Nin & Zadar Coast, Croatia

About Nin & Zadar Coast

Nin sits on a small island in a shallow lagoon north of Zadar, a Croatian town with Roman foundations and the smallest cathedral in the world. The water around it — Queen's Beach and the Sabunike shore — is shallow, sandy and flat, which is unusual on this coast and is what makes it a kite spot.

The season runs April to November, with April to June the peak. Two winds govern it: the maestral, the north-westerly thermal that fills in through summer afternoons, and the bora from the north-east in spring and winter. Direction at the beach is side-offshore, which is worth knowing before you go out.

Water reaches around 20°C in high season, with air around 23°C. Conditions are shallow and flat with small waves and occasional chop, and the beach is spacious enough to launch comfortably — some describe it as having a Caribbean feel. It suits intermediate riders upward, with beginners generally welcome given the space and depth.

Restaurants, kite shops, rescue services and accommodation are all here, and Zadar is half an hour away.

When to go

Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.

• Nin

  Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.