Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in Pula

Discover the Roman legacy of Pula, Croatia, where ancient amphitheaters meet modern marinas. Sail with a skilled guide to explore historic relics, crystal clear bays, and the thriving arts scene of the Istrian Peninsula.

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Sailing in Pula

Rent a boat in Pula to discover some of the most magical places in all of Croatia. From the historic centre of Pula to secluded beaches like Cyclon’s Beach and the stunning Brijuni National Park.

Things to do and see when sailing in Pula

A boat charter in Pula will make all your sailing dreams come true. Crystal clear water, magnificent sandy and pebble beaches and fantastic weather. However, Pula and Istria have so much more to offer than that.

Activities in Pula

  • Visit the Pula Arena. On first glance it might look like the Colosseum in Rome, but it’s actually one of the most fascinating Roman ruins in the world - and one of the most complete
  • The Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus are other Roman ruins you should visit on your trip to Pula. It is very impressive to see how much of them is still left to see
  • The Aquarium Pula is located in Verudela castle, an impressive historic castle that would be worth visiting all by itself
  • The Fortress Kaštel / Castello is a huge Venetian fortress on a hill in the centre of Pula overlooking the city and the sea
  • Brioni National Park is a stunning site to visit for its historical ruins, incredible nature and breathtaking landscapes
  • Grab some fresh fruit and veg at the City Farmer's market Pula
  • The Seagull’s Rocks are a popular spot for snorkellers from all over the world
  • Learn more about the olive oil production in the region in the Istrian olive oil museum
  • Rent a kayak for a fun outdoor adventure

Beaches in Pula

  • Gortans Beach: This stunning bay will charm you with its clear water, pebble stone beach and bar that is only a few metres away.
  • Hawaii Beach is just as beautiful as the name makes it sound. It is not just the perfect beach for swimming, it is also perfect for snorkelling as the water is super clear
  • Cyclon’s Beach is a hidden gem on the Croatian coast. Best reached by boat, this is perfect for a stop on your boat holiday in Pula

Restaurants in Pula

Casual dining in Pula:

  • Street Food Two: Grab a burrito, the tortellini or the spring rolls. There is something for everyone at a really good price
  • Fresh sandwiches & salads: You guessed it, fresh sandwiches and salads are on the menu and you get to decide which one you want

Restaurants with a view in Pula:

  • Yacht Bar & Restaurant: Enjoy the calamari or the lamp chops on the lovely terrace while taking in the breathtaking views
  • Bunarina: This lovely restaurant at the marina offers beautiful views and delicious food. Whether you want to try a fish dish, some juicy meat or the highly praised calamaris, you will have a wonderful evening here

Fine dining in Pula:

  • Ribarska koliba restaurant: This Michelin star restaurant offers some of the best seafood you’re ever going to test. Elegantly presented and accompanied by a fine wine make this a fine dining experience that is one of the highlights of your trip
  • Konoba Batelina is another Michelin star restaurant in Pula making their guests' fine dining dreams come true. The food is top class and accompanied by a fine wine and excellent service you will leave this place extremely satisfied

Bars and Clubs in Pula

  • Beach Bar La Playa is a fantastic bar right by the beach. You can visit for a fun night out in Pula dancing, drinking and having fun.
  • Caffe Uliks: A very popular bar in the perfect location near the Arch of Sergii. Enjoy a refreshing drink inside or outside after a day of sailing in Pula

Explore historical Pula

In the cave of Šandalja near Pula there is clear evidence that the region has been inhabited by ancestors of humans over a million years ago. The first settlement where Pula is now was founded between 6000-2000 BC and further developed during the Bronze Age. Much evidence has been found in Pula of Greek and Roman influences and conquests. Roman ruins like the Arena or the Arch of the Sergii are visible evidence of that.

The Venetians ruled over Pula for more than 400 years and their influence is clearly visible in the architecture of the city. Venetian style balconies can be found everywhere in the city. During this period the Genoese, the Habsburgs as well as the Hunagrians tried to conquer the city.

The Pula Town Hall or Pula Communal Palace is one of the most interesting buildings in Pula - simply, because of its history and many reconstructions. Originally built in 1295/1296 the structure and look of the building changed many times throughout the centuries and was adapted to the test of specific eras, namely the renaissance and baroque period.

As Pula has been part of Italy until 1947, it is no coincidence that Istria is often referred to as “Croatian Tuscany”. You can still find many Italian dishes served in the restaurants of the region and the architecture does indeed remind you of Italy every now and then.

