A Useful Guide To Pula, Sardinia

Pula, a small coastal town in southern Sardinia, and its surroundings are among the prettiest and most diverse areas in the region. I go to Pula all the time, it’s an easy day trip from Cagliari and I love the beaches there, the village is pleasant to go for a walk, and Nora is one of my favorite archeological sites in Sardinia.

Pula is located less than 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from Cagliari and is famous for the variety of attractions it has to offer.

First of all, of course, its beaches are nothing but stunning: you can go sunbathing and swimming in the summer, but surf and kite surf fans adore its beaches’ winter waves.

If you leave the resorts’ area of Santa Margherita di Pula, you will find yourself in a peaceful and not-so-crowded area with white sand and emerald waters.

And once you have spent enough time near the sea, there are plenty of other things to keep you entertained.

Pula itself is famous for its nightlife and great hospitality, while its vicinity is filled with activities’ options to fit everyone’s needs. Among them, I recommend visiting Nora’s archeological site, Sant’Efisio Church, and Nora’s lagoon, home to several rare and endangered birds.

Curious to find out more? Continue reading, as I will literally take you on a walk around Pula and inspire you to check out the best things to do in Pula.

The Best Things To Do In Pula, Sardinia

Pula is a small town of 7,000 inhabitants, so there’s not much to do inside the city except enjoying the nightlife; this will be a list of attractions scattered around the area.

Visit Nora Archeological Site

This is the most important and famous attraction near Pula. The city was founded by the Punic people and inhabited until the Middle Ages but lived its golden age during the Roman era.

You will still see many details from the houses, thermal complexes, and public buildings; the theater is still in good shape and used for some summer events and there are many temples still standing after all this time, as well as some amazingly kept mosaics – some of them underwater and that can be seen through a snorkeling tour.

There also are some Nuragic remains a little outside the ruins, as proof that the village had already a certain influence during pre-historic times. Nora is considered, and indeed is, the best-preserved archeological site of the Punic and Roman eras in Sardinia.

You can certainly visit Nora independently, but a guided tour is a better idea if you want to have a more insightful experience. You can book your visit directly with the Nora official website but if you are coming from Cagliari and don’t have a car you could consider this guided tour of Nora that includes transportation and a local guide.

Make sure to read my post A Complete Guide To The Ancient City Of Nora as it will give you a bit more guidance when visiting the site.

Check out the Torre del Coltellazzo

The main tower of the several built to prevent the pirates’ raids, the Torre del Coltellazzo is the watchtower with the best view of the Nora area and was turned into a complete fort some decades after it was built.

It is also called Sant’Efisio tower to honor the Sardinian protector saint martyr, who was apparently killed in Nora. In the 19th century, when the pirates’ menace was long gone, it became a lighthouse.

Pop inside Sant’Efisio church

Sant’Efisio church is located in the Nora area – it’s right by the beach and is dedicated to the patron saint of Sardinia. It was built in the 12th century and is an important stop during the processions and rites of the Sant’Efisio festival.

Visit the Museo Civico Archeologico Giovanni Patroni

This museum is located in Pula city center and hosts a permanent exhibit of Nora-found relics, both religious and of common use and, generally speaking, tries to reconstruct Pula’s history from its foundation onwards. There is also an interesting exhibit about relics found underwater.

Go inside San Giovanni Battista Church

Located in the center of Pula, this pretty church dates from the 19th century. It’s a nice spot to visit if you are walking around the historic center.

Inside, there are two sarcophagi. One was found in the nearby Nora, whereas the other comes from San Francesco church in Cagliari and holds the remains of Duchess of San Pietro Agostina Deroma, who died in 1759.

Head to Capo Spartivento and Gutturu Mannu Parks

Capo Spartivento is a natural area home to flamingos and other endangered birds. The place has been subjected to strong winds and water surges that shaped the cape’s rocks and formed the dunes its beach is famous for.

Thanks to its position, there has been an important lighthouse on the cape, which has only been dismissed very recently: its building has now been turned into a luxury hotel.

Gutturu Mannu natural park is mostly made of granite and is famous for its fauna, which includes many indigenous animals such as the Sardinian deer and boars, and for the hundred-years-old forest of typical Mediterranean trees.

It covers an enormous area of 35k square kilometers and is therefore considered one of the most important natural parks of Italy. If you are a fan of hiking, you should definitely plan a day there.

Hike the Old Roman Road Nora-Bithia

As the name suggests, this is the ancient street that once linked the two villages of Nora and Bithia and is now one of the locals favorite hikes in Southern Sardinia.

I have hiked it many times, as it is so rewarding! It that offers incredible views along the way, on a trail that is easy to follow and very moderate.

It starts from Cala Bernardini (around the Porto Pino area) and is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long one way: ideal for everyone who wants to have a relaxing walk but isn’t in the mood for a long hike.

The Best Beaches In Pula

Pula is famous for its numerous beaches and inlets. There really is a lot to choose from and you surely will find a place to suit your tastes.

Nora Beach

Right next to the archeological site, this sandy beach has a flat, low bottom and is good for kids and beginner swimmers. It’s one of the most famous beaches in the area and is, therefore, quite crowded, so be sure to get there early.

