Latest news with #DarijoŠarić
USA Today
29-03-2025
- USA Today
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 Show Caption Hide Caption 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flocking to island Millions flock to Santorini each year to see the social media-famous sunset putting pressure on its outdated infrastructure.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. What to know about golden visas: You could 'buy' European residency for about $500K 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."
Euronews
25-03-2025
- Euronews
Croatia's ‘party island' is cracking down on noise. Here's what it means for your summer holiday
ADVERTISEMENT Croatia is the latest country to join the Europe-wide pushback against unruly tourists. The island of Hvar, known as a popular nightlife spot, is now taking steps to curb the antisocial behaviour that comes with its reputation. In a bid to move away from party tourism, Hvar (the town which shares a name with the island) has voted to maintain noise restrictions for the summer, which will have a significant impact on clubs, discos and outdoor venues. There are also several tourist regulations on clothing and behaviour that visitors should be aware of if they don't want to receive a fine. Hvar is rebranding itself as a family-friendly destination Last week, Hvar town councillors voted to maintain restrictions during the summer that limit noise to 85 decibels. Given this is equivalent to a noisy restaurant, it will mean significant changes for the island's popular outdoor clubs that open during peak season - as well as restaurants that host outdoor weddings. The decision reportedly received pushback from restaurants, bars and other businesses. It was met with lobbying from the hospitality sector, which proposed instead to bypass noise rules by declaring the entire island a year-round entertainment zone, local news site CroatiaWeek reports. Related Italy, Slovenia, Croatia: New train line offers ready-made rail adventure for as little as €8 Netherlands, Croatia, Greece: Where it's easiest to chat to locals if you're an English speaker 'I think this is a disaster. We have always supported stricter rules and better monitoring, but now we are going from one extreme to another. This is not the right approach,' Vicko Visković from the hospitality association Dictum Factum told Croatian news site But local authorities want to signal a shift towards a more family-friendly and sustainable tourism model. "In previous years, open-air clubs in Hvar and Split may have encouraged excessive partying among guests and contributed to a 'party destination' image in Croatian tourism,' says Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental site VIP Holiday Booker. 'However, Croatia has increasingly built a reputation for being a family-friendly destination, offering cultural richness, natural beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere.' Tourists can be fined up to €700 on the spot for these offences in Croatia The restrictions come amid a wider push for quality tourism across Croatia that benefits local residents. In many town centres, including Split and Dubrovnik, you can get on-the-spot fines of up to €700 for behaviour deemed inappropriate. This includes drinking alcohol or using drugs in public spaces, urinating or vomiting in public spaces, and walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear. You can also be fined up to €4,000 for public order disturbances, including fighting, verbal abuse such as shouting or arguing, and drunken behaviour. Removing noble pen shells - a critically endangered species that plays a key role in the Mediterranean ecosystem - from Croatia's beaches comes with a €67 fine per shell. ADVERTISEMENT 'These fines are intended more to deter bad behaviour rather than to punish anyone,' Šarić says. 'Ultimately, it is about being responsible, ensuring Croatia remains a cherished, safe, and welcoming destination for everyone."
