Ston Travel Guide

Ston is a historic town located in Dalmatia, Croatia. This guide explores the town's best attractions, places to stay, local cuisine, travel logistics, and more.


Introduction to Ston

Located in Dubrovnik-Neretva, in Dalmatia, Croatia, Ston is a historic town known for its salt and mussel farms. This small but charming town is a unique vacation spot with a lot to offer. Visitors can expect serene natural landscapes, old town architecture, and dramatic views of the Adriatic Sea.

Apart from being a foodie’s paradise with fresh seafood in abundance, Ston is a fantastic place for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, history buffs, and culture seekers. Whether it’s exploring the medieval walled city, hiking the mountains surrounding the town, or enjoying the pristine beaches, Ston and its surroundings are sure to leave an impression on every traveler’s heart.

List of Places to Visit in Ston

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ston has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. Visitors can explore various culturally important attractions, including:

  • The Walls of Ston: Dating back to the 14th century, the 700-year-old stone walls of Ston are the longest fortress system in Europe, second only to the Great Wall of China. Visitors can walk on top of the walls and enjoy stunning views of the town, the salt flats, and the sea.

  • The Ston Salt Works: First built in the early 14th century, Ston Salt Works is the oldest functioning saltworks in Europe. Visitors can take a tour of the salt works and learn about Ston’s rich salt producing tradition.

  • The Rectors Palace: Built-in the 15th century, the Rectors Palace was the residence of the Ston Ragusa Rector, a public official appointed by the Republic of Ragusa. Visitors can explore the palace’s grand hall, loggia, and art gallery, which showcases a collection of 15th-century art pieces.

  • The Church of St. Blaise: This Catholic church was built-in the 1800s in honor of Ston’s patron saint, St. Blaise. The church’s elaborate Baroque architecture is a sight to behold, and visitors can explore the interior to see beautiful artwork and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Ston: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ston’s natural beauty is a wonder to behold. Visitors can explore a host of natural wonders in Ston and its surroundings, including:

  • Pelješac Peninsula: Pelješac Peninsula is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and beachgoers. Visitors can soak up the sun on the peninsula’s stunning beaches, go scuba diving, and explore the untouched landscapes of the surrounding hills.

  • Elafiti Islands: Elafiti Islands, located 10 km northwest of Dubrovnik, are a group of small islands popular for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and untouched landscapes. Visitors can take a boat ride from Ston and spend a day exploring this piece of heaven.

  • The Mountains Surrounding Ston: The mountains surrounding Ston are perfect for hiking, trekking, and biking. Visitors can explore the hills’ lush green forests, experience the panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, and spot rare bird species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ston

Visitors can explore Ston’s natural beauty and surrounding landscapes through several diverse hiking and biking routes. Some of the most popular routes are:

  • Pelješac Trail: The Pelješac Trail is an 80km trail that connects Ston with other towns in the Pelješac Peninsula. Visitors can explore it on foot, bike, or even on horseback! The trail provides stunning views of the rugged coastline, peaceful forests, and lush green vineyards.

  • Ston to Mali Ston Walking Trail: This scenic trail takes visitors through Ston’s picturesque olive groves, citrus orchards, and salt pans. It eventually leads to Mali Ston, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and sample local wine.

  • Lapad Peninsula Bike Trail: Located in Dubrovnik, the Lapad Peninsula Bike Trail is a picturesque trail that takes visitors through scenic forests, pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.

Best Things to Do in Ston: Activities and Tours

Apart from the places mentioned above, visitors can explore various activities and tours in Ston, including:

  • Sea Kayaking: Visitors can take a sea kayaking tour of Ston’s coast and explore its hidden coves, cliff-lined shores, and stunning sunsets.

  • Wine Tasting: Pelješac Peninsula produces some of Croatia’s finest wines. Visitors can take a wine tasting tour, sample some of the best wines and enjoy the ambiance of the region’s picturesque vineyards.

  • Boat Tours: Visitors can explore Ston’s surrounding islands and neighboring towns through a host of boat tours. Most of the tours start in Ston and take visitors to nearby attractions like the Elafiti Islands, Dubrovnik, and Korčula.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ston

Visitors can spend a week exploring Ston and its surroundings. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1:

  • Explore Ston’s old town and its historical landmarks like the Walls of Ston, the Rectors Palace, and the Church of St. Blaise.
  • Try some of Ston’s delicious cuisine in the town’s eateries.

Day 2:

  • Spend the day hiking or biking in the mountains surrounding Ston. Some popular trails are the Pelješac Trail and the Ston to Mali Ston Walking Trail.

