A walk around town in a bathing suit can cost 132 euros.

In the historic old town of Zadar, Croatia, new warning signs have been installed at entrances to the city’s core, reminding visitors that wearing swimsuits in public spaces is prohibited under local regulations. The fine for violating this rule has been set at 132 euros, according to officials. These signs, placed at key points of entry, aim to inform and educate rather than immediately penalize offenders, though enforcement involves municipal officers who issue fines after warnings. The regulation, part of Zadar's municipal ordinance, has been in effect for four years. However, recent reports indicate that violations have become more frequent, prompting authorities to take visible action. While the exact amount of the fine is listed on the signs, some details remain unclear, such as whether the penalty applies universally or varies depending on specific infractions. In other Croatian cities like Split and Dubrovnik, similar rules exist with fines ranging from 150 to 600 euros, depending on the nature of the violation, such as walking bare-chested or outside designated beach areas. According to Hrvoje Marić, head of the municipal department responsible for urban order and environmental protection, municipal officers monitor compliance with dress codes in the old town. He explained that visitors are first warned verbally before being issued a formal payment notice for the fine. “We’ve had cases where tourists walked around in swimsuits or even completely naked,” he said. “These actions are not acceptable in a historical area.” Local residents have expressed mixed opinions about the new rules. Venci Jurin, a fisherman from Zadar, described the situation as a daily concern. “Every day I’m on my boat. If I didn’t have a boat, I would have left Zadar long ago, it’s a disaster here. People walk around half-naked, and sometimes you can’t tell if women are wearing swimwear or nothing at all,” he told Net.hr. Jurin believes such rules are common worldwide but emphasizes their necessity in preserving the dignity of the city’s heritage. Mario Josip Škibola, another resident, agrees. “I would ban this because it’s inappropriate. Even small children see people walking around in bikinis or almost naked. That’s not right. Zadar is a cultural place.” His comments reflect a broader sentiment among locals who view the old town as a protected space requiring respectful behavior from visitors. The implementation of these measures comes amid growing concerns over tourist behavior in Zadar’s historic districts. Officials say they are responding to repeated complaints from residents and businesses about the impact of informal dress code violations on the city’s image. Some argue that while the rules are necessary, there is room for clearer communication and perhaps more leniency during peak tourist seasons. As the summer season progresses, it remains to be seen how effectively these new signs will deter violations. Municipal officers continue to patrol the area, ready to enforce the rules with verbal warnings followed by fines. Meanwhile, local voices continue to debate the balance between protecting the city’s heritage and accommodating the expectations of international visitors.