Explore mystical Pula

Although it is well known that the Arena in Pula was built by the Romans, there is a legend going around the city on how it was actually built. There are many legends and myths about fairies in Istria and this is one of them. As fairies are active at night, the Arena is said to have been built overnight by the fairies of the area, carrying each stone one by one from the Ucka mountain. However, they couldn’t finish the roof as dawn was breaking and they had to disappear before the people saw them. Stones were left in a hurry and therefore remain scattered throughout Istria. At least that’s how the legend goes.

Sailing conditions in Pula

Pula is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Mediterranean and offers fantastic weather conditions in return. Sailing season lasts from April until October with July and August being the most popular months for tourists.

Summers in Istria are hot and dry, like many other regions in the Mediterranean. Winters are relatively mild, but mean that there is occasional rain.

The crystal clear sea as well as the many amazing coves and caves make Pula and the Istrian peninsula a fantastic place for a boat holiday. The light winds and the fact that the area is relatively easy to navigate make this a particularly great spot for novice sailors.

 

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Pula?

Croatia is one of the most popular and affordable sailing destinations in the world. Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock into the city of Pula every year for a reason. Renting a boat in Pula is everything but expensive - unless you charter a luxury yacht of course. Prices can also vary depending on the season as well as the size of a boat and the amount of people travelling. Watch out for exclusive discounts for boat charters in Pula with Zizoo.

Renting a speedboat or RIB in Croatia can cost as little as 30 EUR per person per day. If you are looking at chartering a luxury yacht in Croatia, like a modern and spacious catamaran, it will cost around 460 EUR per person per day. Looking for a cheaper boat? On average it costs 62 EUR per person per day to rent a motorboat in Croatia. Chartering a gulet in Croatia will cost around 75 EUR per person per day.

What type of boat is best for sailing in Pula?

Pula is the perfect sailing destination for anyone who wants to set their sails and practice their sailing skills or anyone who simply wants to experience a relaxing beach holiday. Whatever type of holiday you choose, make sure you choose the right boat for that experience - otherwise you might end up disappointed.

Rent a catamaran in Pula

Pros of renting a catamaran in Pula

Charter a catamaran in Pula if you want to explore the best the Croatian coast has to offer. Particularly known for its stunning beaches and coves, you wouldn’t want to miss out on seeing them for yourself. As catamarans have a shallow draft, they are the perfect water vehicles to sail in shallow waters and close to the shore. This means that you really get to have the true Croatia experience.

Rent a catamaran in Pula if you either want to keep your options open or prefer to play it safe. As catamarans come equipped with both a sail and an engine, you get to choose how you want to operate your boat. Use the force of the wind and set your sail to move forward when it’s strong enough or use the engine should the wind suddenly stop blowing. Having the engine to fall back on means that you won’t get stuck in the middle of the sea. You don’t have to wait patiently for the wind to pick up again. You can simply move and reach your next destination comfortably.

Another great thing about a catamaran rental in Pula is the size of a catamaran. Generally more spacious than other types of boats will make you feel like staying in a hotel room rather than a cabin on board a boat. A true luxury considering the size of a cabin on other types of boats. This is also thanks to the two hulls a catamaran stands on. The way catamarans are constructed simply allows for more space on board the boat and gives the whole boat a lot more stability.

Cons of renting a catamaran in Pula

Despite all the many great things about catamarans, they also have some disadvantages. Their size might mean that you either won’t find a spot for mooring at the marinas or that you have to pay double the price.

Catamarans are generally lighter than other types of boats which makes them a little slower. This is also something to consider when you prefer to get somewhere sooner rather than later.

Charter a catamaran in Pula

Rent a sailboat in Pula

Pros of renting a sailboat in Pula

A sailboat charter in Pula is the perfect choice for anyone who loves to go on adventures. Feel the wind on your skin, taste the salty water on your tongue and enjoy the sense of freedom that comes with sailing on a sailboat. Set your sail and use the wind as your fuel - no need to pay extra for petrol. This makes sailboats one of the cheapest boats for a sailing vacation in Pula.

Cons of renting a sailboat in Pula

While it might be great to save some money when renting a sailboat in Pula, you might miss out on some great experiences. Sailboats have a keel which can make it dangerous to sail in shallow water. You can’t sail as close to the shore, including the stunning Croatian beaches and coves, as you would with a catamaran or motorboat. This means that you might not be able to sunbathe on the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, because you simply can’t sail close enough.

Another disadvantage of a sailboat rental in Pula is the simple fact that sailboats are completely dependent on the wind in order to move. You might get stuck in the middle of the sea should the wind suddenly stop blowing. This might mean hours of waiting before the wind picks up again. You definitely need to bring a lot of patience.