Day 3:

  • Take a boat tour and explore the nearby Elafiti Islands.

Day 4:

  • Go sea kayaking and explore Ston’s coast on a sea kayaking tour.

Day 5:

  • Take a wine tasting tour and sample some of Pelješac Peninsula’s finest wines.

Day 6:

  • Spend the day relaxing on Pelješac Peninsula’s pristine beaches.

Day 7:

  • Take a day trip to Dubrovnik, explore the old town, and marvel at its majestic architecture.

Food and Drink Scene of Ston

Ston is famous for its fresh seafood, salt, and wine. Visitors can try some of the following dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Black Risotto: Made with cuttlefish ink, rice, and seafood, this is one of Ston’s most popular dishes.
  • Mussel Dishes: Fresh mussels are abundant in Ston, and visitors can try various preparations like mussel stews, grilled mussels, and mussel risotto.
  • Pašticada: A stew made with beef, red wine, and vegetables, Pašticada is a Croatian specialty often served in Ston restaurants

Local Beverages

  • Pelješac Wine: The Pelješac Peninsula produces some of Croatia’s finest wines. Visitors can try red wines like Dingač, Plavac Mali, and Postup.

  • Rakija: Rakija is a traditional Croatian fruit brandy. Visitors can try various varieties like plum rakija, cherry rakija, and pear rakija.

Where to Stay in Ston: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ston has several accommodation options catering to various budgets. Some of the most popular are:

  • Villa Koruna: This family-run guesthouse offers stunning views of Ston’s salt pans and has 17 charmingly decorated rooms.

  • Boutique Hotel Adriatic: This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Ston’s old town and offers luxurious rooms, rooftop terrace, and an in-house restaurant.

  • Hostel Stonska Duba: This budget-friendly hostel offers cozy rooms, free wi-fi, and is located close to Ston’s attractions.

What to Buy in Ston: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take home some of Ston’s local products as souvenirs. Some of the most popular products are:

  • Ston Salt: Ston’s natural salt is rich in minerals and is one of the healthiest salts in the world.
  • Olive Oil: Visitors can take home bottles of Ston’s delicious extra virgin olive oil.
  • Wine: Pelješac Peninsula produces some of Croatia’s finest wines, which visitors can take back home as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Ston

Ston’s customs and culture are deeply rooted in its heritage and history. Visitors can learn about the town’s salt producing traditions, its rich medieval history, and its fishing culture.

Best Time to Visit Ston

The best time to visit Ston is during the shoulder seasons, i.e., spring and fall. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, Ston is a year-round destination, and visitors can enjoy its charms during any season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ston

Do:

  • Try some of Ston’s delicious seafood dishes
  • Explore the mountains surrounding Ston
  • Take a boat tour and explore Ston’s surrounding islands

Don’t:

  • Swim in the sea without checking for jellyfish
  • Litter on the beaches or in the sea
  • Photobomb tourists’ pictures

Safety and Health

Safety in Ston

Ston is generally a safe place, and visitors can walk around freely. However, visitors should exercise caution as they would in any other tourist destination. They should avoid dark alleys and stick to well-lit areas, especially at night.

Health in Ston

Ston has several medical clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals, ensuring that visitors can access medical care if needed.

Getting to Ston: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ston

The nearest international airport to Ston is the Dubrovnik airport, which is about 55 km away. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus ride from the airport to Ston.

Bus Stations Near Ston

Ston is well-connected with Croatia’s bus network, and visitors can take a bus ride from major cities like Split or Dubrovnik.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car to get around Ston and its surroundings.

How to Get Around in Ston

Ston is a small town, and visitors can explore most of its attractions on foot. Visitors can also rent bikes or scooters to get around.

Where to Go Next from Ston: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore various destinations near Ston, including:

  • Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a nearby town with historical landmarks, picturesque old town, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

  • Korčula: Korčula is an island town known for its medieval architecture and lush green landscapes. Visitors can take a boat ride from Ston to Korčula and explore the island’s charms.

Conclusion

A visit to Ston and its surrounding regions is a must for any traveler looking to explore the natural beauty, history, and culture of Croatia. Visitors can explore Ston’s old town, hike or bike the mountains surrounding the town, taste the finest wines, and explore the natural beauty of its surrounding islands. With delicious seafood, untouched beaches, and stunning natural landscapes, Ston is a piece of heaven that every travel enthusiast should explore.

Panorama of Ston Panorama of Ston A section of the old defensive wall in Ston A section of the old defensive wall in Ston