Zaton

Zaton near Nin combines an old Dalmatian village, shallow sandy coves and a large holiday resort shaded by pine trees. Remains of ancient Aenona’s harbour, the early Christian Church of St Andrew and the Kaštelina tower show that the settlement’s story predates modern tourism. In the Prahulje field between Zaton and Nin, the Romanesque Church of St Nicholas forms a distinctive landmark associated with Croatian coronation legends. The coast includes Punta, Pliša, Jaz and Bilotinjak beaches, plus the resort’s 1.5-kilometre, predominantly sandy beach and shallow water. Pliša is particularly unusual: two bridges lead to its tiny islet and medicinal mud site. Local menus draw on fish, prosciutto, cured pork known as ninski sokol and dishes cooked under a peka; named choices include Konoba Teća, Restaurant Antika and Mashtel Distillery. Nin lies about two kilometres from the resort, putting the Church of the Holy Cross, Museum of Nin Antiquities and saltworks within walking or cycling range. Liburnija route 101 links Zaton with Zadar, Petrčane and Nin.

Zaton belongs to the Town of Nin and occupies the coast between Nin’s historic core and Petrčane, facing the Zadar archipelago. Its character comes equally from the old village, the former harbour of ancient Aenona and Zaton Holiday Resort beneath a belt of pines. The 17th-century parish church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary remains the settlement’s focal point, while Kaštelina tower and the ruins of St Andrew’s Church form part of its heritage trail. Modern Zaton is also defined by sand and shallow water, as well as ninski sokol, a cured pork speciality served locally with prosciutto, olive oil and house wine.