Sandy treasures and ancient wonders: Nin's coastal allure in Chroatia

The Croatian coast has long attracted tourists with its crystal-clear, turquoise waters. However, finding sandy beaches is not easy there—stones and gravel are predominant. Nevertheless, relaxing on soft sand is still possible. In northern Dalmatia, a magical lagoon awaits visitors.

Nin is a small town located near the more popular city of Zadar. The two locations are approximately 9 miles apart.

Tourists flock to this small town to enjoy sandy beaches, which are a rarity in Croatia. The lagoon around Nin is characterized by shallow water, making it an ideal place for family holidays with children. Additionally, children can build sandcastles on the beach. Queen's Beach, known as Kraljičina plaža, offers stunning views of the Velebit mountains.

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

The area around Nin is known not only for its beautiful, sandy beaches but also for its healing mud. Tourists often apply it to their skin and rinse it off in the shallow water. These mud baths have beneficial effects on rheumatism and skin conditions.

Nin also impresses with its fascinating history. The town has roots dating back to the 9th century BC. From Roman times, the remains of an amphitheatre and the largest temple of that era in the Dalmatia region can be found here. In the past, Nin served as a royal residence and was the seat of the first Croatian bishopric.

While exploring the old town, located on an island, do not miss the Church of the Holy Cross, once considered the smallest cathedral in the world. Among the sacred sites, the Church of St. Anselm, which stands on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral, and the Church of St. Nicholas also deserve a visit. Additionally, the Archaeological Museum houses numerous exhibits primarily from Roman times.