Ston is a small town located at the beginning of Pelješac peninsula in southern Croatia. It’s a place famous for many things some of which are Ston walls, saltworks, and oysters. One could say that Ston is a mix of history and culinary delights. Located not so far away from the famous city of Dubrovnik, Ston is a very popular and visited destination in Croatia.
This article will tell you all you need to know about Ston Croatia. We’ll discuss its history, what to do in Ston, how to get there, and much more. We included Ston as one of the must-visit places of southern Croatia. Read until the end and you’ll see whether a visit to this small town is should be on your bucket list of vacation in Croatia.
Why You Should Visit Ston Ston is a must-visit destination of southern Croatia for anyone seeking an unique mix of history, gastronomy, and scenic views. We have visited Ston numerous times, and often stop there on our travels through southern Croatia or when going to Pelješac peninsula.
Here are some reasons why Ston Croatia should be on your itinerary:
Rich History : Ston has one of the longest defensive walls in Europe which dates back to the 14th century. These walls, often nicknamed the “European Great Wall,” were built to protect the valuable saltworks which were very important in old times and which are still working.Culinary Delights : Ston in Croatia is known as the oyster capital of Croatia and it offers some of the best seafood in the region. You will see a lot of oyster farms if traveling from Dubrovnik to Split or from Split and Dubrovnik on the road that takes you through Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Natural Beauty : Located between the Adriatic Sea and nearby hills, Ston is a great place to visit if you seek exploration or just want to relax before you venture to some other destinations.Proximity to Dubrovnik : Ston is located just an hour of driving away from Dubrovnik, so if you’re staying in Dubrovnik, why not take a day and explore Ston together with some other places of southern Croatia .
Where is Ston Located? Ston is situated at the southern tip of the Pelješac Peninsula, approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) of distance from Dubrovnik . It’s strategically located at the beginning of Pelješac and as such it was a place of great importance during the medieval times.
How to Get to Ston from Dubrovnik There are few roads that connect Ston with the rest of Croatia. If you’re staying in Dubovnik and want to visit Ston, you have few options and we’ll mention them in a second. Same goes if you’re staying anywhere else or traveling through southern Croatia. If you’re coming from the Split direction by car, the best option to reach Ston is to cross the Pelješac bridge and drive on the regional road to the Ston exit.
1. By Car Driving is the most convenient way of reaching Ston from Dubrovnik. Renting a car during a vacation in Croatia is one of our best advices since it gives you much more opportunities when it comes to exploring at your own pace and reaching places that are not available through public transport lines.
Route :
Take the D8 coastal road towards the Pelješac Peninsula.
Follow signs to Ston, a journey of about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the road conditions.
Take the turn toward Ston before the highway part toward Pelješac Bridge.
Parking : Large parking is available near the town center and it’s a best place to leave your car when coming to Ston. It’s also near to all other attractions. If it’s full, you’ll easily find a parking spot in the vicinity.
2. By Bus If you want to use the public transport to reach Ston from Dubrovnik, then bus is your only option since there is no other kind of public transport in southern Croatia. There are few bus lines that operate between Dubrovnik and Ston daily and these provide you with a cheap and convenient way of getting to Ston.
From Dubrovnik :
Daily buses operate between Dubrovnik and Ston.
The bus trip takes approximately 1.5 hours with regular stops along the way.
Tips :
Check bus schedules in advance, especially during off-peak seasons since these might be pretty rare compared with season periods.
3. By Guided Tour The third way of getting to this charming town is by joining a guided day trip from Dubrovnik to Ston. This is your best option if you want to explore Ston and many other places along the way. Many of these Dubrovnik to Ston tours include transportation, a local guide, and stops at nearby attractions. So if you’re staying in Dubrovnik and looking the idea for a day trip, then you should consider Ston too.
Top Tours :
Ston and Pelješac Wine Tour : Explore Ston, visit local wineries, and try some of the best local wines this part of Croatia is famous for.Ston and Oyster Tasting Tour : Combine a visit to Ston with a tasting of fresh oysters and other local delicacies.
Our Pick of the best Dubrovnik to Ston tours
What to Do in Ston As we already mentioned, Ston is a rather small town in southern Croatia. It’s perfect for a day trip and as a combination with visit to some other nearby locations, Pelješac Peninsula or Mljet National Park , for example. Once you’re in the Ston, here are few things to do in order to explore the best this town offers.
1. Walk the Ston Walls Ston walls are one of its most famous attractions and once you see them, you’ll see why. They rise up from the city to the peaks of the nearby hill and really are one of the most memorable sights of Ston. There are even races being held on the Ston walls each year. They connect Ston with Mali Ston, a nearby place famous for oysters and other delicacies. Unfortunately, the walls were damaged during the strong earthquakes in past times.
Highlights :
The walls stretch over 5.5 kilometers, offering stunning views of the town, saltworks, and surrounding landscape.
They were built in the 14th century and served as a defensive fortification for the Dubrovnik Republic.
Tips :
Wear proper shoes as the hike can be pretty steep in some sections of Ston walls.
