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There are many ways to pass an afternoon during a holiday on Europe's long shoreline. Sitting under a parasol with a cocktail is an option. So is basking on the beach in a bid to top up that tan.

But for these holidaymakers, a day on the coast is less a chance for relaxation and more an opportunity to clamber across rugged rock formations – and generally hang tough.

These amazing images capture the beauty of the Stoja Peninsula, in northern Croatia, and their suitability for gravity-taunting activities.

Rocks and hard places: A German tourist trusts his full weight to the cliffs of the Stoja Peninsula, northern Croatia

Look mum, one hand: The Stoja Peninsula, near Pula in northern Croatia, is an ideal place to try Deep Water Soloing

This spit of land juts out just below the picturesque city of Pula, and is riddled with caves ideal for a session of climbing and coasteering – as these tourists demonstrate.

This group of German and Austrian visitors can be seen suspended above perfect turquoise pools as they hold on to nothing more than a jutting outcrop of rock.

Others seem to defy gravity, by managing to fin a grip even when suspended from the rooves of the caves.

Room for a few more: With the possibility of a relatively soft landing, Deep Water Soloing is easily accessible to beginners

They are practising the art of DWS – or 'Deep Water Soloing', to give it its full name.

This is the athletic endeavour of 'free climbing' over water – a practice in which the close proximity of a place for a (relatively) soft landing means daring souls can venture out without full climbing apparatus.

And beginners are also able to try their luck.

DWS is increasingly popular in summer, as – if you are climbing in high summer temperatures – there is an obvious and easy way to cool off.

The coastline around Pula is particularly appropriate for DWS.

Large stretches of the shore made up of porous limestone – the soft rock which is particularly susceptible to the sea's touch.

Down doesn't have to mean out: The caves are an increasingly popular destination for active tourists during the summer months

And along the Stoja Peninsula, millennia of Adriatic waves have created a labyrinth of caves, tunnels and passages.

Pula sits on a peninsula of its own, occupying the southern tip of Istria.

This giant spur of land hangs south from the main body of Croatia, separating the country from Slovenia and Italy, immediately above.

Daring to be dfiferent: He makes it to the far side of the cave roof as a fellow climber admires his skill

Pula has long been one of its focal points, and is gaining a name as a tourist destination, the orange rooftops of its old town positioning it as a kindred spirit of Dubrovnik.

Its history is such that it can boast a remarkable Roman amphitheatre which predates the Colosseum.

While Rome's great gladiatorial stadium was built between 70 and 80AD, Pula's arena was already completed by 68AD.

It retains its majesty today.

Not for the faint-hearted: The athleticism is impressive - but many tourists will prefer a day on Pula's beaches

Croatian calm: The Istria peninsula separates Croatia from its northern neighbours Slovenia and Italy