Holiday in Nin

What makes Nin special as a destination?

Nin is one of the oldest cities in Croatia and a hidden gem just 15 kilometers north of Zadar, combining history, healing mud, and dreamy sandy beaches in a compact area. The tiny old town is located on a small island connected to the mainland by two stone bridges and houses the Church of the Holy Cross – often referred to as the smallest cathedral in the world. This pre-Romanesque building from the 9th century served as the coronation church for Croatian kings and is an architectural masterpiece of the Carolingian era. What makes Nin particularly attractive for beachgoers is the unique combination of fine sandy beaches and natural healing mud. Kraljičina plaža (Queen's Beach) is one of the rare genuine sandy beaches in Croatia – a country otherwise known for its pebble beaches. In the lagoon of Nin, there is also a natural peloid mud deposit, whose healing mud has been used for centuries for joint and skin problems. Visitors smear the warm mud on their skin and let it dry in the sun – a free wellness experience outdoors. The shallow lagoon in front of Nin is also a prime area for kite surfers and stand-up paddlers, as the water is shallow and warm, and the north wind Bura provides ideal conditions. For families with small children, the gently sloping sandy beaches are a dream. Nin is strategically located for day trips to Zadar, the Plitvice Lakes, or the islands of Pag and Vir. Zadar Airport is only 20 minutes away. The town itself can be explored on foot in an hour but offers enough charm for a multi-day stay.