Discover Nin – Just 17 km from Zadar
This picture shows us with our cousins after spending a day in Nin and having the best ice cream in Zadar county at ice cream shop “Sorelle” in Nin.
Only 17 km from Zadar lies the charming town of Nin, known as the place where, according to legend, the first Croatian king Tomislav was crowned. With a history spanning over 3,000 years, Nin is often called the cradle of the Croatian state and one of the most historically significant towns on the Adriatic coast. Walking through its compact old town feels like stepping into an open-air museum.
Besides its rich history, Nin is famous for its salt fields and salt factory, and Queen’s Beach, named after Queen Jelena, Tomislav’s wife, who adored the Nin lagoon. Visitors to the beach can also try the area’s natural healing mud.
The Nin Saltworks date back to Roman times. Shallow basins filled with seawater and warmed by the Dalmatian sun create perfect conditions for natural salt harvesting. Visitors can explore the area, learn the centuries-old process of salt production, and discover why Nin salt has been valued for generations.
Whether you visit for its fascinating legends, cultural heritage, or sandy beaches, Nin offers a memorable experience just minutes from Zadar.
How to spend a day in Nin
Morning: Explore the Old Town
Start your day with a morning walk across the city bridge. Explore the town and enjoy coffee or breakfast on the city promenade.
Don’t miss the Church of the Holy Cross, a small 9th-century church often called the “smallest cathedral in the world.” Nearby stands the statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin, an important historical figure who promoted the Croatian language and Glagolitic script in church services. The Glagolitic script is an ancient Croatian writing system, one of the few old European scripts, alongside Latin and Cyrillic, used for religious texts. Created in the 9th century, it helped preserve Croatian language and culture.
Also, visit the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, built in the 1st century. This temple, dedicated to the Capitoline Triad — Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva — was the largest Roman temple on the eastern Adriatic coast. In Roman times, Nin (then called Aenona) was an important city for trade and administration.
Midday: Relax at Queen’s Beach
Head to Queen’s Beach, the most famous beach in the Nin lagoon. Its long stretch of soft sand and warm shallow sea makes it perfect for swimming.
Nearby, try the healing mud, a natural spa tradition enjoyed for decades. Apply the mineral-rich mud to your skin and rinse off in the sea. Locals believe it helps with skin and joint conditions.
Afternoon: Explore the Salt Fields
Discover Nin’s ancient salt fields, where locals still harvest salt using traditional methods dating back to Roman times. Walking through the salt pans offers insight into centuries-old techniques of sea salt production using only sun and sea.
Evening: Dinner and Dessert
Finish your day with a dinner in town. Don’t miss the best ice cream in Zadar County at “Sorelle” ice cream shop.
