Walking Tour to Nin

Did you know that the small town of Nin used to be a royal seat of early Croatian kings? Or that it has the smallest cathedral in the world and the longest sandy beach in Croatia? Have you already touched Nin’s lucky charm, the Statue of Gregory of Nin? Curious to explore for more? So, why not spend a day on a walking tour of discovery, from Zaton Holiday Resort to Nin and back? After all, it’s only a kilometre away.

Heading north

Put on your comfortable footwear and off you go! Walk along Zaton Holiday Resort’s campground towards the northern exit, cross the road and you have practically entered Nin. This was once a Roman road which was used to get from Aenona (Nin) to the ancient port, at present-day Zaton Holiday Resort. In Nin, continue along Obrovci and into Vjekoslava Maštrovića street, take the first right into Don Ive i Jere Stulića street and just continue along Šibenska street. At the end of the street, go right into Bana Jelačića street and in no time you will get the glimpse of a historical figure - the Statue of Duke Branimir, who ruled the medieval Croatian state in the 9th century with Nin as its seat.

Onto the historical islet

Step into the early Croatian state! Walk across the stone bridge and feel like a royal entering the town through the Old Gate. As you do so, don’t miss the copy of the 11th century Croatian boat Condura Croatica in the sea, which makes such a great picture with the old bridge in the background. The original boat can be seen in the Museum of Nin Antiquities in the heart of the historical islet.

On your way to the museum, walk along the central historical street, past the Church of St Anselm with the Belltower. Get off the track a bit to touch the golden toe on the Statue of Gregory of Nin for good luck and to explore the amazing play of light in the world’s smallest cathedral, the Church of the Holy Cross, all of which are one next to the other.

Then go back to the central historical street and continue till you get to the Museum of Nin Antiquities. Once there, take a break and let your kids pretend to be Romans by the remains of the Roman Temple, just half-a-minute walk ahead.

Go east for more

Prefer to leave the museum for later on? And are you curious to find out more about the traditional salt production? Then just go on from the Church of the Holy Cross along the street, past the Petar Zoranić Park and the Church of St Ambrose towards the Upper Gate. Continue along the path to reach a different kind of a museum - the Salt Museum, which gives you quite a unique experience and a chance to buy original souvenirs.

Or go west to rest

Feel like you need some refreshment and fancy a swim? Then head northwest from the historical islet towards the Queen’s Beach. Croatia’s longest sandy beach is also known for healing mud found nearby. So, have some fun getting muddy too!

The way back

Up for just a bit more? Then don’t go back the same way, but rather towards Zaton Holiday Resort’s main entrance. In other words, once you get back from the islet, go down Braće Radić and Zadarska streets, turn right into Vukovarska, then continue along Jurja Barakovića and Petra Zoranića by the resort. On your left side, you’ll get to see the Church of St Nicholas on a hillock in the field. Go past it in the evening and feel pure inspiration, as the sun sets.

A piece of cake… or is it?

It takes less than an hour of walk to reach Nin’s centre from the resort. The length of the actual tour depends entirely on what you want to see and experience. Make sure it’s not the hottest day of the summer and don’t forget to drink plenty of water along the way. After all, it’s a walking adventure full of history and stories to tell, and an absolute must on holiday in Zaton Holiday Resort!

Cover image: Church of St. Nicholas by Mladen Radolović

Image source: Nin Tourist Board