Nin
The tiny Nin (about 2,800 inhabitants), just 17 km north of Zadar, is full of surprises. The old town is located on a circular island, connected to the mainland by two bridges — once one of the most important cities of the medieval Croatian kingdom.
Sights & Experiences
★ Church of the Holy Cross (Sv. Križ)
“The smallest cathedral in the world" — a tiny pre-Romanesque church from the 9th century (only 7.8 × 7.6 m), also known as the “Sundial of Croatia." The windows are positioned so that the incoming light creates exact markings on the floor during equinoxes and solstices. An architectural and astronomical masterpiece of the early Middle Ages.
2€. April–October: 9–19 hrs. On the old town island.
★ Sandy Beach Kraljičina plaža (Queen's Beach)
A rarity in Croatia: a true sandy beach — shallow, warm, ideal for families with small children. The water in the shallow lagoon warms up to 28°C in summer. Nearby are peloids (healing mud), which locals and tourists have been applying for centuries — said to be good for skin and joints.
Free access. Parking 5€/day in summer.
Healing Mud Therapy
In the lagoon near Nin, there are natural peloid muds known for their healing properties since Roman times. You smear the dark mud on your skin, let it dry in the sun, and wash it off in the sea. Free, fun, and supposedly good for rheumatism, skin problems, and stress.
Grgur Ninski Statue
In front of the city gate stands a copy of the famous Grgur Ninski Statue by Ivan Meštrović (the original is in Split). Bishop Gregory of Nin fought in the 10th century for the right to hold mass in Croatian instead of Latin. Here too: Touching the toe brings luck.
💡 Tipp
Nin is perfect for a half-day trip from Zadar. Visit the old town and church in the morning, relax on the sandy beach and enjoy a mud treatment in the afternoon. Bus from Zadar every 30–60 minutes (20 min., 3€).