Nin lies 15 km north of Zadar on a tiny island in a shallow lagoon, linked to the mainland by two stone bridges. In the Middle Ages it was the seat of Croatian kings and bishops – today it is a quiet little town with some of the longest sandy beaches on the Croatian coast, healing mud and salt pans. One of Dalmatia's best choices for families with small children.
At a glance
Region
North Dalmatia
From Zadar
approx. 15 km
Airport
Zadar (approx. 25 km)
Beaches
sand, very shallow
Best time to visit
June to September
Ideal for
families with toddlers, kitesurfers, culture lovers
History in miniature
The little 9th-century Church of the Holy Cross (Sv. Križ) is often called the "smallest cathedral in the world"; its windows are aligned so that they mark the sun's position like a calendar. In front of the town gate stands the bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, a 10th-century bishop who championed the liturgy in Croatian – rubbing his big toe is said to bring luck. Outside town, on a hill, stands the Romanesque church of St Nicholas, where legend says Croatian kings were crowned.
Beaches, mud and salt
Kraljičina plaža (Queen's Beach) long sandy beach with very shallow water and views of the Velebit
Ždrijac sandy beach near the old town, also child-friendly
Healing mud (peloid) mineral-rich lagoon mud has traditionally been applied for joint and skin complaints
Salt pans sea salt has been produced here since antiquity; a small salt museum explains the process
Kitesurfing the shallow, windy bays are a popular kite spot
Honest verdict
Nin is small and quiet – there are a few restaurants in the evening but no nightlife. When it's windy the shallow water quickly turns cloudy; kitesurfers love it, swimmers less so. In high summer the beaches are busy and parking is scarce. In return Nin is one of the few places in Dalmatia where children can dig in the sand for hours and play in knee-deep water.
