Pula, Italy Cruise Port

Within the island of Sardinia and the Province of Cagliari is the comune and cruise port of Pula, Italy. This town of just under 7,000 residents is known for both its tourism and ancient ruins. Located on the waterway known as Riu Pula, Pula does brisk business during the summer months with vacationers exploring the beaches and lounging in the area cafés. It is also not far from the important archaeological site of Nora built by Phoenicians. This dates the area's history back to around the 8th century B.C. (although there may have been, in fact, earlier settlements). Pula was a later addition, established in the Middle Ages. The large tourist village known as Santa Margherita di Pula is also nearby, which initially grew around a church dedicated to the Holy Martyr. Whether you seek history or outdoor adventures, listed below are a handful of our favorite experiences when cruising to Pula, Italy:

• The ancient ruins of Nora, believed to be the first town founded in Sardinia are a must-see for anyone even remotely interested in history. About three miles south of Pula, the pre-Roman and Roman remains include a preserved Roman theatre and ancient baths. There are regular shuttles that run here from Piazza Municipio in Pula.
   
• If looking for a beach, there are a couple of options. The diver's delight known as Spiaggia Su Guventeddu and the smaller Spiaggia di Nora are not far from the ruins. With fine, white sand and shallow waters, the latter is an especially good place for families and those looking for a scenic backdrop while swimming.
   
• Not far from the beaches is the small Aquarium Laguna di Nora, where you can both learn more about the lagoon and its marine life, and join summer excursions which offer snorkeling tours and canoe outings.
   
• The Romanesque church called Chiesa di Sant'Efisio di Nora is a jewel by the sea. A somewhat notorious piece of history, this is where the Roman commander Ephysius was executed in the year 303 for being Christian. Today, it's the site of annual celebrations during Cagliari's Festa di Sant'Efisio.