A Butcher’s Daughter Tastes the Sea: My First Real Oyster in Ston

I grew up as a butcher’s daughter — and in our house, that means one thing: we know good food. Fresh, local, home-cooked meals were a part of everyday life. So yes, you could say we’re a bit spoiled when it comes to taste.

Whenever I travel, the first thing I do is try the local food. But I also love to find a restaurant that offers something completely new — something I’ve never tasted before. For me, that’s what makes a trip truly memorable. After all, I eat well at home every day — so when I’m away, I want something special.

But let’s get to the heart of the story: oysters.

The biggest foodie in my family is my brother Ante — no surprise he runs his own restaurant. Honestly, he’s like a living, breathing food guide. He’s eaten in every region of Croatia, knows every hidden tavern and local gem, and always has a recommendation for the best dish or freshest catch.

And he’s obsessed with oysters.

Every time I headed down south, he’d call or text:

“Bring me oysters!”
So, like a good sister, I would. I even carried them in a pot filled with sea water to keep them as fresh as possible on the trip home.

As for me? I tried them a few times. But… meh. Chewy, rubbery — just not my thing.
Until this year.

The Day Everything Changed: March 19th in Ston

In Croatia, March 19th is the feast day of Saint Joseph, and in the coastal town of Ston, it’s also Oyster Day – a full-on celebration of these salty little delicacies.

That’s the time when the oysters are at their absolute best — full of flavor, packed with nutrients, and tasting like the sea itself thanks to the spring plankton.

I joined a group of fellow tour guides on a special excursion. We hopped on a boat and headed out to the oyster farms, standing on floating platforms while local fishermen pulled oysters straight from the water.

I thought, “Okay, I’ll try one. It’s tradition. And it’s healthy — iodine, thyroid support, all that.”

I took a deep breath and slurped one straight from the shell.

And just like that — I was hooked.

What. Was. That.
Fresh, cold, briny, soft — it melted in my mouth like butter. This wasn’t the rubbery texture I remembered. This was pure sea magic.

To make it even better, I had a glass of chilled Pošip, one of the best white wines from the region — the perfect pairing.

Welcome to Pelješac: The Hidden Gem Next to Dubrovnik

Ston is located on the Pelješac Peninsula, and honestly, this whole area is a treasure. It’s a half-island full of vineyards, ancient salt pans, and small towns that feel like they’ve been frozen in time.

Ston itself has massive medieval walls — some call them the “European Great Wall of China.” Others say it looks like a mini Dubrovnik (and they’re not wrong).

And the wine? Oh, the wine. Pelješac is home to some of Croatia’s most famous wineries. Whether you like white or red, dry or sweet — this region will surprise you.

Don’t Just Dream of Dubrovnik – Stop in Ston, Too

I know everyone comes to Croatia dreaming of Dubrovnik, and yes, it’s stunning. But if you’re heading that way, plan a stop in Ston.

Try the oysters fresh from the sea. Sip the local wine. Wander the ancient walls. You’ll thank me later.

Because sometimes, one oyster can change everything.

Nikolina Tomasović

Hi, I’m Nikolina Tomasovic Bock. I studied journalism, but after some time, I realized that the fast-paced world of news wasn’t really for me. I decided to slow down and live more like my ancestors did, close to nature, in the countryside, with my dog, cats, chickens, and my husband.

There are many tour guides out there, so why choose me? I’ve traveled quite a bit and, like Candide from Voltaire said, there’s no better place than the one you know and where you grew up. That’s why I love showing people the real, authentic side of my country, the small towns and villages of Dalmatia where life still feels genuine and connected to the past.

When I travel, I’m not drawn to big cities, I love to wander in order to find the original cultural character. Instead, I want to see the places that make a country unique, the local traditions, the small details, the everyday life that tells a story. That’s exactly what you’ll find here.

If you’re ready to explore something different, I’m ready to guide you. I know many stories from my work as a journalist, stories that don’t always make it into guidebooks. Trust me, together we’ll find something special that will make your visit unforgettable, even if you’re a demanding traveler.

Let me show you the real Dalmatia, the one I’m proud to call home.