Ston & Mali Ston in Croatia
The medieval town of Ston is situated at the beginning of the Peljesac peninsula and is probably one of the best travel destinations in Croatia. During a visit, you can expect some really amazing things to do and wonderful attractions. This historical place is especially famous for its impressive 5.5 km long wall, which connects the town of Ston with the small dreamy town of Mali Ston. The tasty oysters from Mali Ston Bay are among the best delicacies in the world. Beautiful and interesting is also a walk through the historic alleys of the old town, and a visit to the salt works, where salt has been produced for almost 2000 years.
This comprehensive travel guide contains important information about a visit to Ston in Croatia. We also show you the best things to do, the most beautiful beaches and where to find recommendable hotels and other accommodations.
Good to know!
Really great accommodation can be found in Mali Ston, where you have the entrance to the wall and a beach right on your doorstep. An insider tip is the charming Hotel Ostrea.
A vacation in Ston is recommended for anyone looking for something very special and who loves peace and quiet! The town is also ideal as a stopover on your way to Dubrovnik.
The picturesque Prapratno beach is only around 4 kilometers away from Ston. This has already been voted one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Croatia by many magazines!
Ston is also a recommended destination for a day trip from Dubrovnik. Beautiful tours with oyster tasting can also be found online on GetyourGuide.
General Information about Ston in Croatia
Ston actually consists of several districts. Among them are the town Ston with approximately 550 inhabitants and the smaller Mali Ston with approximately 150 inhabitants. Both are connected by the famous 5.5-kilometer-long wall and have a beautiful historic old town. In 1996, there was an earthquake that caused severe damage to Ston, but left Mali Ston completely unscathed. Until today, however, the town has been almost completely renovated and the wall is once again accessible to tourists.
Ston originated under Roman rule when the settlement “Stagnum” was built. The salt gardens and the remains of the fort also date back to this period. In the 14th century, the construction of the fortifications started, which were supposed to control the access to the Pelješac peninsula. The town’s former wealth was achieved with the Salona Ston, the Ston salt works, where salt has been produced for 2000 years.
The Wall of Ston
Probably the most important attraction in Ston is the imposing wall. With a length of around 5,500 meters, it is the longest defense wall after the Chinese wall and, thus, one of the most important structures in Croatia. The construction of the mighty wall of Ston began as early as 1333, when the island of Peljesac joined the Republic of Dubrovnik. However, the fortification was not completed until 400 years later. In addition to the foundation walls, this fortification included 3 forts, 7 bastions and 41 towers, some of which are still well-preserved.
Today you can visit the renovated fortified wall and even walk along a large section of it. There is a spectacular path that takes you from Ston to Mali Ston or vice versa. You will enjoy an incredible view of the historic old towns, the azure sea and the salt lakes.
Tip: The Entrances to the wall are located in both the village of Ston and Mali Ston.
Entrance fee: 10 EUR (day ticket) | Opening hours: 08:00 to 19:30
Ston
The historic old town of Ston is situated directly on the Stonski Canal and a stroll through the medieval streets and squares will reveal many sights worth seeing, in addition to the historic fortifications. These include beautiful churches and monasteries, such as the 14th century church of St. Nikole with its Franciscan monastery and the Cathedral of St. Blasius, also called Crkva sv. Blaza.
The lovely town palaces of Sorkocevic and Dordic, dating back to the 16th century, are also worth seeing. A visit to the Lapadarium museum is recommended if you want to learn more about the history of Pelješac. Ston also attracts people with its many cozy cafés and good restaurants where you can refresh yourself and taste regional delicacies.
Tip: Parking in Ston is generally subject to a fee. But there are enough parking places around the city Center.
Fort Kaštio
An interesting attraction in Ston is the recently restored fortress. The so-called Fort Kaštio or Tvrđava Kaštio is located on the edge of the old town and can be visited from the inside. From the top, it offers a spectacular view of the nearby salt pans and the wall of Ston opposite.
Tip: A detour to the fortress is worth it for the view alone. The ticket for the fortress is already included in the entrance fee to the wall.
Saltworks of Ston
As the oldest salt works in Europe, the salt lakes of Ston are another attraction not to be missed. Already laid out by the Romans, the “white gold” brought prosperity to the region. Very interesting is a visit to the small museum “Solana Ston” where you can learn how sea salt is still produced from the traditional salt production.
Tip: Admission to the salt lakes currently costs 4 euros per person. You can buy high-quality sea salt at the entrance to Solana Ston!
Mali Ston
The picturesque town of Mali Ston is beautifully situated on the Malistonski Canal and is famous for its oyster and shellfish farming, but also for its small medieval old town. Particularly worth seeing is the fortress Koruna also called Tvrđava Koruna, with its imposing fortified towers, which is connected to the Stoner Wall and where the entrance is also located. Also the small harbor with the watchtower gives the little town a unique character.
But the most beautiful thing here is the unique calm atmosphere, and the small beaches, where you can enjoy the picturesque flair of Mali Ston while swimming in the sea. In the center of the town there are some excellent restaurants, which offer fresh oysters and specialties from the sea.
Tip: Mali Ston is an enchanting place for a relaxing vacation. There is very nice and magnificent small 3-Star hotel, the Ostrea Hotel, located right on the seafront.
At the lower end of Mali Ston there are two beautiful quiet beaches. These small pebble bays are, thanks to the warm sea temperatures, ideal for swimming. There is usually not much going on here, which means you can really relax on these great beaches.
Sandy Beach Prapatno
Another wonderful place in Ston is the beach Prapatno, a wonderful natural sandy beach that you will rarely find in Croatia! It’s about 4 km away, located in a breathtaking scenery. This bay shines in the most beautiful sea colors and the beach consists of fine sand, which shallowly drops into the sea. Ideal for small children, but also for those who like to wade through the water. One more reason to spend your summer holiday in Ston!
The Stoner Oysters
When you visit Ston, an oyster tasting is almost a must. Since the 17th century, mussels and oysters of the highest quality have been cultivated in the bay of Mali-Ston. They are famous throughout the country and are considered to be an extremely tasty delicacy. Also along the coast on the way to Mali Ston, local fishermen offer their oysters for very reasonable prices.
Tip: From the village of Mali Ston there are daily boat trips to the oyster farms with subsequent tasting.
Where to Stay in Ston
Ston is a real insider tip for trips to Croatia, and it is definitely worthwhile to stay a little longer. Good accommodations can be found in Ston as well as in Mali Ston. For a holiday, the village Mali Ston is almost more suitable as there are also 2 small beaches and many good restaurants. Here are our accommodation recommendations on where to stay in Ston…It is worth a look!
- Charming 3-Star Hotel: The dreamy Hotel Ostrea is located in a historical building, directly at the sea in the old town of Mali Ston.
- Lovely Holiday Home: The Malo More Holiday Home is a really lovely holiday home with 2 bedrooms. Also the beach is only a 2 minutes’ walk away!
- Wonderful Holiday Flat: The Apartments Marita offers 3 reasonable apartments in a top location in Mali Ston. Perfect for a short stopover!
- Quaint Stone Cottage: The Holiday Home Korta is an insider tip for a quiet vacation! It also has a terrace and a gigantic view.
Find the best accommodation in Ston & Mali Ston:
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