The surprisingly sustainable City of Nin
|
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is known for rocky islets and crystal clear water; ancient villages with red roofs and castles. When most envision Dalmatia, they think of the region’s famed cities: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar. But sometimes, a trip out of the city will unveil something hidden. A smaller town, beautiful in its humility yet bursting with pride. A little place that offers unique ecosystems and endemic animals, production of natural and organic food, and some of the country’s most unique sustainable activities for travelers. This is the city of Nin.
Walkway to the old town of Nin
|
Church of Saint Ambrose
|
Home to 1500 people, Nin is located just 17 kilometers (20 Minutes) from the city of Zadar. The old town sits on a small circular island surrounded by a shallow lagoon. A popular summer tourist destination, Nin boasts Croatia’s longest sandy beach and 8 kilometers of beautiful coastline. However, visitors seeking a deeper experience will find a place with some of Croatia’s most unique, natural, and sustainable activities, all of which support responsible tourism and the local community.
Medicinal mud
Nin lagoon where Medicinal mud is found
In the shallow water of Nin’s famed lagoon, isolated from traffic or industrial areas, a natural healing peloid (mud) is being formed. The recipe is simple: Combine the specific micro-climate of Nin with the fresh water of the lagoon and the clean sea water of the Adriatic. Add plants that only grow in this area and, when broken down, extract healing minerals. The result is Nin’s medicinal mud, that when applied to the skin, is known to reduce the effects
of rheumatic infections, metabolic bone diseases, musculoskeletal system defects, skin disease and gynecologic issues. Each year in July and August, Zadar’s General Hospital oversees free rehabilitation mud treatments, lasting anywhere between 10 and 20 days. In the past five years, more than 15,000 patients have received treatment, which typically consists of daily (sometimes twice) peloid applications followed by a rinse in the warm waters of the Adriatic. The therapy dates back centuries with Roman flues - round bricks used in baths - having been excavated in the area.
Visitors interested in peloid therapy can contact the Physiotherapy Department of Zadar’s General Hospital by calling +385 23 331 101. The lagoon is also accessible by car or from Queen’s beach, where you can independently apply the healing peloid to your skin.
of rheumatic infections, metabolic bone diseases, musculoskeletal system defects, skin disease and gynecologic issues. Each year in July and August, Zadar’s General Hospital oversees free rehabilitation mud treatments, lasting anywhere between 10 and 20 days. In the past five years, more than 15,000 patients have received treatment, which typically consists of daily (sometimes twice) peloid applications followed by a rinse in the warm waters of the Adriatic. The therapy dates back centuries with Roman flues - round bricks used in baths - having been excavated in the area.
Visitors interested in peloid therapy can contact the Physiotherapy Department of Zadar’s General Hospital by calling +385 23 331 101. The lagoon is also accessible by car or from Queen’s beach, where you can independently apply the healing peloid to your skin.
100% natural salt production
The salt fields of Nin
Evidence of salt production from Roman times
|
Since the Roman Empire, Nin’s natural elements, seawater and biological diversity have been used to produce natural sea salt, a product so precious it was once used as compensation for Roman soldiers. In 1500, Nin Saltworks originated and, with the exception of a 500 year hiatus, has been producing salt ever since. There's no need for electricity in the 126 acre salt fields. The process is simple, lasting 63 days each year during spring, summer, and early fall when the long sunny days and dry southern "Bora" winds allow the seawater to slowly evaporate through five stages, leading to crystallization. The salt is then harvested by hand, with 15-20mm scraped from the top of the fields and transported to dry in the sunlight.
|
In comparison to stone salt, collected from a salt mine, natural sea salt from Nin uses Petula, a biological filter found in the Nin lagoon that consists of microorganisms, carbonate minerals, clay, gypsum, and microcoleus corium (green algae). This natural mud, combined with the unique micro-climate and elements, results in a 100% natural sea salt that is of exceptional purity and packed with healthy minerals, such as iron and magnesium. Nin Saltworks is the perfect example of “do as the Romans do,” combining age-old technique with the natural environment to produce a pure, natural food product without any negative environmental impact.
