A Croatian city will punish those who dress inappropriately: 'It's not moral.

The coastal city of Zadar in Croatia has introduced new warning signs aimed at tourists who enter its historic old town area dressed inappropriately, such as in swimwear or bare-chested. The move comes amid growing concerns among locals about the increasing number of visitors arriving in beach attire, which they argue disrupts the cultural and historical character of the city. The fines for violating this dress code have been set at 132 euros, according to local authorities. The new signage was placed at all entrances to the old town, serving both an informational and educational purpose. While the rule itself has existed for four years, officials say the recent increase in violations has prompted them to reinforce the message with visible reminders. The signs, however, do not explicitly state the fine amount, leaving that detail to be communicated verbally by municipal officers. Local residents have expressed frustration over the trend of tourists entering the historic district in minimal clothing. One long-time resident, Venci Jurin, a sailor who has traveled extensively, described the situation as a catastrophe. He noted that many visitors arrive nearly naked, wearing only swimsuits or nothing at all, which he believes undermines the dignity of the city's heritage. Another local, Mario Josip Škibola, echoed these sentiments, stating that such behavior is immoral and inappropriate for a city known for its culture and history. Not everyone agrees with the strict enforcement of the dress code. Marino Viduka, a younger resident, argued that the rules make sense because swimwear is meant for the beach, not for walking through the streets. He suggested that visitors should simply choose to wear more appropriate clothing if they wish to explore the city center. This view aligns with some tourists who support the regulation, seeing it as a reasonable measure to maintain respect for the environment. Tourists visiting Zadar have largely accepted the new guidelines, recognizing the need to dress appropriately in areas of historical significance. A young German tourist, Mara, acknowledged that walking around half-naked is unsuitable for the old town, emphasizing that such attire belongs on the beach, not in the streets where other tourists are sightseeing. She noted that while it might be uncomfortable to dress more conservatively during hot weather, it is ultimately a cost-effective choice compared to paying fines. Municipal officials emphasized that the primary goal of the new measures is to educate rather than penalize. According to Hrvoje Marić, the head of municipal activities and environmental protection, the city aims to inform visitors about the dress code before issuing fines. Officers patrol the area and issue warnings first, only resorting to fines after repeated offenses. The fines are intended to serve as a deterrent against continued disregard for the regulations. Similar dress codes exist in other Croatian cities, though the penalties vary. In Split and Dubrovnik, the fines are 150 euros, while in Hvar, the amounts are higher—500 euros for walking without a shirt and 600 euros for wearing swimwear outside the beach area. These differences reflect varying approaches to balancing tourism and preserving local identity. Despite the controversy surrounding the new rules, the city continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining the cultural integrity of its historic districts. Officials hope that increased awareness will lead to greater compliance, ensuring that future visitors contribute to the preservation of Zadar’s unique atmosphere. The implementation of these measures marks a renewed effort to address the challenges posed by the growing influx of tourists.