Things to Do in Nin

Queen's Beach and the shallow lagoon

Kraljičina plaža curves for more than two kilometers in a pale crescent of sand. The water stays shallow. Toddlers wander out for ages without it climbing past their knees. The sand squeaks faintly underfoot. The fine, almost powdery grain is rare on the Croatian coast. Views back toward the Velebit range turn rose-gold around sunset.

Church of the Holy Cross

Locals call it the smallest cathedral in the world. At roughly 8 meters long, it's hard to argue. The whitewashed 9th-century stone structure sits on a small rise in the old town. It doubles as a sundial. The placement of its windows and doors aligns with solstices and equinoxes. This shows how sophisticated its builders were.

Solana Nin salt works

The salt pans on the edge of town have been worked since the Romans. You can still see the geometric ponds where seawater evaporates into bright white crystals under the summer sun. The on-site shop sells flower of salt, the delicate top crystals harvested by hand. The place smells exactly like you'd expect: mineral, faintly briny, almost medicinal.

Peloid mud bathing at Queen's Beach

At the far end of Kraljičina plaža, you'll see people coated head to toe in dark gray sludge. They bake in the sun like contented seals. The peloid mud here is mineral-rich. Croatian medical bodies credit it with helping rheumatic and skin conditions. Scoop it from the marked area. Smear it on. Let it dry. Rinse off in the sea.

Old town walking circuit

The historic core of Nin sits on a small islet ringed by old stone walls. Two arched bridges serve as the only ways in. You'll cross under the medieval gate. Pass the Church of St. Anselm, which holds a treasury of reliquaries worth a quick look. End up at the bronze statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin. His toe is rubbed shiny by visitors hoping for good luck.

Old town islet - atmospheric stone houses inside the medieval walls, a few small guesthouses, very quiet after dark

Ždrijac - close to the long sandy beach of the same name, popular with families, mostly apartment rentals

Zaton - technically a separate village 4km away but loaded with larger resort-style options and a marina feel

Vrsi sits inland, a shade cheaper. You need wheels here. It works as a launchpad for roaming the wider region.

Privlaka juts out on a peninsula 15 minutes west. Shallows glow like glass. Villas lean upscale.

Outskirts of Nin near the salt pans stay sleepy, rural. Family-run B&Bs dominate the scene.