Mali Losinj to Pula tickets

About the ride from Mali, Losinj to Pula 

If it's time to leave behind Croatian island life and head back to the mainland, Pula is a great place to re-immerse yourself back into daily life. 

Located on the Istrian Peninsula, shared by Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, you'll find fewer tourists here than in the country's hotspots of Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar. 

Being so close to three incredibly culture-rich countries means Pula is a melting pot for traditions, food, and people.

There's only one way to cover the 61 km (38.1 miles) of sea between Mali, Losinj and Pula in Croatia — by ferry. The journey takes around 2.5 hours. 

It's important to know that the ferries don't run every day and their schedule changes depending on whether it's high or low season. 

Continue reading to find out what days the ferries run and everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Pula. 

Five amazing things to do in Pula

Pula is a Croatian city often missed by tourists as many don't make the journey to the Istrian Peninsula. But Pula is somewhere you need to see.

Check out our favorite things to do while you're there:

1. Pula Arena — It's the 6th largest and one of the most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. An added bonus is it won't be swamped by tourists (unlike more famous arenas like the Colosseum). Dating back to the 1st century AD, this impressive structure will undoubtedly leave you in awe as you imagine the 23,000 spectators that used to sit there. 

2. Temple of Augustus — This well-preserved historical temple was dedicated to the first Roman emperor, Augustus and is a wonderful stop as you wander through Pula's old town.

3. Brijuni Islands — Comprising 14 islands just off the coast, Brijuni National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity and history. Highlights of the islands include the former residences of a Yugoslavian President, Roman ruins, Byzantine structures, medieval fortifications and great snorkeling spots. 

4. Dolphin spotting — The chances of spotting dolphins are relatively high, especially during summer. You can try to spot them from shore or take a boat trip where your captain will do his best to find some of these majestic creatures. 

5. Pula's Old Town — While day trips from Pula are tempting, make sure you spend enough time immersing yourself in its Old Town. Its narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings, cafes and restaurants that are picture-perfect. 

How to get from Mali, Losinj to Pula 

There's only one way to cover the 61 km (38.1 miles) of sea between Mali, Losinj and Pula in Croatia: by ferry.

The journey is one of the longer ferry rides in Croatia, but it still only takes 2.5 hours. Tickets are around $14.

You'll need to plan ahead with this trip as the ferries don't run every day. Here's a quick rundown of the ferry schedules from Mali Losinj to Pula: 

From January to May and October to December, ferries only run twice a week, on Friday and Sunday.

In June and September, ferries run on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

During July and August (high season), the ferries run every day except Tuesday and Thursday. 

On days that the ferries are running, there is always only one early evening departure, leaving from Mali Losinj Ferry Terminal and arriving at Pula Ferry Terminal. 

All of the ferries are passenger-only. No cars are allowed, but you can bring pets and bikes onboard. 

What to expect from the journey from Mali Losinj to Pula

The ferries between Mali Losinj and Pula offer a comfortable journey with air conditioning, a toilet onboard and plenty of seating. 

Some ferries also have a small cafe or snack bar, but you may want to bring your own picnic dinner as all the trips are in the evening. 

All passengers are allowed 20kg of luggage. 

When is the best time to visit Pula?

Many consider summer the best time to visit Pula and the rest of Croatia. Between June and August, the weather is warm, and the sun is shining, which is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and outdoor activities. Temperatures average around 27-32°C (81-90°F).

Like most places, the best weather also equals the busiest time, and it's no different here. Popular sites can be crowded, and accommodation prices tend to be higher. 

The shoulder months — May and September — also offer pleasant weather and, thankfully, fewer tourists. Keep in mind that the ferry between Mali Losinj and Pula runs on fewer days during these months, so your trip will require a bit more planning. 

How many days should you spend in Pula? 

Pula isn't a huge city, meaning you can see the best sights within 2-3 days. 

Where should you visit after Pula?

Once satisfied with your adventures in Pula, you might want to visit another Istrian town, and Rovinj is perfect. Only a 30-minute bus ride away, you'll be there in no time, ready to explore more stunning streets and magnificent Croatian landscapes.

Time to leave the Istrian Peninsula? The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is a 3.5 bus journey from Pula.