Pula Or Zadar: Which Croatian Coastal Town To Visit? (2024)
Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering if Pula or Zadar is a better destination?
With cheap flights connecting these two Croatian coastal cities to many European destinations, it is easy to reach both of them.
But which one to choose if you have a cheap flight option to both?
I grew up in Pula and visit yearly since my family still lives here. At the same time, I’ve visited Zadar multiple times, and many of my friends studied there at University.
Both cities offer pristine beaches, cultural attractions, and lively nightlife in the summer. Still, you might like the southern charm of Zadar or the historical heritage of Pula more.
So, let’s find out if Zadar or Pula is better for you!
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Is Pula Or Zadar Better?
If you want a quick answer to the question of which one is better, I’ll have to disappoint you.
The answer is: It depends!
Zadar offers:
- better nightlife,
- more popular day trips,
- proximity to other well-known destinations on the Croatian coast.
Pula offers:
- unique events,
- proximity to many Croatian hidden gems,
- more impressive historical monuments.
Both towns have excellent beaches, so you don’t have to worry if you visit Croatia for the beaches.
An Overview Of Pula, Croatia
Pula is the largest city in the Croatian Istria peninsula and the unofficial capital of the Istria region.
Situated on the northern coast of Croatia, it is a popular summer family destination. Recently, it is gaining popularity among backpackers and adventure travelers.
The city is best known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, beaches, and gastronomy.
An Overview Of Zadar, Croatia
Zadar is a popular seaside town in the center of the Croatian coastline.
With about 70,000 inhabitants, it’s bigger than Pula and one of the bigger cities in Croatia, but it still preserves a small-town charm.
In the summer, Zadar is a great place for backpackers, with several hostels, lively nightlife, and proximity to other popular destinations in Croatia.
Pula Or Zadar: Getting There
Both cities are quite easy to get to from Zagreb and many other European destinations by plane or bus.
Neither of the cities is on any major train route, so getting there by train is hardly an option.
Flying To Zadar Or Pula
Zadar and Pula both have airports that are very well served by budget airlines during the summer season.
Both Pula and Zadar Airport have multiple daily departures connecting them to other European cities from April to October.
However, if you want to fly to either of these towns in winter, your only option is Croatia Airlines’ domestic flight from Zagreb. International flights are not available in winter.
✈️Are you still looking for the best flight?
Browse here with “Croatia” as a destination!
Taking A Bus To Zadar Or Pula
If you’re traveling by bus to either of the cities, you’ll likely have to transfer to a dedicated bus in Zagreb.
You could get by bus to Pula from Trieste or Ljubljana, but any other route has to go through Zagreb.
The situation with Zadar is similar. If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll likely have to transfer in Zagreb.
If you want to visit both cities, you can take a flight, bus, or ferry from Pula to Zadar.
🚃 Browse all Croatian bus lines here
Pula Or Zadar: Sightseeing
Both Pula and Zadar have numerous cultural and natural attractions to admire on your visit.
Best Things To See In Pula
Pula is best known for its Roman heritage and incredibly well-preserved amphitheater. I’d say it is better than the one in Rome!
If you visit Pula in the summer you can watch a movie under the stars inside the amphitheater at Pula Film Festival. It is truly a unique experience.
Other things to see in Pula include the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of the Sergii, the cobblestone streets of the city center, and the unique Zerostrasse tunnel.
You can see most attractions in Pula in one day, so you’ll have time to enjoy the beaches and take day trips in the region.
Best Things To See In Zadar
Zadar has numerous historical landmarks from different periods throughout the city center. Perfect if you’re short on time, as you can see most of them in one day in Zadar.
From Ancient Roman Forum ruins to early catholic churches and medieval Old City gates, the city center of Zadar is dotted with impressive monuments.
One of the newer additions to Zadar tourist attractions is the Sea Organ. This unique musical installation utilizes the power of the waves to create random but harmonic sounds, fueled solely by nature!
The “Greeting to the Sun” light installation is another must-see. It symbolizes the most beautiful sunset you can see from that place in Zadar.
Pula Or Zadar: Beaches
If you’re dreaming of a beach holiday in Croatia, you can’t go wrong with either city!
Both Pula and Zadar have excellent beaches.
Croatia is not well-known for its sandy beaches. Most beaches in Croatia are pebbled or rock beaches.
