Sailing through the Bay of Nin with a view of the playful peaks of Velebit, maritime archaeological treasures, the smallest cathedral in the world and the oldest Croatian royal city – Nin
The city of Nin and the rich lagoon of the Bay of Nin hides a wonderful and unusual heritage, sandy beaches, healing mud, salt fields, and its excellent geographical position offers numerous opportunities and visits to exciting destinations, from national parks to fishing villages in the area.
Experience the Bay of Nin at Your Own Pace
Zadar is a popular departure point for many sailors. Its picturesque charm, with streets that seem to dance, sing, and glow with vibrant hues during the summer, coupled with its proximity to a low-cost airport, the ever-windy surrounding sea channels, and the playful Zadar archipelago, makes it an irresistible choice.
While the archipelago’s allure is undeniable, especially for those on extended voyages, time-constrained sailors often find themselves torn between the desire to explore its islands and the temptation to stay closer to Zadar’s vibrant city life.
Setting sail from Zadar, mariners have a plethora of options. Many opt to explore a stretch of the ‘outer island line,’ which extends from the remote island of Cres in the northwest to the southern jewels of Kornati National Park and the Šibenik archipelago.
For sailors seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Bay of Nin provides a captivating alternative to the more popular sailing routes. While Zadar often serves as the starting point for many, the nearby Bay of Nin offers a wealth of hidden gems.
From exploring the rich maritime archaeological treasures of the bay to relaxing on its pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone.
Across the Bay of Nin lies the picturesque fishing village of Vrsi and the uninhabited islet of Zečevo. After a day of exploring these charming spots, you can return to your departure port with a renewed appreciation for the sea.
This tranquil corner of the Zadar coast is characterized by low-lying land, often covered in lush greenery that transitions to sandy beaches at the water’s edge. The seabed mirrors this topography, with depths gradually increasing as you move away from the shore.
For this reason, larger vessels should exercise caution and avoid approaching the coast too closely in many areas. Additionally, several submerged shoals can pose a hazard, so it’s essential to consult a nautical chart carefully.
To fully enjoy the breathtaking views of the Velebit Mountains while sailing, be sure to check the weather forecast. Avoid sailing in this area during periods of strong bora wind surges to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Indulge in Nin’s Beauty
At the very bottom of this shallow bay is located the oldest Croatian royal city – Nin. The city center itself is surrounded by city walls, and is located on a small island connected to the mainland by two stone bridges.
Apart from the smallest cathedral in the world, its streets seem to speak the language of history, and in addition to the Nin salt pan, the symbol of this picturesque town is also the medicinal mud and numerous beaches, of which hundreds of meters of sandy joy symbolize the most beautiful one – Kraljičina beach.
Due to the shallow depths, vessels with a larger draft are not advised to approach the city, and those with a draft of up to two meters can try to find a free mooring half a mile further east, in the channel of the Miljašić ravine. However, don’t try your luck by straying too far from the mouth itself!
For anchoring, it is best to choose the eastern side of the Bay of Nin – in front of the town of Mulo, and in stable weather, from that position you can explore the rich coast or the history-filled streets through the city of Nin.
During unfavorable weather conditions, the only completely safe anchorage in this micro-water area is the slightly more distant Jasenovo bay. It is anchored there at a depth of six meters on a muddy bottom that holds very well, and at the very bottom of this hidden cove is the sandy beach of Ričina.
Visit the Nearby Fishing Village of Vrsi
The two previously mentioned anchorages are also good starting points for exploring the small town of Vrsi, which is located in the center of the peninsula of the same name, actually on its tip, which is how Vrsi got its name.
In fact, Vrsi was formed from four settlements, which is confirmed by numerous small churches, and it is adorned with a 35-kilometer long coast with numerous beaches.
The northeastern coast facing the storm is relatively steep and almost completely devoid of vegetation, while the inner coast is much tamer and mostly covered with thick pine trees.
Discover the Islet of Zečevo
Zečevo is one of the aforementioned four units of the Vrsi region. During high tide, the Prizda passage is filled with sea, which makes Zečevo an island, while during low tide it turns into a peninsula. Zečevo has a special significance for the inhabitants of this region, both because of its untouched natural beauty and because of the unique event when the statue of Our Lady is transported by boat from Nin to the church on Zečevo, which is followed by a serpentine procession of believers.
Then, at least for a short time, the whole island seems to come alive, and visitors become richer for a multitude of indelible experiences. Finally, we hope that sailing through the Bay of Nin and the hidden routes of the Zadar water area will leave you with a handful of striking impressions that you will keep in the virtual drawer of the ‘most beautiful sea memories’ for a long time to come.
Text Josipa Vlahović Cikatić
Photos Ivo Pervan
