Accent on Travel’s Annette Nero Stellhorn shares her choices for the best oyster experiences around the globe
Dubrovnik & Ston, Estonia
Hike the walled city or just go directly to one of the popular oyster bars to enjoy an afternoon of Champagne and oyster tasting. I recommend an afternoon treat with a private gourmand tour to the Peljesac Peninsula, just outside of Dubrovnik. Visit with a local wine producer for a tasting, then board a small private boat for a short sail to the oyster beds, where you will continue to enjoy their local wine while tasting their fabulous oysters and mussels right from the sea.
Miyajima Island, Japan
Best known for its “floating” Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island boasts some of the best grilled oysters available anywhere. Oyster-grilling stands line the streets, making this another reason to spend a night or two in the area, rather than tasking yourself to take a day trip out of Kyoto.
Cancale, France
I cannot mention oysters without including France and its oyster capital of Brittany Cancale. Their famous oysters were brought here by Louis XIV from Versailles. Cancale sits on the Mont Saint Michel Bay and boasts one of Europe’s highest concentration of seafood restaurants. You can buy freshly harvested oysters and dine on a bench overlooking the Bay or find a secluded spot at one of the restaurants’ terrace tables to enjoy a memorable seafood platter. Make sure to take a look at the oyster beds along the Bay.
Galway, Ireland
Gerry, a marine biologist by training, and his daughter, Ciara, run their family-owned oyster-trading company on the south shore of Galway Bay, where Grade-A waters fed by underground streams from the Burren River have provided nutrients to these delicious oysters for centuries. Gerry is passionate about showing guests how to recognize high-quality oysters. Enjoy a two-hour tour for lunch or dinner and pick your own oysters from their seawater tanks. You’ll learn how to shuck and enjoy with your choice of condiments. Gerry keeps a nice selection of optional wines to pair with your oysters, too.
Annette Nero Stellhorn is owner of Accent on Travel, an award-winning travel agency boasting 10 full-time travel advisors who, in combination, have traveled to over 128 countries. Accent on Travel has locations in Rehoboth Beach, Wilmington and Towson, Md. Annette and her husband, Rick Stellhorn, have been traveling the world for the past 30 years and bring a wealth of knowledge to the travel industry, their staff and clients. Appointments are highly recommended for consultations and travel planning.