Visitors of NIn are encouraged to visit the salt fields. The salt museum and shop is open year-round and free guided tours are available during summer months. Visit http://www.solananin.hr/en/home/ for more information.
Visitors of NIn are encouraged to visit the salt fields. The salt museum and shop is open year-round and free guided tours are available during summer months. Visit http://www.solananin.hr/en/home/ for more information.
Nature, ecosystems, and fantastic beaches
|
The city of Nin, as well as its surrounding lagoon and natural gardens, is home to a unique and beautiful natural ecosystem. Bird watchers can spot up to 250 different species of birds, many of which are endangered. The salt fields, particularly, are the ideal place to spot black-winged stilts, kentish plover, little egret, and the kingfisher. Due to its low muddy and sandy coastline, distinctive, endemic, and critically endangered plants are also found around Nin. Specifically Srcocornia fruticosa, often called Salicot, grows throughout the muddy coastline in the salty wetlands. With a thick stem and small leaves, this unique plant holds a reservoir of water, a high concentration of salt, and is a food source for herons, waders, and grebes. This unique and precious ecosystem is preserved and protected by the small community of Nin, with conservation, restoration, and educational programs in place.
|
The famous Queen's Beach
Slanusa grows within the Nin salt fields
|
Adjacent to the wetlands and a few minutes from the salt fields is Nin’s most famous beach. Queen’s Beach, ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by the Travel Channel, is three kilometers in length and surrounded by clear, clean, shallow water. Unique in its shape and size, the sandy beach can be reached by crossing a long boardwalk over a shallow lagoon. Legend has it that the first Croatian king, King Tomislav, named the beach for his wife after being awestruck by its beauty.
For more information about visiting Nin’s natural beaches and habitats, visit http://www.nin.hr/en.
For more information about visiting Nin’s natural beaches and habitats, visit http://www.nin.hr/en.
Organic fig farms
Natural, organic fig, quince and maraska cherry jam from Sinjorina Smokva's farm
Visitors to Nin can drop by the farm to purchase organic jam directly. Visit http://www.babac.hr/naslovnica/ for more information or email Sandra at [email protected]
|
Another product of Nin’s ideal climate is found just five minutes out of town where seven hundred organic fig, quince and maraska cherry trees grow on Dalmatia’s flat plains. Sandra Babac began making fig jam when her oldest daughter was born in 2003. The family immediately fell in love with the flavor and planted the first 100 trees surrounding their home. With a commitment to growing organic fruit and producing natural, sugar, pectin and preservative-free jam, Sinjorina Smokva has been producing high quality organic jam ever since. They understand that with growth comes responsibility and as new product offerings are developed the family operated company maintains a strong commitment to sustainability.
Organic Fig trees
|
History
 Church of Saint Holy Cross
Understanding history allows us to make better decisions for our future and become more culturally aware and sensitive. Dating back to the 9th century BC, Nin has a rich history that is over 3,000 years old. As an important municipality and sea port for the Romans, the city is covered with artifacts, including one of the largest forums in the area. A natural bath area and amphitheater is also thought to have existed in the here. But most important to many Croats, Nin was the birthplace of the Croatian State. It is the oldest royal town in the country and home to many dukes and kings. Nin’s bishops have also become famous, most notably Grgur Ninski, who fought to preserve the Croatian language in religion and is known throughout Dalmatia. Visit the Museum of Nin Antiquities for a complete overview of the city’s rich history, including incredible artifacts dating back hundreds of years that were uncovered in the area.
|
A statue of Grgur Ninski, whose toe is rubbed for luck
Evidence of the Roman forum
For information about the History of Nin, visit: http://www.nin.hr/en/nin/history. Click here for traveler reviews on the Museum of Nin Antiquities.
|
With a rich culture and history, a unique and healing ecosystem, animals and plants found nowhere else in the world, and a climate ideal for producing natural foods, Nin is one of Croatia’s best sustainable travel destinations. The small town is community oriented and travelers are encouraged to rent an apartment within town to interact with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of life in Nin.
For more information on traveling to Nin, visit http://www.nin.hr/en or email : [email protected].
For more information on traveling to Nin, visit http://www.nin.hr/en or email : [email protected].
