Croatian island of Hvar introduces measures against antisocial tourist behaviour

With the summer season approaching, authorities on the island of Hvar have decided to tighten behaviour rules for visitors. Starting this summer, tourists will face noise restrictions, dress requirements, and other regulations.

Hvar, located in the Adriatic Sea about an hour's ferry ride from Split, has long earned a reputation as a "party island" and is a popular destination for nightlife lovers. At the height of the season, the island welcomes up to 20,000 tourists a day. However, constant complaints from local residents about rowdy visitors have forced city authorities to introduce new rules.

The permitted noise level is now capped at 85 decibels — equivalent to a loud restaurant. This restriction directly affects nightclubs, discos, and open-air venues. Fines for violations are set at €1,320 for businesses and €300 for individuals.

Representatives of the tourism industry attempted to challenge the decision, proposing that Hvar be designated a year-round leisure zone. As CroatiaWeek notes, the livelihoods of hotels, apartment owners, bars, restaurants, taxis, and boat tour operators depend on tourist activity. Many business owners fear the new measures will cause serious damage to small businesses that aren't prepared for such abrupt changes in conditions.

"A lively atmosphere is what has shaped Hvar's image for years. Losing it could lead to lower revenue and an overall decline in the island's economic situation," said Ivan Ćurković, owner of the Carpe Diem beach club, in an interview with Metro UK.

Nevertheless, local authorities, along with advocates of calmer, family-oriented tourism, consider the restrictions necessary and expect them to support the region's sustainable development.

Croatia is shifting its approach to tourism

Hvar's initiative is not an isolated case. In many regions of Croatia, authorities are looking to shift the direction of tourism development toward a more respectful and safer experience.

In Split and Dubrovnik, for example, fines of up to €700 apply for inappropriate behaviour. This includes consuming alcohol and drugs in public places, urinating or vomiting in the street, and walking around town undressed or in swimwear.

More serious offences that disturb public order can carry fines of up to €4,000. These include fighting, aggressive behaviour, and being severely intoxicated. In addition, collecting the rare noble pen shell (pinna nobilis) from the beach or sea carries a fine of €67 per specimen.

"The goal of these measures isn't punishment, but prevention. We want Croatia to remain a safe, welcoming, and beloved destination for all tourists," commented Darijo Šarić, director of luxury villa rental service VIP Holiday Booker.