Ston

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The picturesque mediaeval village of Ston lies at the top of the Stonski Kanal, a five mile-long cleft at the SE end of the Peljesac Peninsula on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The Kanal entrance is around 20 miles NW of Dubrovnik. Together with its sister hamlet of Mali Ston, the two settlements straddle the narrowest part of the peninsula, just over a kilometer apart, although Mali Ston can only be reached by sea from Ston via the Neretvanski Kanal on the N side of the peninsula,a trip of some 50 miles. The two hamlets were linked by over five kilometers of defensive walls in the 14th century, parts of which survive today, to protect its vital salt industry. In spite of attempts on the part of the Republic of Dubrovnik and later by French Napoleonic forces during their occupation to join the two via a canal, the project was never completed and the two remain separated by a 15 minute walk. The Stonski Kanal is accessible by most shallow to moderate draft yachts, with minimum depths of 3.3 metres, and there are depths of 2.3-2.5 metres at the quay below the settlement and 3.0 in the anchorage.

Weather

Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the Velebitski channel. It tends to blow less strongly S of Zadar.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Charts

British Admiralty

1580

Croatian

100-21

Imray

M25

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Islands

• Sipan
• Mljet

Navigation

The channel up to Ston is quite broad as far as the small village of Broce, four miles from the open sea, where the channel is at its shallowest, with depths off Broce jetty of 3.3 metres. From Broce onwards the channel narrows and is marked by five port and two starboard buoys. Pass close to the head of the jetty at Broce to clear a reported underwater obstruction on the E side of the channel. After Broce, keep to the centre of the channel where the water is deepest. The depths shoal very quickly once you stray from the centre. On arrival at Ston, continue along the half mile long embankment that separates the channel from the salt pans to the W to arrive at the quay. Least depths in this part of the channel are 3.6 metres.

Berthing options

The best place to moor is alongside the quay on the W side at the top of the channel, where there is space for around three yachts (four if small ones). Depths along the quay are between 2.3 and 2.5 metres only. Note that in certain atmospheric conditions – especially with strong S winds – the depths can oscillate by up to 0.5 metre owing to a 'sec' (seche), often within 20 minutes or so.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Alternatively to the quay it may be possible to anchor off in 3.0 - 4.0 metres clear of the small craft moorings, but only with the harbourmaster's permission and if the quay is full. There are varying reports of the holding here, so a visit to Ston may not be a good idea in unsettled weather. In any event, there is a better anchorage at Broce, just S of the two port markers leading to the channel up to Ston. Depths here are 5.0 metres and the holding is good in mud and weed. Shelter is good except in southerlies.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel or electricity. Water available for a fee.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The hamlet and its sister hamlet of Mali Ston are a delight to explore, rather like a miniature and less frenetic version of Dubrovnik. Part of the defensive walls that once protected Ston and its sister settlement still survive and it is possible to climb their length all the way to Mali Ston. The walls are open 0800 to 1900 and an admission fee of 40 kuna is charged. There is a good footpath along the road back if you do not want to return via the walls. The salt works (which are still operational) can also be visited for a small fee.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Supermarket and several provisions shops in the village.

Eateries

Several café/bars and restaurants.

Internet/WiFi

At some cafes.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Bin at the quay.

Transportation

Buses to Dubrovnik.

Routes/Passages To/From

See Croatia.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Ston at the Wikipedia

For other useful websites, see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Ston and this page's details validated:

• June 2014 --Athene of Lymington

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Contributors to this page
Names: Haiqu, Athene of Lymington