Bale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bale
Bale
Bale
Bale
Bale

This Istrian hilltop town charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, attractive stone houses and cobbled streets.

Bale is a remarkably pretty and quaint hilltop town. Despite its proximity to pristine coastline, its medieval architecture and its undeniable charm, Bale is still relatively unexplored by tourists. The town retains a calm, off-the-beaten-track appeal. Wander its winding alleys and admire picturesque churches and historic buildings.

This site was originally occupied by the Illyrians and was later established as a Roman settlement named Castrum Vallis. However, the current incarnation of the village developed around the imposing Venetian-Gothic castle at its centre, known as the Soardo-Bembo Palace. Check out this mighty medieval edifice, which is not only the largest building in town, but also Bale’s greatest attraction. Combine a visit here with a trip to the nearby Municipal Palace, which also features interesting architecture including a 14th-century loggia with Gothic arches.

Pay particular attention to Bale’s many beautiful churches, located both in the town and in the surrounding area. Of particular note are the tiny Church Sveti Duh (Church of the Holy Spirit), home to eye-catching 15th-century frescoes, and the white-stone Parish Church of St. Julian, whose 118-foot (36-metre) bell tower dominates the cityscape.

For beaches, descend to the shoreline, which is about 4 miles (7 kilometres) away from Bale town centre. Lounge on the pebbled shorefront of nearby San Polo. Visit Colone, a palaeontology site where several dinosaur fossils were found on the seabed in the late 1990s. Hike in nearby Palud, a swampy ornithological reserve that is home to more than 200 species of birds.

Bale hosts several cultural events throughout the year. Arrange your visit to coincide with Bale’s jazz festival in August or arrive for Castrum Vallis, an international art exhibit that takes place during July and August.

Because of its small size, Bale is best explored on foot. It is located in southwest Istria about 14 miles (23 kilometres) from Pula. Ride a public bus from Pula or Rovinj to get here. For flexibility in arrival and departure times, consider renting a car and driving.

Family Resort del Mar

Family Resort del Mar

4 out of 5
Glavica 7, Banjole, Medulin, Istria
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Medulin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Punta Verudela Beach and Pula Arena are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (263 reviews)
"Booked a room late to be near the airport for an ealry flight and got a great deal on a deluxe apartment - could very well return as the facilities are excellent and right on the beach but we would stay for 2 or 3 nights to take advantage of the resort."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Family Resort del Mar
Hotel Molindrio Plava Laguna

Hotel Molindrio Plava Laguna

4 out of 5
Zelena laguna, Porec
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹19,039 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
₹19,039
₹21,514 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Porec. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Aquacolors Porec and Brulo Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (338 reviews)
"great location and a beautiful room with a beautiful view of the thw grande canal and Rialto Bridge"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Hotel Molindrio Plava Laguna
Park Plaza Arena Pula

Park Plaza Arena Pula

3.5 out of 5
Verudella 31, Pula
The price is ₹18,680 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
₹18,680
₹21,108 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Pula. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (647 reviews)
"This hotel was a great bang for the buck. The room and facilities were beautiful. The breakfast buffet was incredible. Great experience. We will go back."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Park Plaza Arena Pula
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Valamar Diamant Residence

Valamar Diamant Residence

3 out of 5
Brulo 1, Porec
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Porec. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (114 reviews)
"Apartments are part of hotel. facilities very good and there looks to be an excellent kids club. walking distance to Porec or use the land train for a variety of restaurants and bars to suit everyone. we found all the staff, from reception to cleaning and maintenance, are very friendly and professional ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2024

Valamar Diamant Residence
Arena One 99 Glamping

Arena One 99 Glamping

4 out of 5
Pomer bb, Medulin, Istria
Stay at this 4-star spa campsite in Medulin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Punta Verudela Beach and Pula Arena are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
"Very unique"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Arena One 99 Glamping
Maistra Camping Veštar Mobile homes

Maistra Camping Veštar Mobile homes

5 out of 5
Veštar 1, Rovinj
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Rovinj Harbour and Posebni ornitološki rezervat Palud are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (110 reviews)
"Excellent stay. Great when you have young kids. So much to do and see to keep the little ones entertained."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Maistra Camping Veštar Mobile homes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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