Discovering Nin: Croatia's hidden sandy beach paradise

The Croatian coast has long attracted tourists with its crystal-clear, turquoise waters. However, sandy beaches are scarce—stones and gravel are more common. Nonetheless, enjoying soft sand is possible. In northern Dalmatia, a magical lagoon awaits visitors.

Nin is a small town approximately 15 kilometres away from Zadar, the more frequently visited city.

Tourists visit the small town to relax on sandy beaches, which are rare in Croatia. The lagoon around Nin is characterized by shallow water, making it an ideal spot for family holidays with children. Additionally, little ones can build sandcastles on the beach. The Queen's Beach, known as Kraljičina plaža, also offers stunning views of the Velebit Mountains.

Locals offer deckchair and umbrella rentals, but thanks to the soft sand, you can easily spread out on a towel or blanket.

The area around Nin is renowned not only for its beautiful sandy beaches but also for its healing mud. Tourists often cover themselves with the mud and rinse it off in the shallow water. These mud baths are noted for their beneficial effects on rheumatism and skin conditions.

Nin also fascinates visitors with its intriguing history. This town has roots dating back to the 9th century BC. From Roman times, we find the remnants of an amphitheatre and the largest temple of that era in the Dalmatia region. In the past, Nin also served as a royal residence and was the seat of the first Croatian bishopric.

While exploring the old town, situated on an island, one cannot miss the Church of the Holy Cross—once considered the smallest cathedral in the world. Among the sacred structures, it is also worth visiting the Church of St. Anselm, located on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral, and the Church of St. Nicholas. Additionally, the Archaeological Museum houses numerous exhibits primarily from Roman times.