Town.
It is also the city where you’ll find some of the most luxurious seafront hotels in Croatia.
Where To Stay In Pula
The best place to stay in Pula is in the city center, so you’re close to all the tourist attractions.
But, if you’re coming for a beach holiday, consider places closer to the beaches. It is easy to grab a bus to the city center on days you want to be in the city.
TOP Pick
Park Plaza Arena Pula is a stunning seafront hotel, situated next to the most beautiful beaches in Pula. Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated for a perfect holiday.
Mid-Range Option
Apartments Forum is the Pula Old Town lofts and studios of your dreams. Stay in the heart of Old Town, close to all the attractions, and discover Pula like a local.
Budget-Friendly Options
Hostel Antique is the best place to stay in Pula if you’re on a budget. This backpacker-friendly hostel has excellent reviews, a perfect location, and great facilities.
Where To Stay In Rovinj
Rovinj is a compact and walkable town, so you can’t go wrong wherever you choose to stay.
The city center is the best place to stay in Rovinj, although it might be complicated if you have a car.
TOP Pick:
Lone Hotel by Maistra Collection is one of the most modern and luxurious hotels in Rovinj, just a couple of steps from the Old Town.
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is a beautiful seafront hotel for a perfect holiday by the sea.
Mid-Range Options
It’s hard to pick the best studios in the Old Town, as there are some incredible options and they sell out quickly, so here are my favorites:
Pula Or Rovinj: Getting There
Winner: Pula
Rovinj and Pula are located about 30km from each other.
Since Pula has an airport, it is easier to reach from abroad than Rovinj. Similarly, more bus lines pass through Pula than Rovinj.
However, it is fairly easy to take a bus from Pula to Rovinj, as there are several daily bus lines between the cities.
If you’re driving, it takes about 30-45 minutes from Rovinj to Pula.
Flying
If you’re flying in, you’ll likely land at Pula Airport, just 10 minutes from Pula’s city center.
Shuttle buses connect the airport to Pula’s main bus station and Rovinj, with schedules synced to flight arrivals.
Alternatively, you could land in Trieste, Venice, or Rijeka, each about 2-3 hours away by car from Pula and Rovinj.
If you rent a car at the airport, you can easily reach Rovinj and other Istrian destinations from Pula Airport simple.
🚗 Renting a car is the best way to get around Istria!
Check rental car rates and availability here!
Taking A Bus
If traveling by public transport, you’ll need to take a bus.
Pula has more connections than Rovinj, so you may need to transfer in Pazin or buy a separate ticket to Rovinj.
Many buses stop in both cities, with the Pula–Rovinj route taking 30–45 minutes.
There’s also a train option from Ljubljana to Pula, but it’s not a very common route.
Pula Or Rovinj: Tourist Attractions
Winner: Pula
What To See In Pula
Pula is best known for its incredibly well-preserved amphitheater “Arena”. Honestly, I think it’s even better than the one in Rome.
It is worth visiting Pula during the summer concert season, you can see a concert in the Arena or watch a movie under the stars during the Pula Film Festival.
Other tourist attractions in Pula are the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of the Sergii, the Forum, the Fortress Castello, and the unique Zerostrasse tunnel.
The city center of Pula is compact, so you can see most attractions in a day, leaving plenty of time to spend on the beach or exploring the region.
What To See In Rovinj
Unlike Pula, Rovinj doesn’t have many specific historical landmarks to see. In fact, the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia is the only one.
However, where it lacks in historical landmarks, Rovinj makes up in picture-perfect Old Town and exquisite beaches.
You can enjoy a drink listening to the sound of waves, spend time on the beach, or simply get lost in the Old Town.
One of the top reasons to visit Rovnj is to explore narrow, winding alleyways from the Old Port to the top of the hill where the church stands.
Pula Or Rovinj: Old Town
Winner: Rovinj
When it comes to the question of whether Pula or Rovinj has a more beautiful Old town, the answer is Rovinj.
Even as a Pula local, I can’t deny that the sheer beauty of Rovinj Old Town is unmatched.
