Pula: Coastal Bike Tour, Sea Caves & Cliff Jumping Adventure

Summary

Cycle Pula’s seaside cliffs & caves with swimming and cliff jumps

You’ll pedal beside Roman ruins and shipyards before diving into crystal water at hidden coves on this Pula bike tour. Swim by sea caves, try cliff jumping if you’re brave (or just watch!), and hear stories from your local guide along the way. Expect salty air, laughter, and a few surprises only found on two wheels.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for this Pula coastal bike tour mostly because I wanted to see the sea caves, but it ended up being about so much more. We started right across from the ancient Arena, which felt surreal — Roman stones behind us, salt air in front. Our guide, Marko, was already cracking jokes about how we’d “earn our swim” later. The bikes were sturdy and I didn’t have to worry about anything except not falling behind the group (which I did once or twice — Marko just grinned and waited).

The route along the seafront was a mix of pine shade and sudden bursts of sunlight. You could smell grilled fish drifting from somewhere near Valkane Beach — made me instantly hungry. We stopped by the shipyard too; I’d never seen cranes that tall up close before. Marko pointed out the Church of Our Lady of the Sea and told us how sailors used to pray there before heading out. There’s something about locals sharing these little stories that sticks with you more than guidebooks ever do.

When we finally reached Pigeons Cave, everyone went quiet for a second — just waves echoing off rock walls and that weirdly fresh mineral smell you get near cliffs. A couple of people went straight for the cliff jump (I hesitated… okay, chickened out at first). Someone cheered me on in Croatian — no idea what they said but it made me laugh enough to finally go for it. Cold shock, then total exhilaration. Swimming in that clear water felt like hitting reset on my brain.

I still think about that last stretch along the pine forest promenade — legs tired but happy, sun low over the old town rooftops. It wasn’t just a day trip around Pula; it was one of those afternoons where you feel both like an outsider and somehow right at home. Photos can’t really show what that air feels like.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pula seaside bike adventure and cliff jumping

• Start tour at Pula Arena entrance
• Bike along seafront and coastline
• Explore coves, beaches, sea cave, cliffs
• Swim and cliff jump at Pigeons cave
• Cycle past old town, port, and shipyard
• Pass Church of Our Lady of the Sea
• See Baron Gautsch steamship memorial
• Ride 4 km promenade through pine forest
• Visit canyon ridge with cliffs and views
• Try cliff jumping at canyon ridge

Top questions

Where does the Pula coastal bike tour start?

The tour begins directly across from the main entrance of Pula Arena (the Amphitheatre).

Is swimming or cliff jumping required on this tour?

No, swimming and cliff jumping are optional activities during the stop at Pigeons Cave.

Are bikes and helmets provided?

Yes, quality mountain bikes and helmets are included in your booking.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is small—up to 10 people per tour.

Can children join this bike adventure?

Children can participate if accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I bring for this day trip around Pula?

Bring basic cycling skills, swimwear if you plan to swim or snorkel, sunscreen, and some water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; travelers meet near Pula Arena where parking is available.

Are there multilingual guides on this tour?

The tour may be guided by a multilingual local guide depending on group needs.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a quality mountain bike with helmet, 0.5L bottled water to keep you going under the sun, plus digital photos and videos from your adventure so you don’t have to worry about snapping shots mid-ride.