The second-longest defensive stone walls in the world stretch for 5.5 kilometers around this small coastal town, known for its ancient salt pans and fresh oyster farms.
In southern Dalmatia, the medieval town of Ston invites you to climb its 14th-century defensive walls, watch salt harvesting at ancient salt pans, and taste fresh oysters pulled directly from Mali Ston Bay. As you walk through the old town's grid-pattern streets, you'll pass stone houses dating from the 1300s and fortress towers that once protected one of Europe's most valuable commodities: salt.
Walking the Walls of Ston
The defensive walls connecting Ston and Mali Ston stretch for 5 kilometers, with 40 towers and five fortresses along the route. You'll need about two hours to walk the entire length. The steep stairs and exposed path make this a moderate physical challenge - bring at least 1 liter of water per person and start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. The walls open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset.
Salt Production at Ston's Ancient Salt Pans
Visit the salt pans southeast of Ston to see salt harvesting methods unchanged since Roman times. From April to October, workers collect salt using only sea water, sun, and wind. The harvesting process happens daily during summer months, with workers using wooden tools to gather salt crystals by hand. You can walk along the edges of the salt pans and watch the process up close.
Mali Ston's Oyster Farms
The calm waters of Mali Ston Bay support dozens of oyster farms where local families cultivate European flat oysters. Take a short boat trip with local farmers to see how they maintain the oyster beds and harvest these shellfish. The best time to visit is between October and March when the oysters are at their peak. Several waterfront restaurants in Mali Ston serve oysters straight from the bay.
Getting to Ston
Drive one hour (54 kilometers) north from Dubrovnik or three hours south from Split to reach Ston. Buses run regularly from both cities throughout the day, with more frequent service during summer months. The bus station sits at the entrance to the old town, near the Field Gate. If you're driving, you'll find parking lots outside both main town gates.
Layout and Architecture
The town center follows a medieval grid with three north-south streets intersecting three east-west streets, creating 15 identical blocks. Stone buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries line these streets, many still showing their original Gothic windows and doorways. Enter through either the Field Gate (built 1506) facing inland or the Harbor Gate overlooking the bay. The town hall, built in 1345, stands in the main square and now houses the tourist information office.