Sailboat rental in Pula

Rent a motorboat in Pula

Pros of renting a motorboat in Pula

A motorboat charter in Pula is great if you want to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Pula and the many secluded beaches you can find here. As motorboats come with a shallow draft, they are the perfect choice to go on an adventure like that. You can sail closer to the shore and really get to explore all the beautiful nature this part of Croatia has to offer.

Rent a motorboat in Pula if you like speedy boats. Motorboats are definitely faster than other types of boats and will bring you from one beach to another in no time. You won’t ever feel like time is an issue when driving a motorboat.

Cons of renting a motorboat in Pula

Renting a motorboat in Pula is not just sunshine and rainbows though. As motorboats are driven with an engine, you need to keep in mind that you have to pay for the fuel in addition to your bareboat charter. Don’t be surprised by a humongous bill at the end of your trip if you were driving from A to B without a care in the world. Fuel is expensive and that is certainly not going to change in the near future.

Motorboat rental in Pula

Charter a luxury yacht in Pula

Charter a luxury yacht in Pula if you want to enjoy an exclusive boat holiday in Istria. You don’t have to worry about anything as most luxury yachts come with a crew who is going to take care of your every need. You just need to come with your suitcase, everything else is already taken care of. SUPs and snorkelling equipment are basics on most luxury yacht charters in Pula and allow you to see the sea from different angles.

What kind of boat licence do you need when renting a boat in Pula?

Planning on renting a boat in Pula? Don’t forget that you need to carry a valid boat licence, as well as a valid VHF radio licence when renting a boat in Croatia.

If you want to get a boat licence while in Croatia, you have to take the test via the Administration of Maritime and Port Authority authorities. Once you have passed the test, you can get your Croatian boat licence and rent a boat anywhere in Croatia.

If you don’t have a boat licence and don’t plan on getting one, you can always hire a skipper or an experienced captain in addition to your bareboat charter. Don’t worry about navigating and operating your boat through the Adriatic sea, let someone else do the work for you.

Sailing routes in Pula

Start your sailing vacation in Pula and head to one of the many cliffs, coves or beaches to admire the stunning Croatian landscape and dive into a fun adventure. There are plenty of wonderful sailing routes in this part of the Mediterranean.

Day 1 - Sail from Pula to Rovinj: The distance you need to travel to get to Rovinj is only 16 nautical miles from Pula. On the way there you should stop by Cisterna Beach for a quick swim. The picturesque town of Rovinj is a lovely little fishing town where you will feel like travelling back in time. Balbi's Arch and the Church of Saint Euphemia are just two historic sites you have to visit in Rovinj. The Lone Bay and the Golden Cape are two gorgeous beaches near Rovinj surrounded by lush green trees. You will be sure that you have arrived in paradise!

Day 2 - Sail from Rovinj to Veruda: Only 20 nautical miles away lies Veruda. You have to pass by Pula again, but don’t worry, the detour to Rovinj was worth it. Veruda used to be an independent town, but is now connected to Pula, making it the perfect place to discover Pula if you didn’t get a chance before departing on your sailing adventure.

Day 3 - Sail from Veruda to Cres: Now the real adventure begins. Only 29 nautical miles from Veruda lies Cres which will impress you with its historic architecture and the beautiful Venetian tower.

Day 4 - Sail from Cres to Osor: Osor is only 20 nautical miles away from Cres and one of the most beautiful little villages you will encounter on your trip. Only around 60 people live here and the architecture reminds you of times long gone, making it seem like time has been standing still for a while. No skyscrapers, just the Church of the Assumption overlooking the whole town, looking like she is protecting its inhabitants.

Day 5 - Sail from Osor to Susak: The island of Susak is surrounded by turquoise waters. Nasuzanski beach with its white sand, Obis Bay, where you can dive into the water from the cliffs and Porat Bay, an incredibly beautiful cove that is best accessible by boat are just three of the many natural wonders you should discover in Susak. A catamaran rental is the best choice in order to access these stunning spots easily and safely. The Susak Lighthouse is one of the sites you should visit when coming to the island.

Day 6 - Sail from Susak to Unije: The island of Unije might be very small, but is in fact incredibly beautiful. The quaint fishing village gives a glimpse into daily life on the island. Aside from that the island is popular for snorkelling and swimming as the water is crystal clear.

Day 7 - Sail from Unije to Pula: The time has come to finish your sailing adventure in Pula. Before you bring your boat back to the charter in the marina, stop by Fenoliga, a small islet from where you get a fantastic view of the nearby lighthouse and can take a swim in the turquoise waters.