Croatia’s ‘Party Island’ Turning Away Unruly Tourists, Noise And More

Overtourism raises its ugly head in many popular destinations, the latest being the popular “Party Island,” Hvar, in Croatia. This summer vacation spot is making some major changes to its tourist welcome, warning that visitors could receive a fine relating to bad behavior and unsuitable clothing.

Croatia pushes back at misbehaving tourists

What is happening now in Croatia has already happened elsewhere in Europe, as locals in popular destinations have had enough. In this case, the island of Hvar, renowned as a popular party spot, is taking steps to curb antisocial behavior that comes from its reputation.

In a bid to rid the island of party tourism, the city of Hvar has voted to maintain noise restrictions for the summer. This step will have a significant impact on discos, clubs and outdoor venues. Moreover, several regulations on clothing and behavior have been introduced, with fines to pay. Now, rather than a “party island,” Hvar is rebranding itself as a family-friendly location.

Hvar rebrands itself as ‘ family-friendly’

Last week, town councilors in Hvar voted to maintain restrictions during the coming summer that will limit noise to 85 decibels. Meanwhile, this limit is equivalent to a noisy restaurant and will lead to major changes for the island’s outdoor clubs that run during the peak season. Moreover, it will also affect restaurants that host outdoor weddings.

Moreover, the latest decision reportedly received pushback from restaurants, bars, and other businesses. It was also met with lobbying from the hospitality sector. According to CroatiaWeek, the latter proposed instead to bypass the noise regulations by declaring the entire island a year-round entertainment zone.

Vicko Visković from the hospitality association Dictum Factum told Croatian news site Dnevnik.hr:

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.

However, local officials want to signal a shift towards a more family-friendly and sustainable tourism mode.

Darijo Šarić, CEO of VIP Holiday Booker, said:

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.

However, Croatia has increasingly built a reputation for being a family-friendly destination, offering cultural richness, natural beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Push for quality tourism by levying fines

Meanwhile, the latest restrictions come amid a wider push for quality tourism across Croatia that benefits locals. For example, in many town centers, including Dubrovnik and Split, tourists can get on-the-spot fines of up to €700 ($757) for behavior deemed inappropriate. This rule applies to drinking alcohol or using drugs in public spaces. It also applies to urinating or vomiting in public spaces, and walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear.

Moreover, they can be fined up to €4,000 ($4,338) for public order disturbances, including verbal abuse, such as shouting or arguing, fighting, and drunken behavior.

Moreover, the removal of noble pen shells—a critically endangered species that plays a major role in the Mediterranean ecosystem—from Croatia’s beaches attracts a €67 ($72.50) fine per shell.

Šarić added:

These fines are intended more to deter bad behavior rather than to punish anyone. Ultimately, it is about being responsible, ensuring Croatia remains a cherished, safe, and welcoming destination for everyone.