Pula also has a pedestrian-only Old Town which starts with the Arch of the Sergii and takes you to the beautiful Forum with the Temple of Augustus.
However, what Pula lacks is a seaside walk, picturesque cobblestone streets, and colorful houses hiding charming seafront bars.
Rovinj is one of the most beautiful places in Istria, and absolutely worth a visit if you’re a lover of quaint seaside towns.
Wherever you look you’ll see Instagrammable spots in Rovinj, so if you’re a photography lover you’ll be delighted.
Pula Or Rovinj: Beaches
Winner: Both
While most beaches around both cities are rock beaches, you’ll be able to find sheltered, pebbled coves in both cities.
The main difference is that Rovinj has a beach in the city center, while the sea in the city center of Pula is divided between the shipyard and the port.
A small rock beach in the city center of Rovinj is a great place for a quick dip with a stunning view.
Beaches in Pula range from tall cliffs popular for cliff jumping to secluded coves with soft entrances.
Pula beaches are outside the city center, with numerous beaches to choose from along the coastline, including the secluded beaches of Kamenjak Nature Park.
You can also go on boat excursions from Pula and discover more remote beaches and nearby Brijuni islands.
Rovinj beaches are close to the city center, along the coastline lined with lush pine trees for natural shade.
You can also take a small boat to Saint Katarina island just across Rovinj city center. There are some great cliff-jumping opportunities on the island.
Rovinj offers countless opportunities to further explore the coastline. Join one of Rovinj’s boat trips and find hidden coves in the Rovinj archipelago.
There aren’t any sandy beaches in either Pula or Rovinj.
Rovinj Or Pula: Nightlife
Winner: Both
Those coming to Croatia for nightlife might be disappointed with the nightlife in both cities.
That is not to say that the cities are sleeping at night because they are certainly not!
However, you won’t find wild Ibiza-like parties here. If that’s something you’d be into, you should consider taking a trip to Zrće Beach on Pag Island.
Rovinj and Pula have numerous bars in the city center to grab a drink and enjoy lively summer nights.
Rovinj has several elegant bars along the coastline, where you can sit by the sea and enjoy your drink with soft lounge music.
If you want to go clubbing in Rovinj, Steel Club is the place to be on the weekends.
Nightlife in Pula is more casual than in Rovinj, and terraces in the city center are usually filled with locals and tourists gathering for a quick drink.
There are two clubbing options in Pula, Pietas Iulia for a more “nightclub” option and Circolo as a casual alternative.
There are several beach bars in coastal towns near Pula. Some of the most popular ones are Beach Bar Baracuda in Medulin and Beach Bar Shark in Fažana.
Pula Or Rovinj: Day Trips
Winner: Both
Istria is not that large, so you can take same day trips from Pula and Rovinj.
However, if you’re considering spending several days in Pula and then a couple of days in Rovinj, visit places in the south from Pula and central and northern Istra destinations from Rovinj.
A week in Istria will give you plenty of time to visit all of these beautiful places!
- Brioni National Park is a group of islands off the coast of Pula, famous for its incredible natural beauty and archeological sites.
- Motovun is a hilltop village in central Istria and one of my favorite places in the region. It is home to the Motovun Film Festival.
- Grožnjan is also known as the village of artists. It is another hilltop village with picturesque cobblestone streets and stunning views.
- Zarečki Krov near Pazin is one of the most impressive natural sights in Istria. It is a waterfall tumbling from a rocky overhang into a pool popular for swimming in the summer.
- Poreč is another picturesque seafront town, about 20 minutes from Rovinj. It would be my third choice for the best place to stay in Istria.
- Kamenjak Nature Park is located about 10km from Pula. It is home to several endemic plant species, popular for hiking in winter and for its beautiful beaches in summer.
- Korita hiking trail is one of my favorite hiking trails in Istria. It will take you a couple of hours to reach the top and there is a freshwater spring at the end of the trail!
- Opatija offers a very different experience to west coast Istrian towns. This historical upscale holiday destination is a great place to visit and see the diversity of the region.
