If you’re visiting Pula, don’t miss a trip to Verudela. This scenic peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in Pula, Croatia. From rocky coves and crystal-clear waters to chill beach bars and cliffside views.
We spent a full day exploring the Verudela beaches, walking all the way from Pula Old Town. It was one of our favourite days in Istria. In this post, I’ll take you through the walking route, top beaches, how to get there, and where to eat or stay nearby. Let’s go!
How to Get to and around Verudela
Bus
Take bus 2A or 3A from Pula city centre to Verudela. Tickets can be bought on board or via the local public transport app. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes. Check routes and fares on the official site.
Car or Scooter
If you’re visiting during summer, we highly recommend driving or taking the bus at least one way. Walking the whole route in the heat can be tough!
E-hailing
If you don’t want to rent a car but still want some comfort and flexibility, just grab an Uber. It’s affordable, easy, and gets you right to the beach.
Walking
You can walk from Pula Old Town to Verudela in about 30 minutes if you head straight to Valsaline Beach, skipping Valkane and Gortanova Uvala. The route is easy to follow and mostly flat, but it can get hot in summer, so bring water, wear comfy shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen.
If you do want to stop at Valkane or stroll the scenic Lungomare promenade via Gortanova Cove, plan for a longer and more leisurely walk (closer to 1–1.5 hours with photo and swim stops).
Tip: If the full walk sounds too much, consider taking the bus one way and walking back at sunset — much more pleasant in the cooler hours!
Walking Route from Pula to Verudela: Our Beach-Hopping Adventure
We kicked off our beach day on foot, walking from Pula’s Old Town to Verudela. It was a hot summer day (maybe a bit too ambitious!), but the walk turned out to be one of the most scenic routes we’ve done in Istria. Here’s how our beach-hopping adventure unfolded, with every swim stop, shady pine break, and photo-worthy view along the way.
- Valkane Beach
This is where it all kicked off. A popular local beach with easy access and plenty of space. (Technically not part of Verudela, but it’s along the same stretch.) It was the perfect spot to dip our toes in and get into that beach day mindset
- Gortanova Uvala (Cove)
Just a short walk from Valkane, this hidden cove instantly became one of our favourites. Flat rocks, pine trees for shade, and that unreal turquoise water. It’s also part of the scenic Lungomare promenade, which stretches all the way to Verudela - Valsaline Beach
Often seen as the starting point of Verudela, this wide bay had a more relaxed, open vibe. Less crowded, more space. It’s great if you want to spread out your towel and just chill - Fort Bourguignon
Curiosity got the best of us, so we climbed up to see the old Austro-Hungarian fort. It was closed and a bit underwhelming from the outside, but cool to peek at. Apparently, they host events and parties here sometimes
- Ambrela Beach
Back to full-on summer mode. Sunbeds, cafes &changing rooms. Ambrela is perfect if you want an easy beach day with all the amenities - Verudela Canyon
This one stole the show for us. It’s tucked behind the Park Plaza Verudela, and honestly, we almost missed it. The cliffs were stunning, and we couldn’t resist climbing down for a swim. There were even a few brave souls cliff jumping!
- Hawaii Beach
Our final stop. A dreamy crescent-shaped pebble beach with sparkling water and a lively energy. We were hot, sticky, and exhausted by the end, but completely happy
Tip: You can extend your day with a quick visit to Histria Beach nearby. Or, do what we did — hop on the bus and reward yourself with dinner at Konoba Veruda. Cold drinks and local dishes never tasted so good after a beach hike!
Top Beaches in Verudela, Pula
Just 5 km from Pula’s Old Town, the Verudela Peninsula is a small slice of Adriatic paradise. Once a military zone, today it’s a laid-back beach escape with rocky coves, pine forests, and some of the clearest water we’ve ever seen. You’ll find everything here: from spots for cliff jumping and quiet swimming to shaded areas perfect for a mid-day break. Verudela really has it all when it comes to a beach day.
We spent a full day beach hopping, and here are our top picks and what to expect at each stop:
Ambrela Beach
This is one of Verudela’s most accessible and popular beaches — and for good reason. Ambrela is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets high standards for cleanliness and safety. You’ll find sunbeds, parasols, a beach cafe, and even lifeguards. The pebbled shore makes it great for swimming, especially for families or anyone wanting easy water access without rocks.
