Croatia Emerges as a Top Travel Destination with Jet2’s New Route Connecting Manchester to Pula, Offering British Tourists Unforgettable Roman History and Stunning Mediterranean Views

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Croatia’s stunning southern city of Pula is now even more accessible to British travelers, thanks to Jet2’s exciting new route from Manchester. This new service offers a perfect opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s most picturesque and historically rich destinations. With its remarkable ancient Roman ruins, including the famous Pula Arena, and its breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, Pula is a must-visit for those seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The launch of this route reflects the growing demand for travel to Croatia, as British tourists increasingly seek out destinations that offer both heritage and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s historical sites or its vibrant coastal charm, this new route promises an unforgettable adventure.

Jet2 and Jet2holidays have officially launched their first flights on a new route linking one of the UK’s busiest airports with a beautiful city in Croatia, a nation that saw a remarkable 21.3 million international arrivals in 2024.

In early May, the inaugural flight departed, marking the beginning of services on a brand-new route between Manchester Airport and Pula, a stunning city located at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula in western Croatia. This new route, operating twice a week until mid-October, has been confirmed by the Croatian Tourist Board as a key development in fostering stronger travel connections between the UK and Croatia.

Manchester, the UK’s third-busiest airport, is a major hub for international flights, and with this new route, Jet2 is bringing an exciting option for British travelers looking to explore Croatia’s beautiful coastline. Pula, renowned for its rich Roman heritage, offers travelers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning Mediterranean scenery. The city’s impressive historical sites, including the renowned Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, make it a perfect destination for history lovers and tourists alike.

In addition to the Pula Arena, visitors to this ancient city can marvel at the Temple of Augustus, a Roman temple built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, dating back to between 27 BC and 14 AD. Another must-see historical landmark is Porta Gemina, a double-arched Roman city gate constructed in the late second century. This gate was one of the original entry points into Pula when the city was encircled by walls, and today, parts of the ancient fortifications remain visible, linking the gate to Giardin Square.

Pula’s rich history is not limited to its architectural landmarks; the city also has a long-standing tradition in wine production, fishing, and shipbuilding. For centuries, Pula was the administrative center of the Istrian region, a role it maintained until 1991, when the town of Pazin took over this responsibility.

Pula Airport (PUY), located just four miles from the city center, serves as the arrival point for Jet2’s new budget airline flights. The airport reached a record-breaking passenger count of nearly 780,000 in 2019, and with the addition of this route, it is set to attract even more travelers. Its proximity to the city makes it an ideal entry point for those looking to explore Pula’s sights and sounds.

The Manchester-Pula route is not the only option available for travelers from the UK looking to visit this stunning destination. Jet2 is also operating twice-weekly flights from Birmingham to Pula until mid-October, along with a weekly Saturday service from London Stansted. This means that British travelers from across the country can now easily access this beautiful Croatian gem, with multiple routes to choose from.

Additionally, an exclusive route from East Midlands Airport to Pula will launch on May 24, further expanding options for UK travelers heading to Croatia this summer. This new service further solidifies Jet2’s commitment to expanding its presence in Croatia, offering flights to three key Croatian airports: Dubrovnik, Split, and Pula. With these new routes, Jet2 is making it easier than ever for travelers to explore the diverse and breathtaking coastal regions that border the Adriatic Sea.

In recent years, Croatia has grown in popularity among British holidaymakers, with its stunning coastline, charming medieval towns, and thriving cultural scene drawing more visitors than ever before. The addition of the Manchester-Pula route is expected to significantly contribute to this trend, with British interest in the country continuing to rise.

Jet2’s expansion into Croatian destinations also reflects the airline’s overall growth and success. In 2024, Manchester Airport saw a record-breaking 30 million passengers, solidifying its place as the UK’s third busiest airport, behind only Heathrow and Gatwick. This growing number of passengers presents a lucrative market for Jet2 to tap into, and the new route to Pula is a strategic step toward meeting this demand.

The launch of the Manchester-Pula route also aligns with Jet2’s broader goal of offering a diverse range of holiday destinations to its customers. By connecting Manchester with Pula, the airline is opening up a new gateway to one of Croatia’s most iconic and picturesque cities. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and growing reputation as a must-visit European destination, Pula is poised to become even more popular among British travelers.

Jet2’s new Manchester to Pula route makes it easier than ever for British travelers to explore Croatia’s rich Roman history and stunning coastal beauty. With landmarks like the Pula Arena and breathtaking Mediterranean views, this service offers an unforgettable escape to one of Croatia’s hidden gems.

As Jet2 continues to expand its offerings to Croatia, it is clear that the airline is committed to meeting the rising demand for travel to this beautiful country. With more routes, more frequency, and more options for UK travelers, Jet2 is making it easier than ever to explore Croatia’s treasures, whether for a short break or a longer holiday.