Our Oyster Tasting Journey in Mali Ston
5 minI had long been eager to visit this charming little town, one I’d known only through postcard scenes and the evocative words of travel writers and culinary connoisseurs. But the moment we stepped into Mali Ston, I sensed this experience would be about far more than just food. It was already unfolding as a story of history, tradition, and the most authentic, unspoilt flavours the Adriatic offers.
Our Visit to Mali Ston
Known for its centuries-old oyster farming tradition and crystal-clear bay, this tiny Croatian town had long captured our imagination. At the heart of our experience in Mali Ston was Bota Šare, a family-run restaurant renowned for serving oysters pulled straight from the sea. We came not just to taste, but to connect with the traditions that make this place unlike anywhere else.
The charming town of Ston, framed by its impressive medieval walls, among the longest in Europe, and known for its rich history, saltworks, and world-famous oysters
But Mali Ston isn’t just about oysters; it’s a place where history is part of the landscape. Just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront, you’ll find the impressive Walls of Ston, a medieval fortification dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Once stretching over 5 kilometres, they’re among the longest preserved city walls in Europe and were built to guard the town’s most valuable assets at the time: its salt and oysters. Right nearby, you can also visit the ancient saltworks, which are still in use today. Walking through them feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the traditional salt production that once helped fund the Republic of Ragusa’s prosperity.
Why These Oysters Are So Special
Our visit to Mali Ston on our way to Dubrovnik was driven by more than just curiosity; it was a deliberate journey in search of one of the Adriatic’s most celebrated delicacies: the famed Mali Ston oyster, so we were happy to be able to learn more about their connection to this area and when it all started.
Freshly harvested oysters being shucked and served in Mali Ston, an authentic tasting experience showcasing the Adriatic’s prized delicacy, the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis)
Historical Overview and International Awards
Oyster farming in Mali Ston dates back to ancient times and was highly valued during the Dubrovnik Republic, which even regulated it with strict laws. By the late 19th century, Mali Ston oysters were exported across Europe to cities like Vienna, Prague, and Paris. Experts have long praised their flavour, often ranking them above other oysters, even those of the same species. They were awarded the Grand Prix and Gold Medal for quality at the London International Exhibition in 1936, sealing their reputation as some of the world’s finest.
European Flat Oyster – A Gastronomic Treasure of Croatia
Mali Ston Bay is one of the most famous and best-preserved habitats for Ostrea edulis, a native species prized across Europe for its delicate texture and refined taste. These oysters are so unique and high-quality that they’ve earned protected designation status, making them a gastronomic treasure of Croatia.
Oyster Farming With Traditional Methods
Oyster farming in Mali Ston dates back to Roman times, and the techniques have been passed down through generations. Farmers still use traditional, eco-friendly methods, raising oysters on ropes in the bay for 2–3 years, ensuring quality and sustainability over mass production. European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) can release between 100,000 and 1 million eggs, and only around 0.1% survive. Mali Ston Bay offers a rare mix of freshwater and saltwater, where the Neretva River flows into the Adriatic Sea. This creates ideal salinity and nutrient conditions for oysters, giving them a distinct mineral-rich flavour and clean, briny finish that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Tasting Oysters Straight from the Bay
A young oyster farmer shucking oysters by the water, offering guests a truly authentic tasting experience straight from Mali Ston Bay
One of the best parts of our visit to Mali Ston was joining Bota Šare’s oyster boat tour. The boat leaves right from the restaurant and takes you into the bay in less than 15 minutes. A local oyster farmer, Mr. Tomislav Šare, welcomed us on board with homemade sweets and a shot of brandy, then showed us how oysters are pulled straight from the sea. We got to taste them right there on the boat: fresh, cold, and straight from the water. It made the whole experience feel timeless, almost ceremonial, like joining a ritual passed down for generations.
Oysters growing on traditional ropes beneath a wooden platform in Mali Ston Bay, a centuries-old farming method that nurtures some of the finest oysters in Europe
With just a touch of salt and lemon, the oyster needed nothing more. Smooth, cold, and delicately buttery, it was a reminder that when something is truly exceptional, simplicity is the best way to honour it.
Freshly shucked Mali Ston oysters with lemon
Bota Šare: A Local Gem
Bota Šare isn’t just a restaurant – it’s part of the story. Housed in what was once a medieval salt storage building right on the waterfront, and watched over by an old stone tower, it blends perfectly into the town’s historic charm. The Šare family opened it in the 1980s, building their menu around two handwritten Dubrovnik-era cookbooks they’d rediscovered. Today, those timeworn recipes are still at the heart of the kitchen, bringing traditional Dalmatian flavours to life with a modern touch. Tasting oysters at the table is one thing, but pulling them from the sea and eating them fresh on the water is a completely different experience. Nevertheless, we finished the day with a delicious lunch at the restaurant with a harbour view.
Savouring a refined seafood platter with sashimi and shellfish
Best Time to Visit Mali Ston
Enjoying the scenic boat ride in Mali Ston Bay – an unforgettable day of oysters, sunshine, and Adriatic charm with friends
The best time to visit Mali Ston for oyster tasting is between March and May, when the oysters are at their peak – full, plump, and especially flavourful after the colder months. If you want a truly special experience, time your visit around St. Joseph’s Day (March 19th), when the Mali Ston Oyster Festival is held. It’s a lively celebration of local seafood, wine, and tradition. Oysters are available year-round, so even a summer or autumn visit will reward you with fresh, local shellfish, just with a different texture and size.
Oyster and Seafood Excursion from Dubrovnik
If the oyster experience in Mali Ston left you wanting more, consider the Fishing Trip & Lunch at BOWA from Dubrovnik. Spend the day at sea with a pro crew, fishing for tuna, dentex, or amberjack, and watching your hosts prepare the catch on board. Then relax at the restaurant with oysters, sashimi, a tasting menu, and fine wine, perfect for 2-4 guests craving both adventure and indulgence.