Hawaii Beach
With its turquoise water and crescent-shaped bay, Hawaii Beach might just be the most photogenic beach in Pula. It’s often busy during the day, but the lively energy adds to the charm. Expect white pebbles, gentle waves, and stunning views. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending hours here just soaking it all in.
Zlatne Stijene
Also known as “Golden Rocks,” this beach is all about drama, in the best way. Picture gold-toned cliffs meeting emerald waters, with epic views and natural platforms perfect for sunbathing or taking photos. We stopped here for a drink and a breather, and the vibe was just perfect.
Verudela Canyon
This one felt like a hidden gem! Tucked behind the Park Plaza Verudela resort, Verudela Canyon offers cliffside views, jump spots, and deep blue waters perfect for a refreshing swim. We scrambled down the rocky path for a quick dip — and honestly, it became one of our favourite spots of the day.
Tip: Wear shoes with a good grip or just go barefoot, it’s slippery! Not ideal for small kids, but perfect if you’re up for a bit of an adrenaline kick.
Valsaline Beach
If you’re looking for a quieter place to unwind, Valsaline is a great choice. It’s spacious, less crowded, and ideal for families or travelers who prefer a slower pace. This beach is also a natural transition point between central Pula and the Verudela peninsula. It’s a perfect starting spot for a beach-hopping adventure.
Lungomare Promenade
While not technically a beach, the 4 km Lungomare coastal promenade is one of the highlights of this area. It connects Valkane to Gortanove Cove and Verudela and winds through pine trees, shaded paths, rocky coves, and panoramic viewpoints. It’s perfect for walking, running, or just soaking in the views. For us, this peaceful stretch was just as memorable as the beaches themselves.
Histria Beach
If you still have some energy left, Histria Beach is just a short stroll from Hawaii Beach. It’s a quieter spot with large rocks, calm waters, and fewer crowds — perfect for a relaxed end to your beach day.
We didn’t make it this time, but it’s a great add-on if you want to squeeze in one more swim!
Paddle Under the Stars
For a unique twist to your beach day, join a night-time kayaking tour from Verudela. You’ll glide across the Adriatic in a transparent kayak with glowing lights, soaking in the peaceful vibe and seeing the sea in a whole new way. It’s fun, a little magical, and one of the coolest ways to end your day.
Where to Eat in Verudela
We started our day early by grabbing fresh sandwiches and pastries from our favourite local bakery, Pekara Forum. We highly recommend it for a quick, affordable and tasty bite! We also picked up some water and a good coffee to-go before heading out to explore the beaches.
Throughout the day, we stopped for drinks and snacks at a few beachside kiosks and bars. Nothing fancy, but perfect for a little break between swims and walks.
After a full day of walking and beach-hopping, we hopped on the bus and went straight to Konoba Veruda for dinner. The food was hearty and local, and it felt like the perfect way to end the day.
See below a few recommended spots in Verudela and on your way there:
- Farabuto
- Konoba Veruda
- Zeppelin – Beach & lounge bar
- E&D Caffe
- Restaurant Ribarska Koliba
- Yacht Bar & Restaurant
Where to Stay in Verudela
Staying in Verudela means you’ll have some of Pula’s best beaches right at your doorstep. It’s perfect if you want to roll out of bed and into the sea. It’s also a quieter area compared to the city centre, with easy access to walking trails, beach bars, and sea views.
Here are some great options to consider:
- Park Plaza Verudela Pula
- Park Plaza Arena Pula
- Hotel Brioni Pula
- Apartments near Verudela – check Airbnb or Booking.com for more budget-friendly stays, many of which are within walking distance to the beach
Final Thoughts on Visiting Verudela Beaches in Pula
Exploring the Verudela beaches was one of our favourite experiences in Istria. From hidden rocky coves and pine-fringed paths to crystal-clear Adriatic waters, this stretch of coastline offers the perfect escape from the city buzz.
You can walk, take the bus, or drive — just make sure to include this beautiful peninsula in your Pula itinerary.
Looking for more tips on exploring the region? Check out my full Pula travel guide and don’t miss my Rovinj guide, another coastal gem you’ll fall in love with.
Verudela Map
Get Inspired
Just a short walk from Pula’s Old Town, Verudela is where locals go to unwind. Follow the Lungomare promenade past dramatic cliffs, pine forests, and crystal-clear coves. Stop for a dip at hidden beaches, catch golden hour from a rocky viewpoint, or sip a cocktail by the sea.
Hit play to feel the breeze, hear the waves, and see why Verudela is more than just a beach day. It’s a coastal experience.
