About Nin

The small town of Nin with 2,800 inhabitants is located in Dalmatia, about 15 kilometers north of Zadar Old Town and only 10 kilometers from Vir Island. The resort is popular for its endlessly long beaches, which slope very gently into the sea and therefore offer optimal bathing pleasure, especially for families with children. A few of these dream bays are even among the most beautiful sandy beaches in Croatia! On the other hand, those who like to be active can enjoy many cool activities such as jogging, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, SUP and cycling during a visit in Nin.

Especially famous is the romantic old town of Nin, which is beautifully nestled in a picturesque lagoon landscape. Quaint taverns, restaurants and pretty cafés invite to linger and stroll around. Thanks to its rich history, the old town center is considered to be “the cradle of Croatia” and a visit should not be missed on any trip. But also the surrounding area is worth seeing and so you can go on unforgettable trips from Nin.

Although the Zadar region has developed into a sought-after vacation destination, the resort of Nin has managed to retain its original charm. The people mainly live from fishing, salt production and soft tourism, which is essential here. Fortunately, huge hotel buildings, massive campsites and mass tourism cannot be found here.

The historic old town of Nin is a small pearl in Croatia. It has been located on a tiny island since the 14^th century, a promontory formed by sedimentation, and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. From the parking lot, a small pedestrian bridge directly leads to the historic town center. Right in front of it there is the monument of Knez Branimir of Nin, greeting visitors with his raised sword. Walking through the ancient alleys of the city, one discovers many things worth seeing and countless beautiful details to photograph.

Attractions like historic churches, small museums and even the ruins of what had once been the largest Roman temple in Croatia can be marveled at in Nin, thanks to its rich history. The heart of the old town is the stunning main square, where small cafés offer delicious refreshments in a unique setting. In the main square there is also the interesting Archaeological Museum, where ancient objects, jewelry and historical boats are exhibited.

An important attraction and one of the best things to do in Nin is the imposing statue of Gregory of Nin, which is about 4 meters high. This bishop was among the most important Croatian personalities, and rubbing the toe of the bronze statue is said to bring good luck, according to a legend. Right next to it is the church of St. Anselmus with its interesting treasury and the freestanding church tower from the 12th century, towering high above the town of Nin.

Probably one of the most significant attractions of Nin is Sveti Kriz Cathedral, better known as the smallest cathedral in the world. The somewhat inconspicuous church from the 9th century is said to have served as the official seat of the former bishop of Nin. It is also interesting to note that due to the unique construction of the walls and the resulting incidence of light, the church also serves as a sundial.

Located in the very center of Nin is the Roman temple “Rimski Hram”, another important historical attraction of the old town. It is situated near the main square and the temple area can be visited free of charge. Once it was the largest temple on the Adriatic and today a standing column still gives an idea of its former size. The statues of Roman emperors found there can be seen today in the Museum of Zadar.

Beautiful and a famous sight of Nin is the church of St. Nicholas. It is located in the idyllic countryside just outside the town, in the field ‘Prahulje’ and has become a landmark of Nin thanks to its unique construction. According to a legend, seven kings were crowned in Nin and each ruler and his entourage visited the church of St. Nicholas after the coronation.