Ston, Croatia
Ston is a small town in Croatia on the Dalmatian coast that sits on the Pelješac peninsula. With a population of only around 700, Ston might be small in size but it boasts a rich history and some unique claims to fame!
I spoke recently on the All Things Croatia podcast with Sanja Bubalo from the Tourist board of Ston, who gave some great insights on the history behind the city as well as must-do activities. Listen to the whole episode here! Sanja shares that the name Ston comes from a Latin word meaning still water. Because around Ston was water that was still!
Famous Medieval Walls of Ston
Ston is likely best known for its impressive medieval defensive walls, which are the longest fortification walls in Europe and second in the world after the Great Wall of China. Local expert Sanja Bubalo explains that these monumental stone walls were built in the 1333 to protect Ston’s lucrative salt production, which was as valuable as gold at the time.
The walls stretch an astounding 7 kilometers, connecting Ston with its sister town Mali Ston located nearby. Originally the walls spanned over 5 miles in length but today around 3.5 kilometers have been restored for visitors to explore. Walking along the historic walls provides beautiful panoramic views over the sea and Ston’s salt pans situated below.
Parts of the walls fell into disrepair over time due to earthquakes, weathering, and war, but reconstruction efforts continue. Sanja shared that the experience of climbing up the walls and admiring views of the entire Ston area is breathtaking. She highly recommended visiting Ston just for the opportunity to take in views from atop the walls overlooking the famous salt pans, reflective water, and even the fortress at Koruna Kastio.
Centuries Old Oyster Harvesting
In addition to its famous walls, Ston is renowned for its high quality seafood and oyster farming rooted in ancient traditions. Sanja gave me insight into the centuries-old tradition of oyster harvesting in Ston’s bay, which provides ideal conditions for cultivating oysters. The local families caring for oyster beds have passed down their techniques over generations, with the first historical records of oyster farming in Ston dating back some 800 years.
Oysters are farmed following a careful four stage process that takes around two years from start to finish. Sanja describes how the oysters begin as larvae so tiny they’re invisible to the naked eye and attach themselves to sea-based structures. After a year of maturing in the sea, they are transferred to cement tanks on land for further growth. Another phase of developing in lanterns or baskets follows before the fully cultivated oysters make it to eager customers’ plates.
Ston bay’s ideal mix of salinity, nutrients, and water flow results in exceptionally plump and tasty European flat oysters that have achieved protected geographical indication status from the EU. This means that the only place in the world where European flat oysters can be harvested is right there in Mali Ston Bay due to the unique environmental conditions. There are over 70 families carrying on Ston’s oyster farming tradition today using the same artisanal methods developed centuries ago.
Annual Oyster Celebrations
To honor Ston’s oyster heritage, every March the Croatian town holds its annual Oyster Festival where visitors can sample oysters at their peak freshness and size. Sanja explains on the All Things Croatia podcast why March is the best month for Oysters. “At that time they are the fullest inside because maybe the temperature of the sea and everything works for them at that time. It’s not too hot, not too cold.” Locals prefer to eat them raw with just a few drops of lemon to bring out the natural flavors of the exclusive European flat oysters. In addition to oysters on the half shell, the Oyster Festival offers tasting menus, wine pairings, children’s activities, and concerts.
Beyond the spring festival, Ston hosts oyster tasting events throughout the warmer months. Sanja recommends joining one of the bay cruises that take guests straight to the oyster farms for freshly shucked oysters and stunning views of Mali Ston Bay. Expert oyster harvesters even come along to demonstrate how the oysters are collected and explain the painstaking process required to cultivate such premium oysters.
More Local Seafood Specialties
In addition to its famous oysters, Ston offers a plethora of other seafood specialties thanks to its abundant access to the Adriatic’s treasures. For example, Ston is known for buzara, a seafood stew brimming with mussels in a wine and herb infused tomato broth. The restaurants in Ston also serve up grilled fish, shrimp, and lobster with flavors reflecting Croatia’s Mediterranean influences.
