Pula is Croatia’s Roman city - the 2,000-year-old Arena (one of the six largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the world) stands at the edge of the old town, and the Forum, the Arch of the Sergii, and the Temple of Augustus fill the surrounding streets. It is also significantly cheaper than Dubrovnik or Split for comparable accommodation, with an Istrian food scene (truffles, seafood, olive oil, malvazija wine) that rivals anything on the Dalmatian coast.
Accommodation breaks into four options: a compact Old Town with limited but well-positioned hotels and apartments; the Stoja Peninsula to the southwest, dominated by large campsites and holiday apartments; the resort town of Medulin to the south for beach holidays; and the village of Fažana to the north, the departure point for Brijuni Islands ferries.
We give price bands by area rather than per-hotel rates, because rates change by date. Bands are approximate for a double room in peak season (July–August, as of 2026); shoulder season (May, June, September) typically runs 30–40% lower. Check live rates on Booking.com.
Old Town - Most Central
The walkable old town between the Arena and the harbour is the most atmospheric place to stay in Pula. Most accommodation here is guesthouses, small boutique hotels, and apartments in stone buildings - very few large chain hotels operate in the historic core.
Best for: Short stays focused on the Roman monuments, couples, travellers without a car.
Hotel Scaletta is a long-standing three-star hotel on Flavijevska street, a short walk from the Arena. Guests consistently mention the location and the helpful staff.
Old Town apartments - a self-catered apartment typically runs €65–110 per night in July, and Old Town hotel doubles are generally in the €80–160 band in peak season. The old town is compact enough that almost any apartment position gives you a short walk to the Arena. Good for longer stays or if you want kitchen access after a day of sightseeing.
The core limitation of Old Town stays is supply. The hotel stock is genuinely small - the Arena and surrounding archaeological zone take up a large portion of the peninsula. Browse Old Town accommodation in Pula early; the best options fill by March for peak summer.
Stoja Peninsula - Camping and Budget
The Stoja Peninsula, 3 km southwest of the old town by road (or a pleasant coastal path), is dominated by one of Croatia’s largest camping operations and a cluster of holiday apartment complexes.
Best for: Campers, budget travellers, families who want direct sea access, longer stays.
Arena Stoja is the large campsite on the peninsula, with a bar, restaurants, a mini market and on-site parking. Booking.com lists its mobile homes and camping homes; pitches in the area typically run approximately €20–35 per night for two people plus car in peak season. Rocky coves with clear Adriatic water are within a short walk.
Hotel Milan sits on the peninsula too (Stoja street, about 1 km from the centre) and has an on-site restaurant, terrace and free parking. It suits travellers who want a hotel with parking close to the Arena rather than inside the pedestrian core.
Apartments in the Stoja area run approximately €50–85 per night - lower than the old town but with easy bus connections to the centre (the bus takes approximately 15 minutes). A better value option for longer stays.
Medulin - Beach Resort Town
Medulin is a purpose-built resort town 10 km south of Pula with a beach focus. It has a small old core and a range of hotels and camping resorts oriented around family beach holidays.
Best for: Families, multi-night beach stays, anyone wanting conventional resort facilities.
Hotels and apartments in the Medulin area typically run approximately €70–110 per night in peak season. Pool access and proximity to the beach are standard. The town connects to Pula centre by local bus in approximately 20–25 minutes. Browse Medulin and Pula stays.
Medulin is a quieter, more residential alternative to the resort strips of Rovinj or Dubrovnik. It suits travellers who want beach access without peak-destination crowds or prices.
Fažana - For Brijuni Access
Fažana is a small fishing village 8 km north of Pula - unremarkable in itself but the point of departure for ferries to the Brijuni Islands National Park. If your main reason for being in the area is the Brijuni, staying in Fažana makes the morning logistics straightforward.
Apartments in Fažana run approximately €60–95 per night in peak season. The village has a waterfront promenade with several restaurants serving fresh Istrian seafood. Simple and honest rather than spectacular, but the morning ferry logistics make it worth considering.
Price Overview
| Area | Style | Peak price range |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Guesthouses, boutiques, apartments | €80–160 |
| Stoja Peninsula | Camping, apartments | €20–85 |
| Medulin | Resort hotels, guesthouses | €50–110 |
| Fažana | Village apartments | €60–95 |
Practical Booking Advice
Old Town stock is small. Unlike Dubrovnik or Split, Pula doesn’t have dozens of hotels competing for your business in the historic centre. Well-reviewed properties such as Hotel Scaletta fill quickly. Book early.
Parking is limited in the Old Town. Use the central car parks near the Arena and walk from there. Stoja and Medulin have easier parking if you arrive by car.
Bus connections from the city centre to Stoja, Medulin, and Fažana are frequent in summer - useful if you base yourself in the Old Town and want to reach beaches without renting a car.
Pula Airport (PUY) is 5 km northeast of the city. Taxis to the Old Town cost approximately €15–20. There is no direct public bus at all hours - confirm your options ahead of late-night arrivals.
Compare prices and availability - Search hotels in Pula.
Plan Your Trip
Flights: Search flights to Pula - Pula Airport has direct connections from many European cities in summer.
Airport transfer: Book a fixed-price transfer from Pula Airport - transparent pricing before you commit.
Travel insurance: Get travel insurance for Croatia - covers medical, cancellation, and trip disruption.
eSIM: Buy a Balkans eSIM - Airalo data plans work across Croatia and the wider region.
See also: Pula city guide | Things to do in Pula | Croatia travel guide | Rovinj travel guide