The city of Pula is located on Croatia’s northwest Adriatic coast. It’s a small but thriving city full of ancient history and great eateries.
But what makes Pula special is how you can have a trip that is both a city break and a beach holiday!
Pula beaches are special: they’re beautiful, have a relaxing vibe and come with crystal-clear seas.
And, there’s plenty to choose from. With miles and miles of incredible coastline, it can be hard to know where to even start.
Luckily, this complete travel guide details the 11 best beaches in Pula Croatia including how to get to them and what facilities they have. You’ll be itching to apply sun cream and jump in the sea by the time you’ve finished reading…
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Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a qualifying purchase.
Pula Beaches Map
This post features the best beaches in Pula or very near to it. Unfortunately, it does not include beaches in Medulin, Cape Kamenjak, Banjole or any further afield.
For clarity, I have also only included beaches that have a beachy shoreline and gradual decline into the sea. Pula does have some concrete and rocky ‘beaches’ and I have included the best of these in a separate section at the bottom.
Best Beaches in Pula: Stoja
Cyclone Beach and Valovine Beach can be reached by taking the Number 1 bus from Pula Bus Station or the centre of Pula.
For Gortan’s Cove, you’ll need to take the Number 4 or 6 bus from central Pula to Valkane Beach. From there, you’ll need to walk 10 mins along the seafront to reach Gortan’s Beach.
One-way bus tickets cost around €1.50 per person and can be purchased from the driver. Check the latest timetable on the Bus Croatia website.
Alternatively, take a taxi (such as Uber or the local equivalent – Cammeo) for around €8 each way.
This is particularly a cost-efficient option if you are travelling with at least one other person. Or, if your destination is not close to the bus stops or bus station in central Pula.
Cyclone Beach
A short walk from the road through a campsite and woodland brings you to Cyclone Beach Pula. Accessible by stairs only, Cyclone Beach has a small pebble beach area as well as a large rocky area.
You can enter the sea quite easily from the pebble beach, but from the rocks, it’ll require a bit of climbing or jumping straight in. However, some rock pools form when the tide is further out for those who want to test the waters before diving into the deep end!
Just along the coastline from Cyclone Beach Pula is Seagull’s Rocks (Galebove Stijene on Google Maps).
This secluded rocky bay is popular for cliff jumping and sea caves, with many kayak tours heading here. But, it’s also a beautiful spot and a great spot for photos from land.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any facilities such as shops, toilets, changing areas or showers at Cyclone Beach. Make sure you come prepared with drinks, snacks and your swimwear on.
Valovine Beach
Valovine Beach (pictured top above) stretches along the top of Valovine Cove and is located right next to the final stop for the Number 1 bus! As such, this pebble beach is much more easily accessible than Cyclone Beach.
The water at Valovine Beach is so clear and warm! It’s definitely a strong contender for being the best beach in Pula Croatia. I would highly recommend it!
If you can’t fit a snorkel in your luggage then definitely bring goggles. Because it’s a great place to see lots of little fish.
Additionally, the beach is home to a couple of bars including the Lounge Bar Mares that’s located 50 metres off the shore over the water! However, there aren’t any showers or changing facilities here.
Gortan’s Cove
This popular beach is a little way from the other beaches in Stoja but is still worth a visit. Gortan’s Cove beach has toilets and a small bar, but not much else facility-wise.
In addition to being home to some of the clearest water in Pula, the cliffs sprawl the length of the cove. And, as a result, there’s plenty of room for sunbathing and cliff jumping, as well as being a great swimming spot.
Plus, to truly accommodate all types of beachgoers, there are also shaded areas to avoid the heat and sun. A Pula beach that has something for everyone!
> > > RELATED POST: Still wondering whether Pula is worth visiting? Check out this post on 9 reasons to visit Pula and Istria.
Pula’s Best Beaches: Verudela
All 5 of the beaches below are located on the Verudela peninsula to the south of Pula.
The Number 2a and 3a buses run from Pula Bus Station to the centre of the peninsula (Verudela Bus Stop on Google Maps), costing around €1.50 one-way. Check the latest timetable on the Bus Croatia website.
Alternatively, an Uber or Cammeo taxi from central Pula costs approximately €7 one-way.
The beaches in Verudela are conveniently located next to a host of accommodation options.
There are no fewer than 3 Park Plaza hotels within a few 100 metres (Park Plaza Arena Pula, Park Plaza Verudela, Park Plaza Histria Pula). And, the peninsula has plenty of restaurants and leisure activities available.
Valsaline Beach
Located on the north of the Verudela peninsula, Valsaline Beach is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Verudela Bus Stop. Consider, getting off a stop early to avoid walking in the peak summer, midday sun.
Facilities-wise, there are toilets and changing areas here. As well as La Playa Beach Bar just a short walk away.
But otherwise, this is a quieter and less popular beach than the others on the peninsula. It’s ideal for a relaxing day in the sun and sea.
Like most of the best Pula Croatia beaches, the water is clear, warm and calm. Valsaline Beach is an excellent place to cool off from the heat of the day.