Beyond seafood, Ston’s cuisine features unique creations like Stonski Makaruli, a baked pasta cake with a sweet and nutty taste that originated centuries ago. Sanja explains that the diversity of flavors and ingredients used in Ston’s cuisine highlights the town’s rich history at the crossroads of various cultures. From Italian pasta techniques to Middle Eastern spices, Ston’s food tells the story of the many eras and people that shaped this coastal town.
Pelješac Wine Region
In addition to exceptional seafood, Ston provides easy access to the acclaimed Pelješac wine region, one of Croatia’s most prolific areas for wine production. On the podcast Sanja explains that the peninsula’s Plavac Mali grapes thrive in the Mediterranean climate and stony soil to produce deep red wines renowned for their bold flavor and character.
Just a short drive from Ston, you’ll find over 50 wineries dotting the landscape of Pelješac. The town of Ponikve half an hour from Ston marks the beginning of the Pelješac wine route. Local varietals like Plavac Mali and Dingač offer rich complexity and notes of red fruit mixed with herbs and spices. Most wineries welcome visitors for tours, tastings, and insight into their winemaking process. With so many wineries to choose from, Ston, Croatia is the perfect home base for your wine tasting adventures!
Historical Sites in Ston, Croatia
Beyond seafood and wine, Ston provides a window into Croatia’s medieval history and architecture. With Ston’s prominence during the expansive Dubrovnik Republic era, the town is home to numerous historical structures. From sturdy fortress walls like Koruna Kastio to Gothic and Renaissance churches and buildings, Ston invites visitors to step back in time.
Ston also provides easy access to Mljet Island, a stunning national park with emerald green forests, lakes, and more medieval monasteries and ruins hidden within its natural splendor. Visitors can catch a ferry over to Mljet Island from nearby Prapratno. The iconic St. Mary Island church is situated on an islet just offshore from Mljet Island as well.
Soak Up the Sun at Nearby Beaches
In addition to its history and gastronomy, Ston also serves as a great home base for exploring some of Pelješac’s stunning beaches. Though Ston itself lacks sandy beaches within the town, pristine shorelines are just a short drive away.
One prime beach option is Prapratno, located just 3 kilometers from Ston. Sanya described Prapratno as a beautiful sandy beach lined with olive trees, making it ideal for families. The adjacent campground and its crystal blue waters beckon visitors to come relax on Prapratno’s shores. Prapratno also offers ferry access to the verdant Mljet Island.
Further up the peninsula about 15 minutes from Ston lies Žuljana, another village showcasing a pair of worthwhile beaches. But Sanya’s favorite hidden gem beach is Vučine just outside of Žuljana, which she deems the most breathtaking on the entire Pelješac Peninsula. The stunning 500-meter pebble beach features gorgeous vistas and tranquil waters for an unforgettable beach day.
With these renowned beaches so close by, Ston makes the perfect starting point for experiencing Pelješac’s delightful coastal scenery and unwinding on the shores of the Adriatic.
Ideal Base for Exploring Pelješac
With its rich history, access to delicious local seafood and wine, and boosted convenience factor, the Croatian town of Ston provides the ideal base for exploring the Pelješac Peninsula. The advantages of basing yourself in Ston include:
- Walking the famous medieval walls right in town
- Sampling Ston’s oysters and other seafood specialties
- Easy access to 80+ wineries throughout the peninsula
- Day trips to beautiful coastal and island destinations
- Quick drive to tour Dubrovnik or split with day trips
- Relaxed pace and charming atmosphere
- Don’t forget about Mali Ston!
Whether you come to dive into Ston’s history and culture or use it as your home base while exploring Pelješac’s many offerings, Ston delivers history, nature, and gourmet local cuisine in one picturesque package. It may be small, but Ston, Croatia provides big opportunities to experience the very best of the Mediterranean Coast.
Don’t forget to check out the All Things Croatia podcast for more awesome interviews like the one below!