The largest city in Istria, a busy commercial centre and Croatia's second major port, Pula itself is still worth visiting if only for its well-preserved 1st-century amphitheatre (6th largest in the world - now host to open-air concerts) and other fine Roman remains. The main holiday area, Verudela, lies on a large headland 3 mls S of the town. This self-contained development consists of various accommodation, campsites, shops, restaurants, marinas and sports facilities.

Efficient bus service links Verudela with the town centre attractions, commercial water front, railway station and airport. Abundant taxis.

Location: In the extreme W of Croatia, on the SW tip of the Istrian Peninsula. 21 mls SE of Rovinj, 4 mls from the airport.

Position: The hilltop town overlooks a large commercial port. The heavily indented coastline is made up of a series of headlands and narrow channels to the S.

Dialling Code: 52

Tourist Board: www.htz.hr

None in town. The Verudela headland is fringed by a poor rocky coastline equipped with tiered concrete bathing decks and numerous small jetties. Some water sports organised by the hotels.

Daytime: hotel pools, sunbathing, waterborne activities including local boat excursions. Visits to Roman amphitheatre, Arch of Sergii and Temple of Augustus remains. Pula Opera festival in summer, annual film festival.

Nightlife: reasonably lively with choice of unsophisticated discos, bars and restaurants at Verudela. The town has its own less frenetic alternatives. Amphitheatre hosts opera to rock concerts.