Once an important centre of a Christian Bishopric, Nin is a charming town overlooking the Adriatic Sea to the north of Zadar. Its historic centre clusters on an islet surrounded by a peaceful lagoon and on the doorstep of beautiful beaches and centuries-old salt fields.
Things to do in Nin
In the heart of Nin are the ruins of a Roman temple, which form part of a forum dating back to the 1st century AD. A frieze on the facade of the temple is inscribed with the name of Roman Emperor Vespazian and a 17-metre-high restored Corinthian column dominates the site. As you wander between the ruins, you can see how the temple once looked on the illustrative panels.
If you’re interested in Nin’s long-established salt harvesting industry, pay a visit to the Solana Nin Salt Museum. Browse the old photographs, harvesting tools and wagons that are on display in the museum, then shop for locally produced salt goods in the on-site store. In addition to guided tours of its salt fields, the Solana Nin Salt Museum also hosts an annual festival featuring hands-on activities.
Nin is home to several charming churches that include the Church of the Holy Cross. This pre-Romanesque Catholic church dates back to the 9th century and has been dubbed “the smallest cathedral in the world”. Slightly younger is the 12th-century Church of St. Nicholas, which was constructed atop an earthen pyramid mound of a prehistoric tomb.
Getting around Nin
Nin is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Zadar and 30 minutes from Zadar Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Nin from towns and villages across Zadar County and the centre of Nin is compact enough to explore on foot.