If you wear swimsuits in public places, near historical sites or in religious places, you can receive a fine of up to 600 euros.
The Croatian island of Hvar has recently become increasingly popular with tourists looking for an alternative to the crowded Dubrovnik and Split.
Gradually, the city itself is already facing all the negative consequences of excessive tourism, which forces local authorities to introduce new restrictions for tourists.
In particular, now the authorities of Hvar have introduced a stricter dress code for tourists – for wearing inappropriate clothes in public places, near historical sites or in religious places, you can get a considerable fine, reports Schengen.News.
In particular, tourists who wear swimsuits outside the beach areas of Hvar run the risk of being fined up to 600 euros, and anyone who goes shirtless or in very revealing clothes in the city center risks a fine of 500 euros.
In this regard, the commercial director of Good Travel Management, Laura Busby, in a comment to the Daily Mail, recommended that tourists take a scarf or jacket with long sleeves when walking around the island in case of visiting cultural sites. In addition, she pointed out that in some places, tourists may also be asked to wear long skirts or trousers to go inside.
“Knowing the basics will help you run your trip more smoothly without running into any potential problems. Keep track of how local residents behave in different situations and conditions, such as in cafes, restaurants, and tourist sites. If possible, copy their actions to demonstrate your respect for their values, ” she advised.
According to experts, the decision of the Hvar authorities shows that even non-religious places use dress codes to cope with mass tourism. The island’s authorities believe that the new changes will help better protect its image and provide families and residents with comfort, especially in historical or sacred places.
However, the new changes have caused controversy in the tourism industry. According to some critics, fines can have a negative impact on Hvar, scare away visitors or cause unpleasant feelings.
On the other hand, proponents argue that respectful tourism, including appropriate clothing, is important for long-term sustainability. As for travel consultants and tour operators, they should inform tourists about local rules and customs before their arrival.
It is worth noting that earlier the authorities of the city of Hvar also introduced strict restrictions on noise levels throughout the summer-more stringent than national laws, which significantly affected the nightlife.