The beach is equipped with kiosks selling food and drinks and where you can rent whatever you may need for the day. There is a large parking lot and a nice pine forest behind the beach which provides shade. The beach is very sheltered from the mistral wind, so a perfect place to go on a windy day.

Santa Margherita di Pula

Pula most famous beach is a 10-km (6.2 miles) stretch of incredibly fine sand, the clearest waters you could hope for, and a thick forest of Mediterranean pines.

The beach is actually made up of a series of smaller coves and longer beaches separated by rock formations – each with its own name (Cala Marina, Cala Bernardini, etc). Most are serviced by luxury resorts – the most famous one is the Forte Village Resort.

Various trails and dirt roads through the forest lead to the beach, which is fully equipped for an incredible day.

Su Guventeddu

Another famous beach in Pula, with a low and flat bottom that makes it ideal for families. It’s fully equipped for a wonderful day. In winter, surf and kitesurf lovers gather here to practice and have some fun in general.

Spiaggia dei Fichi

Immediately next to Su Guventeddu and very similar to it, this beach takes its name from the figs (fichi) trees that grow there.

Cala d’Ostia

A beach loved by tourists and water sports lovers alike, it’s located next to the homonymous watchtower and has pretty, clean water and a mixed rock and sand bottom.

Cala Verde

A fantastic place for snorkeling and similar activities thanks to the many boat tours leaving the small tourist harbor every day.

The History Of Pula

The current Pula village was founded during the Middle Ages when the inhabitants of the near Nora had to escape their homes because of the pirates’ increasing raids.

This coastal village, however, has much more ancient origins: it was, in fact, founded by the Punic and later conquered by Rome, and was, therefore, one of the greatest cities and harbors in ancient Sardinian history, if not the most important among all.

Once the Roman Empire fell, Nora lost all of its prestige and was an easy prey to populations trying to conquer the Island. The inhabitants took shelter in the inner part of the area and several watchtowers were built to keep the new village safe from outside threats.

During this slow depopulation process, Nora was first administered by Cagliari’s Giudicato (the reign of Cagliari), then by Pisa, and then the Aragonese who fought with Arborea’s Giudicato for a while before permanently conquering it.

Both Nora and Pula, of which the population was slowly but steadily growing (until the 1652 black plague), had many owners until Sardinia was bought off by the Savoy family in 1720.

How To Plan Your Trip To Pula

How to get from Cagliari to Pula

Pula is easy to reach from Cagliari. You have several options

By Car

First of all, if you are renting a car in Cagliari, driving to Pula is super easy. From Cagliari city and Elmas airport, take SS195/SS131 to Pula. It’s less than 40 kilometers (25 miles) away.

I recommend using Discover Cars to check the prices of car rental in Sardinia. This is my favorite comparison site and I have been using it for years in many countries.

By Private Transfer

If you have lots of luggage or are traveling with your family, and don’t feel like driving, your best option will be to actually book a private transfer. There are several reliable companies that offer good cars and English speaking drivers.

I recommend booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups a bit before your trip. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport and help you with your luggage too.

By Bus

ARST buses 129, 133, 139, 143 depart at regular intervals from Cagliari, the trip takes about 50 mins.

Best hotels in Pula

There aren’t many proper hotels in Pula town, since the area is filled with beach resorts – the best in Santa Margherita di Pula. The most common choice from tourists is apartments or guest houses managed by private hosts, which also tend to be neat and close to the main points of interest.

Here is a selection of good places to say in Pula:

Destino di Nora – A beautiful Bed and Breakfast immersed in nature, with all the comforts and only a few hundred meters from Nora and the beaches. Breakfast is included, as well as an airport shuttle service. It’s the ideal place for couples or small groups.

Nora Club Hotel – Located inside Pula, this hotel is surrounded by a private garden and each of its rooms has a private patio overlooking it. The place also offers two pools and SPA services. Breakfast is included.

Italianway-Locanda della Meridiana – Another small place located in Pula, this apartment features a swimming pool, a garden, and rooms with anything a tourist might need. Beaches and other attractions are just a few minutes away.

Forte Village Resort – if you are looking for a great resort, that’s where you need to go. There are various resorts to pick from, based on your budget. Inside, you’ll find excellent restaurants – including one run by chef Gordon Ramsay, and plenty of activities.

Best restaurants in Pula

Albeit small, there are quite a few excellent restaurants in Pula. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that some of them close during the off season.

Here are the places I recommend the most:

Mema – Using local seasonal ingredients, this restaurant focusses on modern cuisine and unique combination to create mouthwatering dishes. Opt for the tasting menu for a full culinary experience.

Cucina Macri – Just outside Pula, this restaurant well deserves its Michelin star! Service is spot on and the food absolutely delicious. It’s not cheap though, I shall warn you!

Fradis Minoris – Another Michelin restaurant, and another fantastic dining experience. It’s a beautiful spot for a romantic dinner with a view.

Final Considerations

Although Pula and its area have much more than these few things to offer, I tried to give you a brief but comprehensive list of what you could visit and do there. Consider it as a starting point to do more research and create your perfect holiday!

Further Readings

Make sure to read my other posts:

• The Nicest Cities And Small Towns In Sardinia
• The Best Beaches In Cagliari And Surroundings
• The Best Beaches In Sardinia
• The Most Interesting Festivals In Sardinia

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