Day 3 - Dubrovnik to Ston 60 km

Day 3 Dubrovnik to Ston

Up bright and early to beat the traffic for our first day of cycling from Dubrovnik to Ston. We took the road past the harbour and up the river to access the D8 road at the western side of the town.

 The D8 along the coast is absolutely breathtaking with lots of little islands dotted off the coast. Unfortunately it was quite overcast which didn't give us the full perspective of the color of the sea. It must be absolutely amazing to see on a beautifully clear day.

We found the undulating hills along the coast and the cool weather wonderful cycling conditions.

We stopped at Trsteno Arboretum which features hundreds of Mediterranean, American and Asian plants - all labelled as well as the 18th century Neptune Fountain which is the centrepiece of the garden. After 30 km we needed a break and stopped at Slano for a omelette to refuel. One works up quite an appetite when it is cold!

It was a relief to turn off the busy D8 to the Peljesac Peninsula. This is one of the most renowned wine producing areas in Croatia. The Red wines are made from Plavac Mali which is related to the Zinfandel grape. Stopped at Levenic winery to taste their various

vintages of Plavac Mali we were pleasantly surprised and promptly bought a bottle of Gaspar 2007 to have with dinner.

Mali Ston & Ston are well known for their  oysters and Mussels So we stopped at a little wooden hut on the RHS as you enter Mali Ston to sample the oysters, we were not disappointed, they were absolutely delicious.

Then onto Ston,we got there just in time to find accomodation under the old wall before the heavens opened and it rained steadily all afternoon. Supper was a delicious pot of local garlic butter mussels.

View of Great Wall of Croatia (5,5km) from Mali Ston and Sampling the delicious Oysters.