Bay of Mali Ston, Protected bay in Varaždin County, Croatia
The Bay of Mali Ston is a coastal inlet on the Adriatic Sea that stretches roughly 28 kilometers and reaches depths of about 29 meters in its center. The waters support shellfish farming with shallow zones where cultivation structures are visible from the surface.
In the 14th century, the area gained importance when defensive walls were built to connect the towns of Ston and Mali Ston. These fortifications still stand today and reflect the region's strategic role during medieval times.
Oyster and mussel farming shapes how locals interact with the water, with families working on small plots using techniques that have remained largely the same for centuries. You can observe these cultivation methods directly from the shore and see how they structure daily life in the surrounding villages.
Visit during the warmer months when water conditions are more pleasant and you can see farming activities in full action. The bay is easily accessible from nearby towns, with paths and viewpoints along the coastline that offer clear views of the water.
The waters here contain conditions that make them excellent for European flat oyster farming, a species that thrives in few other places. These specific ecological features explain why the bay has become renowned for shellfish production globally.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