Walk the walls early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy in fewer crowds.
2. Visit the Salt worksSton saltworks are yet another attraction this town is famous for. They are the oldest one on the Mediterranean and still produce salt using the old methods. Ston salt was often referred to as a white gold so you know how important it was in the old times. Check the opening hours and current ticket prices on Ston Saltworks official website.
Why They’re Famous :
The Ston saltworks are among the oldest in Europe and are still operational today. They still use old methods in making salt.
Salt production has been a main industry in Ston for over 4,000 years. Can you imagine that?
What to Do :
Book a guided tour to learn about traditional salt harvesting methods.
Buy high-quality sea salt as a souvenir to remind you of Ston.
3. Enjoy Fresh Oysters And finally, we come to the gastronomy, another part Ston is famous for. As you might already know, Croatia is famous for its gastronomy, as well as many other things. Each of the regions of Croatia have their own gastro delicacies and Ston is most famous for oysters and most oyster farms in Croatia are located right here.
Where to Go :
Visit Mali Ston (Little Ston), a neighboring village which is famous for its oyster farms and located just next to Ston.
Enjoy fresh oysters harvested directly from the sea and paired with local wine.
Top Restaurants in Ston :
Kapetanova Kuća: A famous seafood restaurant offering a range of fresh dishes.
Bota Šare: Known for its oyster and mussel specialties.
4. Explore the Old Town Last, but not the least. Ston is not just old walls and saltworks. Although pretty small compared to Dubrovnik, Ston still has old part of the town which is well preserved and you can easily walk through it since it want take much of your time.
What to See :
St. Blaise’s Church: A historic church located in the town square.
Gothic and Renaissance architecture throughout the old part of town.
Activities :
Walk through narrow streets, sit in one of cafes, and enjoy your drink among historic buildings.
Nearby Activities and Attractions If you are visiting Ston we suggest you combine it with some other nearby attractions such as the Pelješac Peninsula or with the visit to some of the most famous beaches of southern Croatia.
1. Pelješac Wine Tasting Pelješac Peninsula is the second-largest peninsula in Croatia and it’s famous for its wines and stunning landscapes. We spent almost whole of our lives gazing at Pelješac from the mainland.
Why Go :
The Pelješac Peninsula is famous for its wineries, particularly those that produce Plavac Mali, one of the most famous red wine sorts in Croatia.
Tours :
We suggest joining a wine-tasting tour that combines a visit to Ston with stops at famous vineyards on Pelješac Peninsula.
2. Beaches and Outdoor Activities Although Ston is not famous for its beaches and it’s located in a bay, there are many great places for swimming in the vicinity.
Beaches :
Prapratno Beach: A sandy beach near Ston, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Trstenik: A quiet beach ideal for relaxation located on the Pelješac Peninsula.
Žuljana: Best beaches on the Pelješac Peninsula if you ask us.
Hiking :
Explore walking trails leading through olive groves and vineyards.
3. Day Trips to Nearby Attractions Southern Croatia is not a large region and it covers only a part of Dalmatian coast. But still, it’s packed with great locations, many of which are easily to reach from Ston. Here are just a few suggestions on what to visit if you’re staying at or just visiting this small town.
Korčula Island :
A short ferry ride from the Pelješac Peninsula (from Orebić), Korčula is a historic island and also known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Korčula town is often nicknamed as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ and it has well preserved old historic parts of the town.
Dubrovnik :
Combine a visit to Ston with a stop in Dubrovnik, the most famous city in southern Croatia. If you are coming to Ston from a Split direction, then Dubrovnik is just one more hour of driving further away.
Međugorje and Mostar :
Book a day trip that includes stops at the spiritual site of Međugorje and the historic town of Mostar.
Neretva River Delta and Baćina Lakes natural landscapes of this part of Croatia .
Tips for Visiting Ston For the end of this article, here are some tips when it comes to visiting Ston in Croatia.
Best Time to Visit :
Spring and autumn offer have good weather with mild temperatures and are usually periods when there are less visitors in Croatia.
Summer is the most popular time to visit but can be hot, so plan activities early in the day and be prepared for crowds.
What to Bring :
Comfortable walking shoes are must if you want to explore the walls and town.
Sunscreen, a hat, and water if visiting during summer.
Book Tours Early :
Guided tours and wine tastings are very popular, so reserve your spots in advance if you want to join any such guided tours.
Currency :
Croatia uses the Euro. Most places accept cards, but it’s always wise to carry some cash, especially if you’re visiting family run farms with local products and similar shops.
Before You Venture to Ston Our journeys through Croatia will bring us once again near this small town in Croatia, as they always do since we travel to Dubrovnik a lot. Soon enough we will stop at Ston again, wheteher for an espresso in its old core, or for any gastro delight Ston is famous for. If you plan to visit southern Croatia, we advise you to put this town on your list, even if it’s just for a short visit. if you are into history or gastronomy, we’re sure it will be a more than just a short visit for you since Ston has a lot to offer when it comes to these.
Hope you’ll have a great time in Croatia!
