Mali Ston – A True Treasure

Mali Ston is located on the southern Dalmatian coast in Croatia. It is a true treasure, no doubt. There is plenty of evidence to back this up. But, the prime reason behind this article is due to Mali Ston being a source of magical inspiration behind my children’s picture book – MY GRANDMA IS LIKE THE SEA. Hence, why this is located within the ‘Parenting’ section of Nala’s Den.

Where do I begin? Or, more so where do I stop? In case you’re wondering, Mali Ston is a connection to my heritage and I can’t help but share more about this place. Surely, it will a-ston-ish you! The below is a narrowed down version of some interesting facts about Mali Ston.

Let’s roll with it…

2. What exactly is ‘White Gold’? Answer: Ston’s highly regarded salt pans! The salt pans of Ston are one of the oldest and best preserved in Europe. [4] Have you ever wondered where the word ‘salary’ originated from? [5] Think in terms of SALT! At the time of Dubrovnik Republic, the value of 1kg of gold = 1kg of salt. [6] A key reason why the salt pans were so important to the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik). This was also a driving factor when originally purchasing this part of land. (When I was younger, I was always tempted to try and drink the salt straight from the beds!) P.S. they are still producing salt manually today.

6. Mali Ston is famous for its Oysters, Mussels (Molluscs), and highly regarded for its Seafood. Particularly the Ostrea Edulis (European Flat Oyster). The conditions are just perfect due to the combination of salt, fresh water and phytoplankton. The Oyster in itself is another source of inspiration behind my children’s picture book. Read more about it from BBC HERE, as well as on Nala’s Den HERE. [9]

For more visual insight, click here to check out my cousin explaining the process.

7. The Ostrea Edulis Oyster (European Flat Oyster) received the Grand Prix and Gold Medal at the General Trades International Exhibition in London in 1936. It is also the 28^th Croatian product to receive the European protected designation of origin. [10]

8. Mali Ston is known to be a gastronomic paradise. Check out 2 highly regarded seafood restaurants in Croatia – Bota Šare and Kapetanova Kuća.

9. If you’re a peachy keen jelly bean on both cake AND pasta, then you must check out Stonska Torta originating from Ston. It’s like magic! When you slice this cake, pasta appears!

10. Some time ago, a communal bell would ring at lunch time to remind the locals of Mali Ston to have lunch at home. Solidifying the importance of bonding, family and a shared meal.

As you have discovered above, Mali Ston and its surroundings are a true treasure. Once time permits, you may be want to see this gem for yourself! Or try an Oyster or two… or 6, or 12!

Nala xx

Article Sources 

1. The stone walls of Ston.The Dubrovnik Times. November 2016.
2. Historical-town planning ensemble of Ston with Mali Ston, connecting walls, the Mali Ston Bay nature reserve, Stonsko Polje and the salt pans. UNESCO.
3. Building Dubrovnik’s Wealth: The White Gold of Ston. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik.
4. Ston. My Croatia Cruise.
5. From Salt to Salary: Linguists take a page from Science. NPR. November 2014.
6. Oysters of Ston. Culinary Croatia.
7. Ston. My Croatia Cruise.
8. Renovated Ston Walls opened. Korčula Info.
9. The Prized Famous Oyster of Mali Ston. Nala’s Den. 2021.
10. Oysters from Mali Ston become 28th Croatian product awarded EU protection. Croatia Week. October 2020.
11. A Delicacy that makes you feel Alive. BBC Travel. December 2015.

Additional Reading