Ston Tour – Walls, Salt, Oysters and Pelješac Wine
A relaxed private day on the Pelješac peninsula: the great walls of Ston, the oldest working salt pans in Europe, fresh oysters from Mali Ston bay and tastings at boutique family wineries.
Ston sits about an hour north of Dubrovnik, at the neck of the Pelješac peninsula, and it is one of the most rewarding half-day escapes from the city. It is best known for its defensive wall, the second longest in the world, built by the Republic of Ragusa to protect something extremely valuable: salt.
The salt pans below the walls are still worked today using the same method, and they are the reason the town exists at all. From there it is a short drive to Mali Ston, where the sheltered bay produces the oysters and mussels that Croatians travel for. Oyster season peaks in spring, but the bay produces year round.
The second half of the day belongs to wine. The Pelješac peninsula is home to Plavac Mali, including the celebrated Dingač and Postup positions, and we visit boutique family cellars where the person pouring your glass usually made the wine themselves.
The route runs along the coast and over the Pelješac Bridge, which is free and bypasses the Bosnian Neum corridor, so there is no border crossing and no passport queue on this tour.
Everything at a glance.
- Starting point
- Your hotel, private accommodation, villa, or your cruise ship at Gruž port in Dubrovnik.
- Destination
- Ston, Mali Ston and the Pelješac wine region.
- Duration
- 7 to 8 hours
- Approximate distance
- 55 km (about 34 miles) each way. 55 km (about 34 miles) each way to Ston. The wine road towards Dingač and Postup adds roughly another 25 km (16 miles).
- Approximate driving time
- 60 to 80 minutes each way to Ston, depending on traffic.
- Passengers & vehicle
- Up to 4 passengers in a car or sedan, up to 8 in a V-Class or similar van.
- Pickup availability
- Available daily, all year. Morning departures are recommended so you reach the wineries before the afternoon heat.
- Private tour
- A fully private tour. No other guests join, and the pace is entirely yours.
How the day unfolds.
- 1
Pickup in Dubrovnik
Collection from your hotel, apartment, villa or cruise ship at a time that suits you.
- 2
Coastal drive north
A scenic hour along the Adriatic coast towards the neck of the Pelješac peninsula.
- 3
Ston walls and salt pans
Free time in the old town to walk the walls, see the salt pans and hear how salt made Ston wealthy.
- 4
Mali Ston bay
Fresh oysters and shellfish straight from the bay, with the option of a seafood lunch by the water.
- 5
Pelješac wineries
Tastings at boutique family cellars in the Plavac Mali heartland.
- 6
Return to Dubrovnik
Back to your accommodation or ship in the late afternoon or early evening.
What you will see.
- Ston old town and the great defensive walls
- Ston salt pans, still worked by hand
- Mali Ston bay, famous for oysters and mussels
- Two boutique Pelješac wineries for tastings
- Vineyard or seaside lunch stop
- Photo stops along the Pelješac Bridge and coastal road
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for your group only
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Hotel, apartment or cruise port pickup and return
- Flexible timing and a route adjusted to your interests
- Two boutique winery visits arranged in advance
- Photo stops along the way
- Ston city walls entrance ticket
- Wine tasting fees at the wineries
- Oysters, lunch and drinks
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and gratuities
- Travel insurance
Price
from €320
Indicative starting price for the private vehicle, driver and route. The final price depends on group size and how far along the wine road you would like to go, and is confirmed in writing before you book.
- No passport or border crossing is needed. The route uses the Pelješac Bridge and stays inside Croatia.
- Durations are approximate and can change with traffic, roadworks, weather and how long you linger at each stop.
- Winery visits and lunch tables are better reserved in advance, so please tell us your preferences when booking.
- Oyster season peaks in spring, though the bay produces throughout the year.
Accessibility & walking
The drive and the winery visits involve little walking. Climbing the Ston walls is steep, with uneven stone steps and no shade, so it is optional; guests who prefer to skip it can enjoy the town, the salt pans and the waterfront instead.
Meeting & drop-off
Your driver meets you at your accommodation entrance or at the agreed pickup point at Gruž cruise port, and returns you to the same place at the end of the day.
Frequently asked questions.
How far is Ston from Dubrovnik?+
Ston is about 55 km (34 miles) north of Dubrovnik, roughly 60 to 80 minutes of driving each way.
Do we need a passport for the Ston tour?+
No. The route follows the coast and crosses the Pelješac Bridge, which bypasses the Bosnian Neum corridor, so the whole tour stays inside Croatia.
What is Ston famous for?+
Its defensive wall, the second longest in the world, the salt pans that are still worked today, the oysters of Mali Ston bay and the Plavac Mali wines of the Pelješac peninsula.
Can we walk the Ston walls?+
Yes. The walls are open to visitors with a separate entrance ticket. The climb is steep and exposed, so we plan the timing around the heat and it always remains optional.
Ready to book this tour?
Send your dates, pickup address and group size. We normally reply within 2 hours with a fixed price and the full plan for the day.
