Believe it or not, the city walls of Ston are actually bigger and more impressive than Dubrovnik’s, yet hardly anybody knows about this Croatian town.
Just a stone’s throw from the tourist trap lies the two-part town of Ston, a fortified settlement promising glorious Adriatic views, crumbling medieval architecture, delectable seafood and fine wine.
Ston is located on the Pelješac Peninsula, around an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik and two hours from Split. It’s known for its 14th century city walls which are considered Europe’s answer to China’s Great Wall, and world class oysters. Ston is also located in Croatia’s wine country, meaning you’re in the right place for a tipple.
Ston has two parts: Ston, sometimes referred to as Veliki Ston (“Great Ston”) and Mali Ston (“Little Ston”).
The best things to see and do in Ston
Ston old town
Much like Dubrovnik, Ston teeters on the edge of the Adriatic, making for a picturesque spot for a coffee while you plan your next move. Take a wander through its medieval streets and see what you find or book an excursion such as an oyster tour. Don’t miss a visit to Ston Fortress (pictured above).
Ston City Walls
The mighty Walls of Ston (Stonske zidine) is Europe’s largest remaining fortification system and the world’s second largest after the Great Wall of China. Built between the 14th and 18th centuries to protect the city from threats in Dubrovnik, the walls spanned 7km originally (it’s now 5km), connecting the two sides of the city by a 3km wall clinging to the hillside.
You can pay to walk the walls (which includes the crossing between the two towns) and enjoy aerial views of the settlements and ocean. Along the way, look out for its three forts (Veliki Kaštio, Koruna, and Podzvizd), seven bastions and 41 flanking towers. We’d advise you to do this first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon during summer as the many steps make it sweaty enough without the midday sun beating down on you.
Church of St Nicholas
This quaint Romanesque church is nestled within the walls of Ston’s larger, main town. It’s quite plain inside, but still worth a visit to appreciate how remarkably preserved it is, considering it was built eight centuries ago, making it one of Croatia’s oldest churches. The outside of the church with its bell tower makes for a pretty photograph.
Wine tasting
Ston is located in Croatia’s wine country, so you can’t visit without pulling over at a family vineyard for a tour and a tipple. Take a ride to Dingač, where Croatia’s Mediterranean red of the same name is produced. If you’re interested in a tour and tasting at a winery, it’s best to phone up in advance. Alternatively, book an organised tour of the vineyards and your guide will handle all of the logistics, leaving you to simply enjoy the sipping.
Mali Ston Oyster farm
Ston is home to one of the oldest oyster farming communities in the world, so it comes as no surprise that the clams coming out of this town are some of the best around. Pop by the Oyster Farm in Mali Ston for a look around before sampling some at a local restaurant. If you happen to be visiting in March, you will catch the annual Ston Oyster Festival.
See more from our Undiscovered Guides series on the blog
Ston Salt Works
Constructed by the Romans, the salt works of Ston are some of the continent’s oldest surviving salt pans. It has long been regarded as “white gold” by the community for the prosperity it brought to the region. Visit the Solana Ston museum to discover how the sea salt is traditionally made and pick up some of your own to take home at the gift shop. If you’re walking the City Walls, you will be able to see the salt lakes from above.
Ston beaches and watersports
After all of that sightseeing, you’ve earned a rest and luckily for you, you don’t need to venture far for the perfect place to relax and cool off. On the shores of Mali Ston lies a small pebble beach where you can sunbathe or swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Feeling energetic? Rent a kayak or SUP board and gain a different perspective of Ston from the sea.
Alternatively, there’s the larger Prapratno beach on the Ston side. It’s a 50-minute walk or six-minute drive from Ston, but it’s worth the journey. This enclave boasts calm waters for bathing and a long white pebble beach fringed by pine trees. There are sun loungers and parasols available to rent as well as a toilet, parking facilities and nearby bars and restaurants.
How to reach Ston
The best way to reach Ston from Dubrovnik or Split is by road, which is now even easier with the opening of a new bridge between Komana on the mainland and Pelješac peninsula. Previously, travellers from Split would have had to cross into the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s coastal town of Neum to access the peninsula which is very time-consuming in busy peak season. The bridge has removed that step.
From Dubrovnik
Pick up a bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station or hop in your car and drive north along the coast towards the village of Zaton Doli, which borders the Bosnian town of Neum. From there, you will branch off towards Ston on the Pelješac peninsula. The total journey time is around an hour.
From Split
Pick up a bus from Split Bus Station or hop in your car and drive along the coast to Komarna. From there, cross the Pelješac bridge (which is an experience in itself) to the northern end of the peninsula and traverse to Ston on the south side. You’re looking at around two hours’ travel time.
Holidays in Ston, Croatia
7-Day Multi-Activity Holiday in Southern Dalmatia
From wildlife encounters to wine tasting, there’s truly something for every traveller on our hand crafted adventure in Ston.
- Walk the Ston City Walls & taste the town’s famous oysters
- Sip and cycle in Dingač, Croatia’s most famous wine region
- Kayak to secluded sea caves and the Neretva Delta.
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