In Mali Ston, a protected marine landscape meets a distinctive defensive history. Add to that shellfish farming and seafood cuisine. When planning a stay, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to focus on the bay, the wall route or the history of the town.
The Bay, Marine Protection and Shellfish Farming
Since 1983, the Bay of Mali Ston has been protected as a special marine reserve and is part of the Natura 2000 site HR4000015. The cleanliness of the sea, water temperature, freshwater inflow and depth support shellfish farming. The bay’s conditions are therefore an important part of its connection to oyster and mussel culture, while the characteristics of the protected area reveal another aspect of the landscape.
Harbour and Fortifications
Koruna was one of the three main defensive fortresses in the Great Wall system. The Great Wall extends from the Koruna Fortress in Mali Ston; a branch leads to Podzvizd. The Great Wall is 5.5 kilometres long. Mali Ston’s defensive history also includes fortified town walls and harbour gates. The harbour was built in the 15th century, modelled on Dubrovnik’s old town harbour.
The town’s planned character is also part of its history: Mali Ston was intended as a fortified site with a harbour, arsenal, shipyard and defensive structure. The parish church of St Anthony the Abbot was built between 1309 and 1394. As part of local history, it represents a different, ecclesiastical focus alongside the fortifications. Together, the fortress, walls, harbour and church offer a multifaceted view of Mali Ston’s history.
On Foot, on the Water and Along the Coast
Access to the walls of Ston is in Mali Ston, by Koruna Fortress. From there, visitors can walk along the Great Wall to the Barabanata Tower. If you plan to take this route, check the current access conditions before your visit, as opening arrangements may change. Another walking route leads from Ston to Mali Ston, either via the walls or along a promenade. This offers two different ways to travel between the towns.
The bay can also be experienced in different ways: kayaking through the Bay of Mali Ston is considered one way to discover its natural and cultural heritage. There are coves and beaches for swimming; swimming conditions may vary by season. When planning a stay, you can consider these options alongside the wall route as different focal points, without having to combine them into a set itinerary.
Shellfish and Regional Cuisine
Mali Ston is associated with shellfish farming, and local restaurants are known for fresh seafood specialities. Oysters are eaten with lemon; oyster soup is considered a traditional dish. In the wider destination of Općina Ston, the Mali Ston oyster has a European Union Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Also in the wider destination of Općina Ston, salt production in the Ston salt pans has continued for a long time. These regional connections add to the picture of Mali Ston without conflating the features of the town with those of the wider destination.
Discover more destinations: Duba Stonska, Metohija, Putnikovic, Zaton Doli, Ston, DanÄŤanje, Prapratna, Hodilje
For the overview of the wider destination: Općina Ston.
