July the 13th, 2026 – Most of the beaches in this country are rocky, but there are a few sandy gems. There’s one highly unusual Croatian beach, however, where the sand reaches a staggering 50 degrees and draws countless visitors hunting for natural relief…
While most beachgoers look for cool sand on one of Croatia’s few but globally famous sandy beaches during the height of summer, one Croatian beach is famous for exactly the opposite. At Kraljičina Plaža (Queen’s Beach) in the unusual town of Nin near Zadar, the sand can heat up to around 50°C, attracting visitors who cover themselves with it in the belief that it helps ease joint and muscle pain.
The unusual tradition has been passed down through many generations and is closely linked to Nin’s well known shallow lagoon, which is also known for its mineral-rich therapeutic mud. Putni kofer writes that during the hottest summer months, many visitors bury their legs, arms or backs in the warm sand before cooling off in the Adriatic nearby, combining the practice with a day at one of Croatia’s best-known sandy beaches and indeed most unusual Dalmatian town.
Although many people swear by the natural treatment, there is actually very limited scientific evidence that heated sand itself relieves rheumatic conditions. Experts generally recommend treating such practices as complementary wellness experiences rather than genuine medical therapies.
Stretching on and on for several kilometres, Queen’s Beach is one of Croatia’s longest sandy beaches and is particularly popular with families thanks to its shallow, warm waters and views of the Velebit mountain range.
Alongside its natural and highly unusual beauty, the beach remains one of Nin’s most distinctive attractions because of the long-standing tradition that continues to draw curious visitors every single summer without fail.
