The Most Beautiful Beaches in Pula: From Ambrela to Seagull's Rocks
The most beautiful beaches in Pula: Ambrela, Hawaii Beach, Hidrobaza, Seagull's Rocks and more – with tips for families, snorkellers and dog owners.
Pula is best known for its Roman amphitheatre – but the city also has a surprisingly beautiful coastline. Instead of long sandy beaches, you will find pebble coves, rocky plateaus, cliffs and small beaches beneath pine trees, spread across the Verudela and Stoja peninsulas and Štinjan bay. Here we introduce the most beautiful beaches in Pula and reveal which one suits whom.
Good to know beforehand
Pula’s beaches are almost always made up of pebbles, rocks or concrete sunbathing areas. Water shoes are therefore practically a must. Natural shade varies from beach to beach: in some places pine trees provide cover, while on the cliffs there is virtually none. The water, on the other hand, is usually very clear – perfect for snorkelling.
Verudela peninsula
Verudela in the south of the city is Pula’s classic swimming area, with hotel complexes, restaurants, the marina and Pula Aquarium in the old fort.
Ambrela Beach
For many, Ambrela Beach is the best choice for a classic beach day: a pebble beach, good facilities, sunloungers and bars. Ideal for a first visit and for longer stays. It is correspondingly busy in summer.
Hawaii Beach (Havajska plaža)
A small rocky cove with a spectacular setting, below a hotel on Verudela. The water glows turquoise and the rocks invite you to sunbathe. In summer it fills up quickly – it is best to come early.
Saccorgiana
Pebbles with rocky sections and clear water – a good spot for snorkelling. There is also an official dog beach in nearby Uvala Sakućani.
Stoja peninsula
Seagull’s Rocks (Galebove Stijene)
The “Seagull’s Rocks” are wild and impressive: a dramatic rocky coastline, deep water, hardly any shade. Popular with strong swimmers and cliff jumpers, but not suitable for small children or unconfident swimmers. Dogs are allowed here all year round.
Valovine
Rocky access points, pine shade and an authentic atmosphere away from the big holiday resorts. Dogs are welcome here too.
Štinjan and the north
Hidrobaza
Hidrobaza near Štinjan is spacious, with pebbly and rocky sections, plenty of room and a wide promenade. There are changing rooms, showers, a beach bar and a separate section for dogs. A good beach for families and longer beach days.
Along the Lungomare
Valkane and Gortanova
Two pebble beaches along the Lungomare coastal promenade. They are great for a quick dip – combined with a walk along the coast.
Which beach suits you?
| You are looking for … | Our tip |
|---|---|
| A classic beach day with facilities | Ambrela Beach |
| A postcard setting | Hawaii Beach |
| Snorkelling | Saccorgiana |
| Cliffs and deep water | Seagull’s Rocks |
| Plenty of space for families | Hidrobaza |
| A beach for your dog | Hidrobaza, Valovine, Uvala Sakućani |
| A quick swim after sightseeing | Valkane or Gortanova |
Tips for your beach day in Pula
- Arrive early: the popular beaches on Verudela are full from late morning in July and August, and so are the car parks.
- Combine beach and culture: the Pula Arena in the morning, the beach in the afternoon – or the other way round if it is too hot for you at midday.
- Kit: water shoes, snorkel, parasol and enough water.
- Safety: only jump from the cliffs if you know the water depth.
- Dogs: throughout Croatia, dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches. More in our guide to Istria with a dog.
Snorkelling on Pula’s coast
Because the coast around Pula is mostly rocky, the water is often especially clear. You will find good conditions in Saccorgiana bay, on the rocks at Valovine and around Hawaii Beach. Bring a mask, snorkel and water shoes – sea urchins like to sit on the rocks in shallow water. If you want to go deeper, there are diving schools in the area offering taster courses; more in our guide to water sports around Medulin.
Looking for sand?
If you really want sand under your feet, you will hardly find it in Pula itself. The nearest large sandy beach is Bijeca in Medulin, just a few kilometres to the south-east. You will find the most beautiful beaches of the Medulin Riviera in our guide to beaches in Medulin and Pomer.
Beaches in Pula with children
For families, beaches with easy access and facilities are the best choice. Hidrobaza offers plenty of space, showers and a beach bar, and Ambrela Beach has sunloungers and bars nearby. Rocky coves such as Hawaii Beach and especially the cliffs at Seagull’s Rocks, on the other hand, are less suitable for small children because the water gets deep quickly. For toddlers, the detour to Bijeca sandy beach in Medulin, which slopes extremely gently into the sea, is worthwhile. And if the weather doesn’t play along, Pula Aquarium in Fort Verudela, very close to the beaches, is a good alternative.
Best time for a beach holiday in Pula
According to climate data, from around mid-June the sea on Istria’s west coast reaches around 20 to 22 °C, and around 25 °C in July and August. In September the water is still pleasantly warm at about 23 °C, while the beaches empty out. Many people still take the plunge in October, when the water temperature averages just under 20 °C. May, June and September are ideal if you want to enjoy the beaches in peace.
From Little Dream
From Little Dream in Pomer to the city of Pula is only around 9 km – according to Kroati.de, the bus station is about 8.5 km away. So by car you are quickly at the beaches on Verudela and Stoja. Štinjan is in the north of the city and a little further. Our tip: set off in the morning while there are still parking spaces, and combine your beach visit with a stroll through the old town. Alternatively, the public bus also runs from Pomer to Pula.
City beaches, cliffs and culture within reach? Send an enquiry for Little Dream and plan your holiday near Pula.
Frequently asked questions
Which beach in Pula is the most beautiful?
Ambrela Beach on the Verudela peninsula, with pebbles and good facilities, is very popular. For scenery and snorkelling, Hawaii Beach and Saccorgiana bay are worthwhile; for cliffs, Seagull's Rocks (Galebove Stijene).
Can you have a beach holiday in Pula?
Yes, Pula has lots of pebble beaches, rocky coves and concrete swimming areas, especially on the Verudela and Stoja peninsulas and in Štinjan. There are no long sandy beaches in the city itself, but there is one in nearby Medulin.
What are the hidden gems in Pula?
Away from the hotel beaches, the rocky coast at Valovine and the beaches along the Lungomare are quieter. If you are looking for peace and quiet, it is best to come early in the morning or in the low season.
What is the most beautiful beach near Pula?
Near Pula, the coves of the Cape Kamenjak nature reserve are considered especially beautiful. Families appreciate Bijeca sandy beach in Medulin with its shallow, easy access.
