The Adriatic sailing world does not just revolve around Dubrovnik and Split but extends to Pula, Croatia’s cultural centre on the Istrian peninsula. As well as a fascinating traditional folk heritage, the Istrian peninsula has become a famous hub for film, art, music and performance with an internationally renowned, festival program. The region’s growing popularity is why we added Pula as a new base this year to our pool of +50 exciting bareboat yacht charter destinations.
For fans of sailing in Croatia, our base at Marina Pomer, just a 10 min drive from Pula airport, is perfectly located to explore the Kvarner Gulf and islands, such as Krk, Cres, Rab and Lošinj in the south. Or you can discover Istria and the nearby Brijuni National Park and archipelago, which became a protected area in 1983 and covers nearly 3,000 acres. There is plenty of opportunity when it comes to designing your itinerary as there is so much choice.
Exploring Istria and the Brijuni National Park
Within the park are 14 islands with a history that spans ancient Greek, Roman and Venetian influences. You can hop between Veliki Brijun, Mali Brijun, St. Mark, Gaz, Supin, Grunj and many more. The islands are known for 600 indigenous plant species and deer, mouflons and bird colonies. You can check out the 200 dinosaur footprints on uninhabited Veliki Brijun that date back to the Cretaceous period, as well as Knights Templar churches. Or visit the safari park with its Istrian ox, sheep and goats, as well as zebra, llama and elephant.
Culture and entertainment
If you love to learn about local culture while traveling, Pula’s Roman amphitheater, The Arena, can hold 22,000 people and has a diverse program of events ranging from traditional Istrian folklore performances, classical music and some of Europe’s most popular festivals. The amphitheater is the sixth largest in the world and was built during 1st century AD. Attending a performance in this historic setting is a treat in itself.
Pula festivals 2018
- PUF International Alternative Theatre Festival, July 1-5 – In the last 20 years, 200 plays have been performed during this popular festival, which attracts participants worldwide
- Pula Film Festival, July 14-22 – The world’s oldest national festival and a prestigious event in the Croatian film industry calendar, which has international recognition
- Seasplash Reggae Festival, July 19-22 – Reggae, dub, drum & bass, dancehall, ska and world music festival
- The 25th Monteparadiso Festival, August 3-5 – Hardcore punk festival with 250 bands from all over the world
- Dimensions Festival Aug 29-Sept 2 – Underground electronic music, featuring Kraftwerk 3-D
- Outlook Festival, Sept 5-9 – One of Europe’s largest bass festivals spanning all music genres and held at Punta Christ fortress, Stinjan
Don’t forget to try the local dishes
You won’t be short of dining options in Pula. Croatia is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine and Pula is known as the “Tuscany” equivalent. With a large wine and fishing industry due to its proximity to the coast, Pula’s seafood is fresh and delicious, especially the seafood stews. The local air-dried ham, mini minced meat sausages and black and white truffles are not to be missed either. You can even pick your own wild asparagus if you time your charter right. For wines, Croatia is famous for its merlots and cabernet sauvignons.
Sailing in Croatia just got easier
Croatia is very strict on sailing licensing and there hasn’t been an accepted US license until very recently. Croatia is now accepting the new NauticEd’s International Sailing License (SLC), which launched last October. This is great news for US sailors! Read more here.
Learn more
Take a look at our Croatia bareboat fleet, or get in touch with our team. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 855.650.8902.