And, it has a slow, gradual decline into the sea from the pebble beach, perfect for just dipping your toes.
Croatia Beach
Located on the western Verudela peninsula, Croatia Beach is a great little beach! Personally, I think this is one of the best beaches near Pula because it really has so much on offer!
The beach itself is a small pebble recess amongst some more rocky areas that offer a lot of space for sunbathing. Just above the beach is Zeppelin Beach Bar, where you can get a refreshing drink late into the evening.
Additionally, the bar has an artificial football pitch that is available to hire. To note, the bar is cash only and whilst there is an ATM onsite it does charge for withdrawals.
What’s more, on Croatia Beach there are lots of water activities available. For example, jet skis, banana boats, kayaks, as well as an inflatable over-water obstacle course!
You can hire sunbeds and parasols on the beach. Plus, there are also lots of trees providing shade for those who don’t want to be in the sun all day.
Ambrela Beach
Ambrela Beach (pictured above) is one of the best Pula beaches for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, it has some of the best beach facilities including changing areas and showers. And secondly, the sunset views are incredible here.
As such, Ambrela Beach Pula is also one of the more popular beaches in Pula
The beach is made of fairly large pebbles and eases gently into the shallow crystal clear water. The western-facing location of Ambrela Beach Pula also makes it perfect for watching the sunset at the end of a hard day sunbathing!
Additionally, Ambrela Bistro and Beach Bar, located just above the beach, has an outside terrace where you can watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
And, to really round out your day, right behind Ambrela Beach is the Verudela Art Park.
This quirky spot has a variety of interesting sculptures, such as a brain on legs spread out over 5000 square metres. The sculptures are also lit up at night if you want to venture there after sunset.
Histria Beach
On the opposite side of the peninsula to Ambrela Beach, is the slightly larger Histria Beach. This pebble beach slopes gently into the clear, warm sea and also stretches out to the rocky sides of the bay.
This is another great beach to bring your snorkel and goggles to so you can see the fish! And, for the more adventurous, there’s an inflatable over-water obstacle course as well as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for hire.
In peak times, there’s a pop-up bar on the beach and you can hire sunbeds and parasols, also. And although the beach doesn’t have many other facilities, it’s surrounded by hotels and bars that do.
Hawaii Beach Pula
Written in Croatian as Havajska Plaža, this small but popular beach cuts into the cliff edge and is accessible by steps only.
However, because of this, it is one of the best beaches in Pula Croatia for cliff jumping into the clear seas below! Verudela Canyon, which is about 50 metres from Hawaii Beach, is also another great spot for cliff jumping (but has no beach).
There isn’t much available facility-wise and Hawaii Beach Pula is entirely in the shade by late afternoon. As such, this is a good beach to spend a few hours at but perhaps not all day.
But given how close all the beaches are in Verudela, you can easily move between them all in one day.
Best Beaches in Pula Croatia: Štinjan
The area of Štinjan is just northwest of Pula city centre.
The Number 5 bus runs from outside of Pula Arena to Štinjan, costing around €1.50 per person, one-way. The buses run regularly throughout the day, but check the latest timetable on the Bus Croatia website before your journey.
The beaches in Štinjan are less popular and visited than those in Stoja or Verudela. This is due to them being slightly further from central Pula.
And while there are fewer beaches here, all in all, you can still spend a day here moving from beach to beach.
Lost Beach
Like all of the best beaches in Pula, Lost Beach has characteristic clear waters lapping the pebble shoreline. It is stunning.
But as one of the more remote beaches near Pula Croatia, there isn’t much (well, anything) in terms of facilities at Lost Beach.
However, this remoteness does mean that the beach is very close to a few of Pula’s hidden gems. The abandoned Punta Christo Fort is a cool place to explore and has a few walking trails around it.
Also, on the western tip of the Štinjan peninsula is the Punta Christo Lighthouse.
This rocky area is home to a few Instagram-worthy (and famous) bridges connecting the various cliffs. There were rumours that the bridges had been removed but recent pictures seem to indicate they are still there.
For a place off the beaten path, make sure you visit Lost Beach Pula Croatia and explore the area around!
Hidrobaza Beach Pula
In contrast to Lost Beach, Hidrobaza Beach is one of the few beaches in Pula that has everything you could need or want! But, that’s not surprising since the beach was converted from a hydroplane station just a few years ago.
Firstly, there are showers, changing areas, toilets and lifeguards.
Then, there are beach bars, snack bars and terraces. Not to mention, the sunbeds, parasols, pedalos and overwater obstacle course!
But, it doesn’t stop there… A children’s playground, a volleyball court and accessible-friendly ramps into the sea. Plus the paths to the beach are totally flat and accessible-friendly too!
And to top it all off, behind the beach is a grassy area for those who don’t want to lay on the small pebble beach!
Hidrobaza Beach Pula may be man-made. But with all the facilities it is possibly the best beach in Pula Croatia.
A must-visit during your time in the city.
