Municipality of Ston: Salt Pans, Walls and Trails

Salt production, medieval fortifications and trails shape the travel experience in the Municipality of Ston. Ston and Mali Ston are known for their architectural and collection history; hiking trails near Žuljana, wine routes and coastal experiences offer further perspectives on the municipality.

Salt, Oysters and Wine

Salt production has continued for many years at the salt pans of Ston. The “Vino” educational and experiential trail starts at the oldest salt pan in the Mediterranean that is still active. Salt is therefore not only part of the landscape, but also a theme that can be explored along a route through the municipality.

The Mali Ston oyster is also closely connected with the character of the area: it has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the European Union. Boat trips in Mali Ston Bay visit oyster and mussel farms. Visitor experiences also include trips to oyster farms with tastings of oysters freshly taken from the sea.

Wine roads, as well as visits to wineries and vineyards, lead from Metohija, Boljenovići and Sparagovići through Putnikovići to Dubrava. In Žuljana, a traditional wine tasting on the beach is part of the programme for the Feast of Saint Martin on 11 November.

Ston and Mali Ston: Fortifications and Collections

A historic urban ensemble is described on UNESCO’s Tentative List. It includes Ston and Mali Ston, the connecting walls, the protected natural area of Mali Ston Bay, Stonsko Polje and the salt pans. Tentative List status is not the same as inscription on the World Heritage List. The Ston fortification system is 5.5 kilometres long and comprises the walls of Ston and Mali Ston, the Great Wall, 41 towers and six bastions.

The Lapidarium, one of the more significant collections of medieval art in southern Croatia, is housed in the Bishop’s Palace in Ston. It displays stone chancel screens, frescoes and ornaments with rich interlace decoration. They illustrate the artistic output of Ston and its immediate surroundings, from Roman antiquity through later historical periods. The Church of St Michael, with its valuable old frescoes, stands on the hill above Stonsko Polje.

Further details can be found across the settlements of the municipality: Stonsko Polje preserves the Roman land division and features numerous small churches and chapels. In Mali Ston, the Koruna Tower consists of four smaller towers. A wall protects the harbour and ends at the cylindrical Toljevac Tower; the pier dates from 1491. The Church of St Roko-Julian stands in the centre of Žuljana.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

The hiking route to Mount Sveti Ivan starts at Žuljana beach and climbs towards Vučine Bay. It is 6 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of 465 metres. For comparing cycling routes, two approximate distances are available: from Ston through Vino to Prapratno is about 6 kilometres, while from Ston to Kobaš and Marčuleti Bay is about 8 kilometres.

The Napoleon Road runs for 7 kilometres to Ponikve and can be travelled by bicycle or on foot. The routes described therefore differ both in length and in whether they are specified for walking, cycling or both. Žuljana also offers diving at attractive dive sites, organised by local dive centres.

Coast and Getting Around

Broce has a coastline accessible to yachts and smaller boats. Kobaš is known as a destination for yacht owners and sailors. These maritime attractions complement the hiking and cycling options, offering further ways to plan your trip.

The D-414 state road runs through Ston and Zamaslina to Zaton Doli, the last settlement in the Municipality of Ston. Bus services connect Ston with several cities in Croatia and some cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check the timetables before travelling. A year-round ferry service runs from Prapratno to the island of Mljet; check the latest ferry times before departure.

When looking for a hotel in the Municipality of Ston, it helps to first decide on the focus of your trip: the walls and collections in Ston and Mali Ston, the hiking route starting in Žuljana, or the ferry service from Prapratno are in different parts of the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Duba Stonska, Putnikovic, Ston, Prapratna, Hodilje, Zaton Doli, Dančanje, Broce, Metohija, Mali Ston, Zuljana.

For the broader travel overview: Peljesac.