Pula beaches are situated slightly outside the city center. They range from steep rocks popular for cliff jumping to sheltered pebbled coves.
You can also join several Pula boat tours and discover more remote beaches on nearby islands.
On the other hand, Zadar has several sandy beaches! However, the sand here won’t be like Thailand beaches sand. Instead, it’s mixed with small pebbles.
The main difference between Pula and Zadar beaches is that you can swim in the city center of Zadar. I’m not sure I would do it though, but it is an option!
While the port and a shipyard occupy the sea in the city center of Pula, numerous ladders along the seafront in Zadar lead into the bright blue sea.
Zadar or Pula: Nightlife
Neither Pula nor Zadar are exactly Croatian nightlife hotspots.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife in Croatia, your best bet is Zagreb in the winter or islands like Pag and Hvar in the summer.
Both Pula and Zadar have several bars with terraces in the city center where you can grab a drink or two. These are usually very busy in the summer, however, there’s no dancing.
Pula Nightlife
Pula currently has only one nightclub – Pietas Iulia. Other night-out options on the weekends are Circolo, Shipyard, and sometimes Cvajner.
Circolo often hosts dance parties, and it is an alternative to a more upscale night out in Pietas Iulia.
Those who like alternative music and casual nights out should stop by Klub Kotač in Rojc.
If you like electronic music, Pula is often home to outdoor festivals and parties taking place in abandoned Fort Punta Cristo.
Zadar Nightlife
Nightlife in Zadar is pretty similar to Pula, although it feels a bit more put together. People in Dalmatia generally dress up more (or maybe I’m just way too casual lately).
The night starts in numerous bars in the city center where people gather for warm-up drinks
Lounge bar Ledana is the most popular spot for summer nightlife in Zadar. This open-air nightclub is famous for its theme parties.
Other clubs are the Hype bar on two floors, and Opera Club which is the largest indoor nightclub in Zadar.
Zadar is also home to several live music events throughout the summer, the most popular being the Sunset festival
Pula Or Zadar: Day Trips
A great thing about both cities is how easy it is to take day trips in the area, especially if you have a car.
Whether you want to take day trips from Pula or Zadar, you’ll have a plenitude of options.
Day Trips From Pula
I’ve lived in Pula for over 15 years, so I went on every day trip from Pula you can think of.
With so many beautiful places in Istria, these are some of my favorites.
- Rovinj is a beautiful seaside town with a charming cobblestone city center and colorful houses.
- Poreč is a slightly bigger version of Rovinj, with beautiful beaches and incredible sunsets.
- Motovun is a fairytale-tale hilltop village famous for its Film festival and stunning scenery.
- Grožnjan is also known as the village of artists. This hilltop village is one of the most picturesque places in Croatia.
- Korita is my favorite hiking trail in the mountains separating the Istria region and the rest of Croatia.
- Brioni Islands is a National Park just a short boat ride from Pula.
People are often thinking about whether to visit Pula or Rovinj, but it is so easy to stay in one and visit the other on a day trip.
Day Trips From Zadar
I love Dalmatia coast and Old towns with cobblestone streets and stone houses. You’ll quickly notice that architecture is different in Dalmatia and Istria, but both are gorgeous.
Going on boat trips from Zadar is another popular thing to do in Zadar, as there are countless islands nearby.
Here are some of the best day trips from Zadar you can add to your itinerary:
- Plitvice National Park is one of the most incredible sights in Croatia, and it is easy to visit on a day trip from Zadar.
- Krka National Park is a somewhat smaller, but equally lovely set of waterfalls just a short ride from Zadar if driving to Plitvice Lakes is not an option.
- Kornati National Park is a set of unique islands, just a short boat ride from Zadar.
- Šibenik is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in Croatia. It’s smaller than Zadar, so perfect for a day trip.
- Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and a visit to the stunning UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s palace is a must when in Croatia.
Pula Or Zadar: Without A Car
If you’re visiting Croatia without a car you can have a great time in both cities.
Both Pula and Zadar have reliable public transport, taking you from the city center to the beaches and neighborhoods outside of the city center.
That being said, both cities are walkable and have a pedestrian-friendly city center.
Most tourist attractions and restaurants are in the city center, and it is comfortable to walk to the center from other quarters too.
You can easily reach the main bus station if you’re taking buses for day trips.
If you’re traveling in summer, make sure to book bus tickets at least a couple of days in advance as they can sell out quickly!
