In the heart of Dalmatia, where ancient history intertwines with the murmur of waves and the scent of salt, the royal town of Nin has once again confirmed its status as one of Europe's most magical and romantic destinations. The recently concluded "Romantic Week," held from August 4th to 10th, transformed its stone alleys and picturesque squares into a stage for love, and this year, the event had a special, deeply symbolic significance. The entire event was imbued with the spirit of a great national jubilee – the celebration of the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom, through which Nin, as the first Croatian capital, uniquely connected its glorious past with a present filled with emotions.

The warmth that radiated from Nin over the past week was not just a result of the summer sun. It was human warmth, a sense of community, and a celebration of love felt at every step – woven into the ancient walls, carried by the gentle maestral wind, written on the sandy beaches of the Nin lagoon, and reflected in the smiles of numerous visitors and their hosts. Since 2015, when the prestigious portal European Best Destinations placed Nin on the map of the most romantic European cities, this destination proudly highlights its romantic soul every year in the heart of the season, but this year's edition surpassed all expectations.

A fusion of royal history and eternal romance

The organizers, led by the Nin Tourist Board in close cooperation with local artists, artisans, and the Town of Nin, invested exceptional effort to further emphasize the irresistible beauty of this medieval gem. Every corner of the old town core became a romantic backdrop, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Specially designed and decorated romantic spots invited hugs, kisses, and photography. Floral arches, "kissing benches" strategically placed at the most beautiful viewpoints, a bridge adorned with symbols of love, and numerous "kiss points" were decorated with great care, using natural materials that perfectly blended with the historical ambiance and the natural environment of the town. Every detail carried a message, connecting the heritage of Croatian kings with the universal reign of love in human hearts. For all those who wished to fully experience the charms of this town and extend their stay, a diverse offer of accommodation in Nin provided the ideal sanctuary for a romantic getaway.

The streets and squares of the town turned into a magnificent open-air dance floor. Every evening, different musical rhythms echoed through the air, satisfying the taste of every visitor. From the melancholic melodies of original Dalmatian klapa songs that evoked nostalgia, through the elegant tones of promenade and classical music with popular arias from operettas, to the relaxing and refined jazz performances. The music program was intertwined with interesting theater plays and street performances, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere where everyone could find their rhythm and surrender to the moment.

Revived history on the streets of Nin

To bring the spirit of the glorious past to life as faithfully as possible, costumed characters roamed the streets of Nin, capturing attention and delighting everyone, especially the youngest. Visitors could thus meet the first Croatian king and queen, the Renaissance poet Petar Zoranić who celebrated Nin in his work "Planine" (Mountains), as well as fairies and elegant Roman women who recalled even older layers of Nin's history. A particularly charming detail were the little girls in traditional folk costumes who handed out freshly baked, fragrant fritule (small doughnuts) to passers-by, adding a touch of local hospitality and sweetness to the overall experience.

The highlight of the event and its most significant component was the symbolic commemoration of 1100 years since the coronation of the first Croatian king. In honor of this, a free costumed tour of royal Nin was organized in Croatian and English, giving visitors the opportunity to learn firsthand about the historical significance of the town where seven Croatian kings reigned. For this occasion, the Nin tourism professionals had completely new, lavish robes of King Tomislav and Queen Jelena made. During one of the evenings, the royal couple, embodied by extras, promotionally presented the new robes and, with a toast of sparkling wine, toasted the great anniversary, greeting and honoring the assembled crowd. It was a moment to remember, filled with pride and a festive atmosphere. During their walk through the ancient streets, the king and queen distributed 150 small golden crowns to the youngest visitors as a lasting memento of this unique encounter. As an additional symbol of the great jubilee, exactly 1100 balloons were distributed throughout the week, creating a cheerful and festive picture across the town.

Love that connects and creates memories

Sometimes words are not enough to describe the feelings that overwhelm us as we walk through a place rich in history, cross its stone bridges, and watch the sunsets that paint the sky above the lagoon. Aware of this, the Nin tourism professionals, by creating romantic corners, wanted to encourage visitors to experience and feel the beauty of the town in a more personal and direct way. The message behind another successful Romantic Week is that love is what connects people most strongly. The desire to stay connected with guests, to share the love for the town and the sea with them, and to show genuine hospitality, joy, and understanding, is the foundation on which Nin builds its tourist story. Those who wished for their Nin story to last longer could explore the accommodation options in Nin and surrender to all the charms the town offers.

As in previous years, interaction with visitors was a key part of the program. The organizers invited everyone, those in love and those inspired by love, to turn their romantic moments captured next to the imaginative decorations into short video clips. The Nin Tourist Board will receive all submitted works and will award the author of the most creative and successful one with a romantic dinner for two in one of Nin's restaurants. This award is not only a recognition but also an encouragement for further expression of love for Nin and the time spent in it. In addition to the main prize, additional surprise prizes were secured for the contest participants, as a nice reminder of the unforgettable moments experienced in this beautiful historic town.