> > > RELATED POST: Looking for things to do in Pula other than laying on the beach and swimming in the sea? Read this guide on the 49 best things to do in Pula.
> > > DID YOU KNOW? The historic town of Rovinj also has beaches just a stone’s throw away from the narrow streets of the old town? It’s the perfect day trip combination of sightseeing + sand. All the information you need is in this Rovinj day trip travel guide!
Best Beaches near Pula that aren’t Beaches!
Stoja Beach
Stoja Beach is just a stone’s throw from Cyclone Beach and Seagull’s Rocks.
This area has many cliffs dropping into the sea and creating narrow passages. As a result, Stoja Beach is popular with cliff jumpers and kayakers.
There isn’t much of a beach here and it’s more picturesque to be on top of the cliffs/rocks.
Mornar Beach
Just along the bay from Valsaline Beach is this man-made, concrete jetty beach.
There are about 2 metres of beach. So, unsurprisingly, this tiny corner of pebbles didn’t make the cut into my 11 best beaches in Pula!
Although the jetty is more commonly used by the sailing club. When not in use it still makes a nice spot for swimming.
Brioni Beach
This rocky area is located on the western side of the Verudela peninsula. Brioni Beach is a great place for sunset.
The beach is mostly large rocks combined with long stretches of concrete added with gradual stepped increases. As the shoreline is all large, rugged rocks, concrete steps and handrails have been added for easier access into the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, all the beaches in Pula are made up of pebbles or rocks. Some additional man-made beaches have concrete blocks or jetties.
But, the pebbles make the water much clearer than on sand beaches. This is because the waves usually pick up loose sand, causing the water to look foggy.
The pebbles can be a little uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. And the larger rocks and cliffs are not feet-friendly.
Particularly under the water, the rocks can also become slippery. As such, I’d recommend getting a pair of water shoes with a good grip and a thick sole.
Yes, the sea is calm, clear and perfect for swimming in. As such, it’s a great place for swimmers of all ages and abilities, as the conditions are very easy.
You can swim at every Pula beach as well as near cliffs, coves and caves. Other than the marina in Pula, if you can get in and out of the water, you can swim there.
Just by distance, the closest beach to Pula Arena is Gorton’s Cove (1.6 miles). Valovine Beach is less than a 10-minute drive from the Arena, as is Valsaline Beach.
So, have you packed your swimsuit and goggles and booked a ticket to Pula yet? These Pula beaches are some of the best in Croatia. And, there are a lot of them!
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with lots of travel inspiration for Pula. Let me know if you visit any of these Pula best beaches in the comments below!
If you have any questions or want any more information drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Prices and offerings mentioned are correct as of May 2023 but are subject to change in future.
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These look and sound so nice! The Verudela peninsula ones are the ones I gravitate towards.
They are! It was so hard to choose the best ones since Pula has so many beaches!
I would love to go to any of these beaches 😍
Same! Hoping to be back on a beach soon!
Ah, this post gives me serious wanderlust! Cyclone beach sounds perfect, I love wilder beaches and don’t mind a lack of facilities.
Yes, Pula’s beaches are bit more rugged but better in a way than busy, sand beaches in resort centres
I’m dreaming of the day when I get to go back to Croatia. The last time I went, I went to Lokrum Island and it was wonderful! I’ll have to check out these other beaches next time. Thanks for sharing!
Me too! Hopefully we can travel freely again soon!
How I miss Pula. This was the first place I explored in Croatia many moons ago and I really do need a return visit. However I didnt spend much time at the beaches so I could easily return for this aspect and to see the amazing sunsets in the summer months. I went there for the historic aspects and feel in love with the place . Also loved the locals, warm welcome all the time.
Thank you! I do love how Pula has a great mix of a city with so much history but is still a great sun + beach destination! It’s such a friendly and homely city!
The water looks so crystal clear. I guess not having a sandy beach is the price you pay for the clarity. I would definitely hire a sunbed as opposed to laying on the pebbles.
It was incredible – didn’t know Europe had such waters, I felt like I was in the tropics!
What I like most is you can reach these beaches with public transportation. How fortunate are people who live in Pula! I can see why Ambrella Beach is popular. Not just for the facilities, but when you go to a beach, you want to enjoy the sunset, too.
I was honestly so ready to up sticks and move to Pula – city and beach? Yes please!
These beaches look inviting and it is good to know that you can leave things on the beach without too much worry.
Totally, Pula felt like such a safe place! Just such a chilled and friendly city!
Crystal clear water of Pula beach looks so tempting. It seems ages since I have gone to a beach and you have shown me 11 of them in one go! I am curious about the pebbled and rocky beaches, that will be a different experience from the usual sandy ones.
I thought I would really miss the sandy beaches that I’m used to, but the pebble beaches did mean no sand in my shoes or having to rub in suncream with sand all over me!
I have never been to Croatia. Thanks to you and to this post I discover a new destination for the next trip that I hope to be able to do very soon!
That’s lovely to hear – I’m certain that you’ll love it because Croatia is a truly wonderful country with so much to offer!