At this popular Croatian island, you'll face a hefty fine if you're too loud
At this popular Croatian island, you'll face a hefty fine if you're too loud
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Santorini struggles with hordes of tourists flocking to island
Millions flock to Santorini each year to see the social media-famous sunset putting pressure on its outdated infrastructure.
The Croatian island of Hvar, known for its vibrant nightlife, is implementing noise restrictions to curb rowdy tourist behavior.
The move comes as Croatia experiences a surge in tourism, with visitor numbers increasing by 4% between 2023 and 2024.
Hvar aims to shed its party image and attract more families and travelers seeking a relaxing experience.
One of Croatia's top party islands is taking a stance against rowdy tourist behavior with noise regulations, joining a long list of European destinations battling overtourism.
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a sun-drenched island located about an hour-long ferry ride away from Split. The island is known for its gorgeous beaches, long legacy of wine and vibrant nightlife, along with being a party hotspot during Yacht Week.
However, the island is working to be seen as more of a relaxing, family-friendly destination and hopes to shed its party image.
Last week, Hvar's city council voted in a closed-door meeting to keep noise restrictions this summer to 85 decibels and below – the equivalent of a noisy restaurant or heavy traffic, according to Croatian media outlet Dnevnik. Bars, clubs and other entertainment venues had been pushing for higher limits to appeal to partygoers year-round.
"In previous years, open-air clubs in Hvar and Split may have encouraged excessive partying among visitors, and contributed to a 'party destination' image in Croatian tourism," said Croatian Darijo Šarić, CEO of travel company VIP Holiday Booker that specializes in travel to his home country.
According to the guidelines written earlier in the year list, fines for exceeding the 85 decibels are €1,320 (about $1,428.28) for legal businesses and €300 (about $324.59) for individuals. However, local law enforcement handles the noise violations, and repeat or additional offenses may result in more fines, Šarić said.
The move coincides with the Mediterranean country's growing tourism industry, which saw a 4% increase in visitor numbers between 2023 and 2024, with a steady influx of travelers throughout the year.
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Tourists face more fines in Europe
In popular Croatian destinations, such as Split and Dubrovnik, tourists face on-the-spot fines for behavior "seen as inappropriate," according to travel advice by the United Kingdom government's website.
Since 2023, those drinking in public or walking around town shirtless or only in swimwear could be fined up to €150 (around $161.27). Travelers who act out drunk in public risk a fine up to €4,000 (around $4,300.64), the U.K. website states. If someone removes a noble pen shell, a protected endemic clam, they are fined €67 (around $72.04) for each.
Other European destinations have also started to police or limit tourists who are disrupting the quality of life for residents or the sustainability of the place. Spain's coastal city of Malaga started fining tourists who are shirtless on the street up to €750 (around $806.37) as of last year.
In Italy's coastal Sardinia, taking, holding or selling sand, pebbles, stones or shells can cost a traveler up to €3,000 (around $3,225.48). In 2023, a French tourist was arrested after police found over 90 pounds of Lampianu's famous gray pebbles and stones, according to Euronews.
"That being said, (Croatia's) fines are largely symbolic, intended more to discourage bad behavior rather than to punish anyone," Šarić said. "In practice, local authorities tend to be understanding, with very few fines actually being enforced. Nevertheless, we encourage all visitors to act respectfully and adhere to local customs and norms; otherwise, you could end up with a fine."
"Ultimately, it's about being responsible, ensuring Croatia remains a cherished, safe, and welcoming destination for everyone."
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