Thursday, March 27, 2025
Hvar Island in Croatia enforces strict noise limits and fines to transform from a party hotspot to a family-friendly, sustainable destination.
Croatia is making waves in the European tourism scene with its latest initiative aimed at curbing disruptive tourist behavior, with Hvar Island leading the charge. Known for its buzzing nightlife, Hvar is shifting its focus towards becoming a family-friendly destination, emphasizing a more tranquil and responsible approach to tourism.
To tackle the issues caused by the island’s once-dominant party culture, the town of Hvar has introduced new, strict noise regulations for the summer season. These rules target outdoor venues, including clubs and discos, limiting noise levels to a maximum of 85 decibels—a sound level comparable to the hum of a bustling restaurant. The goal is to create a peaceful environment that caters to those seeking a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Alongside the noise control measures, Hvar has also implemented guidelines for tourists concerning behavior and attire. Visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid fines, encouraging respectful conduct while visiting the island. These changes are part of a broader effort to shift Hvar’s tourism identity from a party destination to one that appeals to families, nature lovers, and those interested in sustainable travel experiences.
The decision to enforce these noise restrictions during the peak tourist months represents a clear change in Hvar’s tourism policy. It’s expected to affect the operations of outdoor venues that typically host large events, such as weddings and festivals, during the busy summer season.
This move aligns with Croatia’s wider push for responsible and sustainable tourism across the country. In popular tourist cities like Split and Dubrovnik, similar measures are in place, where tourists can face fines of up to €700 for actions like public drinking, drug use, urinating in public, or walking around in inappropriate clothing such as swimwear or being shirtless.
For more serious violations, such as public altercations or extreme drunkenness, fines can reach up to €4,000. To further protect the local environment, Croatia has introduced penalties for removing endangered species, like the noble pen shell, from its beaches, with a fine of €67 for each shell taken.
With these initiatives, Hvar is setting a new standard for sustainable tourism, prioritizing a quieter, more respectful atmosphere that benefits both visitors and local communities. The island’s efforts reflect Croatia’s broader vision for transforming its tourism sector into one that balances economic growth with environmental and social responsibility.
