This small medieval town on a tiny island has the smallest cathedral in the world and ancient salt pans still producing sea salt using traditional methods from Roman times.
Nin sits on a small island in a shallow lagoon along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, connected to land by 16th-century stone bridges. Walk through streets where medieval Croatian kings once ruled, passing the 9th-century Church of the Holy Cross – its walls measure less than 8 meters in length – or step into warm waters at Queen’s Beach. Workers still harvest salt in pans using techniques from Roman times, and people come here for mud believed to help with joint pain. You’ll find remnants of a Roman temple near a full-size copy of a 10th-century sailing ship, and every June, crowds gather at dawn to watch sunlight align perfectly with the church windows. This town keeps its history alive through working traditions and seasonal celebrations rather than static museums.
Visit Landmarks from Croatia’s Early Kingdom
Start at the Church of the Holy Cross, built in 860 AD with walls thinner than most modern closets. Its doorframe aligns with the summer solstice sunrise, creating a light show celebrated during the June Festival of the Sun. Walk 15 minutes northwest to the Coronation Church of St. Nicholas, where seven kings received their crowns between 800-1100 AD. Look for the bronze statue of Bishop Gregory near St. Anselm’s Church – his raised finger points toward the Glagolitic alphabet he helped preserve. These sites cluster within a 500-meter radius, letting you trace Croatia’s medieval roots in under two hours.
Use Natural Mud and Swim in Shallow Waters
Queen’s Beach stretches west of town with sand so gradually sloping that water stays below chest level 100 meters out. Families favor this area for its lack of sudden drops and ice cream stands near the parking lot. East of Nin, wooden walkways lead across the lagoon to Ninska Laguna Beach, where sandbars create private-feeling spots at low tide. Between June and August, medical staff from Zadar supervise free mud therapy sessions – spread the iron-rich sludge on your skin, let it dry for 20 minutes, then wash off in the sea. Many hotels provide towels specifically for this purpose.
Watch Salt Harvesting and Learn Maritime History
Every July and August, workers in wide-brimmed hats scrape salt from Nin’s evaporation ponds using wooden rakes unchanged since Venetian rule. The Salt Museum displays 17th-century scales and explains how salt taxes funded local monasteries. Nearby, a reconstructed 10th-century Condura Croatica ship shows how traders transported goods along the coast. Bring binoculars to spot avocets and egrets feeding in the salt marsh wetlands during spring migrations. If visiting off-season, you can still walk the salt pan paths and read informational plaques.
Join Seasonal Festivals and Water Sports
On June 21st, arrive before sunrise at the Church of the Holy Cross to hear live classical music as light floods through its eastern window. The Šokolijada festival every June weekend lets you taste almond biscuits baked in communal ovens and watch competitions for the thinnest dough. In July, join locals rowing traditional boats to Zečevo Island’s 15th-century chapel during the Feast of Our Lady. For physical activities, Surfmania Center rents kayaks for exploring nearby Sakarun Beach and gives kitesurfing lessons when winds average 15-20 knots.
Take Short Trips to Nearby Parks and Cities
Zadar lies 25 minutes south by car – spend an afternoon listening to ocean waves play melodies through the Sea Organ’s underwater pipes. Drive 45 minutes north to Paklenica National Park, where hiking trails pass waterfalls and 400-meter cliffs popular with rock climbers. Boat tours from Nin’s harbor visit the Kornati Islands’ underwater caves, with snorkeling gear provided. Closer by, guided walks through Nin’s salt marshes identify plants like the endangered Illyrian sea lavender blooming each May.
Transportation and Parking Tips
Zadar Airport handles flights from major European cities, with buses to Nin departing hourly until 10 PM. If renting a car, note that Nin’s Old Town prohibits vehicles – park in the 200-space lot near the sports field and cross the pedestrian bridge. Buses from Zadar cost 25 kuna ($3.50) and take 35 minutes. The Zaton Holiday Resort south of town has free shuttles to Queen’s Beach every 90 minutes. Between June and August, arrive before 9 AM to secure beachside parking.