- Labin is one of the most underrated places in Istria, and I was pleasantly surprised when I finally gave it a chance. The city has a lovely city center with cobblestone streets and picturesque houses.
Pula Vs Rovinj: Without A Car
Winner: Both
Both Pula and Rovinj are good places to stay if you’re coming to Istria without a car.
The cities are walkable, so likely you won’t need a car to get around.
You might want to use a city bus to go to Pula beaches, but you can also walk as the closest beach is less than 30 minutes from the city center.
Rovinj beaches are even closer to the city center, with a lovely beach right in the city center.
When it comes to day trips from Rovinj or Pula, a car would make your life much easier. However, it is possible to visit nearly every day trip I suggested by public bus.
The main difference is that you’ll only get to visit one or two places in a day, while with a car you could do more.
You can browse buses departing from Pula and Rovinj on this website.
Rovinj Vs Pula: Vegan Restaurants
Winner: Both
If you’re traveling as a vegan in Croatia, you probably noticed it’s not the most vegan-friendly country when it comes to restaurants.
There aren’t any fully vegan restaurants in either Rovinj or Pula. Yet, both Pula and Rovinj have several options for vegan meals.
I always check the Happy Cow app as new restaurants pop up frequently, especially during summer.
Don’t miss Gelateria I Nonni in Rovinj, they have the best vegan ice cream I’ve had in Istria.
As a Pula local, I can tell you the real secret to delicious vegan meals in Croatia is checking out supermarkets.
Croatian supermarkets have a massive choice of vegan-friendly products. From plant-based milk to snacks, ice creams, and “meat” – there’s everything you could need.
Pula Vs Rovinj: Prices
Winner: Pula is slightly more affordable
Prices are pretty comparable in both cities, and you can find something for every budget.
Pula has more budget-friendly accommodation options, but restaurant and activity prices are about the same.
Prices are the highest in July and August, and they drop as soon as September rolls around. It is good to keep in mind if you want to travel to Europe on a budget.
Both cities have upscale boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants for those who want to treat themselves to a luxurious holiday.
At the same time, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly options too!
Fast food shops and bakeries like Mlinar are common throughout the city center for a quick bite.
Pula has every type of supermarket you can think of for those who are staying in accommodation with a kitchen. Rovinj also has Lidl and Kaufland – tourists’ favorites.
Pula Is The Best For You If…
Pula is a better choice for you if you:
- like historical monuments,
- want to mingle with the locals,
- enjoy beach bars and fun activities.
Rovinj Is The Best For You If…
You will love Rovinj if you’re seeking:
- a quaint seaside town,
- charming cobblestone streets,
- romantic dinners by the sea.
FAQ
Rovinj is more beautiful than Pula. Rovinj has one of the most beautiful Old Towns in Croatia, and it is a delight to stroll the cobblestone streets and explore hidden corners. Pula is a bit more industrialized, but it has some of the most impressive Roman monuments in the country.
Traditionally, Pula was cheaper than Rovinj. Rovinj is considered an upscale, romantic destination, so accommodation prices were higher. However, recently prices are similar. I had delicious vegan ice cream in the city center or Rovinj that was cheaper than in Pula. Restaurant prices are quite comparable too.
No, despite being just 30km from each other, Pula and Rovinj are not similar. Pula is a large, industrialized town, while Rovinj is a much smaller, touristic hot spot. Both towns have plenty of tourist attractions to offer, but they are different. Pula is great for history lovers, while those who like quaint seafront towns will enjoy Rovinj more.
Final Thoughts: Pula Or Rovinj
Both Rovinj and Pula are excellent cities to discover, as they are quite different despite being geographically close.
In the best-case scenario, you wouldn’t have to choose, and you’d visit both! They are just 30km from each other, and several bus lines connect the cities daily.
Whether you want to be transported back in time while admiring Roman ruins in Pula or you prefer the quaint seaside town charm of Rovinj, you can’t go wrong with either.
Is your heart set on visiting Istria, or you’re still debating whether you also want to see the south of Croatia? Compare Pula and Zadar and plan the rest of your Croatia itinerary.