🏞️ Visit Plitvice National Park on this incredible day tour from Zadar even if you don’t have a car!
Pula Or Zadar: Vegan Restaurants
When it comes to being vegan in Croatia, the situation is getting better each year!
I’ve been vegan since 2017, and let me tell you, you’re in for a treat nowadays.
Sure, we’re not London or New York, but the situation has improved massively!
Vegan Restaurants In Pula
As a Pula local, I’m sad to say there are no fully vegan restaurants in the city.
There are several fast food places where you can get a vegan falafel wrap or an Asian street food restaurant.
My go-to is usually a vegetarian pizza without cheese because pizza is absolutely delicious in Pula!
Vegan Restaurants in Zadar
Zadar has one fully vegan restaurant, and it is called The Botanist. It offers a fine dining experience and Croatian specialties in a vegan version. They also serve Beyond Meat burgers!
There are several restaurants with vegan options in the city center, from fast food to fine dining restaurants.
You’ll find the best vegan ice creams in Zadar in aRoma gelato boutique and Gelateria Eva.
Pula Vs Zadar: Prices
Finally, let’s compare the cost of traveling to Pula and the cost of traveling to Zadar.
Traditionally, the south coast of Croatia used to be more expensive than the North, and Istria was considered a budget destination compared to places like Hvar, Dubrovnik, or Split.
Yet recently, the cost of travel to Croatia in the summer is pretty comparable whether you choose Zadar or Pula.
As the prices in Istria increased, you can expect the same prices in restaurants, attractions, and accommodations in both cities.
Pula Is The Best For You If…
Pula is a better destination for those looking for:
- a laid-back holiday,
- exploring hidden gems,
- cultural attractions.
Pula is a city with a rich Roman heritage – lots of places history lovers will enjoy.
The beaches in Pula are excellent, with crystal clear water and lots of natural shade from pine trees along the coastline.
It is worth it to visit Pula in the summer, as summers in Pula are lively, but it is not a party destination. There are several bars and clubs in the city, and it is a popular concert destination.
Istria region is incredibly diverse, and you can take numerous day trips from Pula. Whether you like hiking, quaint medieval villages, or romantic seaside towns, you’re itinerary will be packed.
Wine lovers will have plenty of opportunities to try regional wines in wineries with stunning views.
Zadar Is The Best For You If…
Zadar is a destination for you if you:
- want to be close to the most famous places in Croatia,
- within a couple of hours of several National parks,
- enjoy the lively nightlife.
Zadar is worth it for its ideal location, as it is right in the center, close to many popular towns along the Dalmatian coast.
It is not a high-profile tourist destination like Dubrovnik or Hvar, so it still has a lot of its authentic charm. You’ll find many Instagrammable places in Zadar and picturesque hidden corners.
As you walk the streets of the city center, you’ll see them filled with locals gathering for coffee during the day or a drink in the bars at night.
Zadar has many hostels, so it is on backpackers’ radars, and it has gained a reputation as one of the best cities for nightlife.
FAQ
Zadar is a better destination for backpackers. Because of its central coastal position, it is a popular stop on many backpackers’ itineraries, there are numerous hostels to stay in, and plenty of party opportunities.
Both cities are unique. Pula has a unique Roman heritage, with a well-preserved 1st-century amphitheater and several Roman ruins dotted around the city. Zadar has a more enjoyable coastline in the city center, charming cobblestone streets, and some of the best sunsets in the world.
Pula and Zadar are not very similar when it comes to architecture and city vibes. Both cities have several Roman ruins, but the ones in Pula are more impressive. Zadar has a charming coastline walk in the city center where you can watch a mesmerizing sunset while listening to the waves.
You can expect the same prices in both cities. Zadar used to be slightly more expensive, but in recent years prices have equalized in both cities.
Final Thoughts: Pula Or Zadar
Both Pula and Zadar are great tourist destinations in Croatia. Each city has a unique vibe, with Pula being more urbanized despite being smaller than Zadar.
You’ll find incredible historic monuments from ancient Roman times in both cities, while nature and National parks are just a short drive away.
The best time to visit Pula and Zadar will be summer if you like the chaotic European summer vibes, and spring and autumn to enjoy the cities away from the crowds.
If you visit in winter, both cities will be rather quiet as they peak during the summer season.
However, there are plenty of other places to visit in Europe in winter you can add to your itinerary!
