The Hvar dress code is simple: keep your swimwear for the beach. Walk through Hvar Town in a bikini or swim shorts and you could pay a fine of up to €600. Go shirtless in the centre and the fine can reach €500.
Also, Hvar is one of the most popular islands in Croatia. Many visitors pick it over busy Dubrovnik and Split. If you are planning a trip, our Hvar travel guide covers the sights and the best areas to stay. Here is what you need to know about the Hvar dress code before you pack.
What the Hvar Dress Code Covers
The rules come from the town of Hvar, not from the whole island or the Croatian state. They apply in Hvar Town itself: the main square, the old streets, the waterfront, shops and restaurants. Local wardens can stop you and issue a fine on the spot.
Swimwear is banned outside the beach areas. In addition, walking around without a top is banned in the town centre. Very revealing outfits fall under the same rule. When you visit churches, museums or other cultural sites, the town asks you to dress modestly.
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Hvar Fines at a Glance
Croatian media confirmed the amounts again in summer 2026. Both 24sata and Riportal describe Hvar as the strictest town on the coast:
- Swimwear outside beach areas: up to €600
- Walking shirtless in the town centre: up to €500
- Noise: the town also sets its own summer noise limits, which are stricter than national law and have changed the nightlife
Other Croatian towns have similar rules. However, their fines are much lower. Hvar clearly wants visitors to take its rules seriously.
Where Swimwear Is Fine
You will not get a fine for a bikini on the beach, at a hotel pool or at a beach club. However, the problem starts when you leave those places. A short walk from the beach to a café in your swimsuit is exactly what the rules target. If you plan to hop between islands and towns, check our guide to the best beaches in Split too, since Split has its own rules.
Packing Tips for the Hvar Dress Code
Staying on the right side of the Hvar dress code takes almost no effort. A few light items in your beach bag are enough:
- A T-shirt or a loose shirt to pull on before you leave the beach
- Shorts, a sarong or a light dress to cover swimwear
- A scarf or a long-sleeved layer for churches and museums
- Trousers or a longer skirt, in case a site asks you to cover your legs
For example, travel advisers say the same thing. Laura Busby of Good Travel Management told the Daily Mail that visitors should “copy their actions”, meaning the locals. Watch how residents dress in cafés and on the streets, and follow their lead.
Why Hvar Brought In the Rules
For years Hvar had a reputation as a party island. Crowds of tourists walked through the old town half-dressed, often late at night. As a result, residents complained, and in 2024 they pushed the town to enforce its public order rules properly.
The town wants a calmer, more family-friendly image. The goal is to protect its historic centre and make daily life easier for the people who live there. That makes Hvar a better fit for families travelling in Croatia too.
Not everyone likes the change. Some people in the tourism industry fear that high fines will scare visitors away. Supporters reply that respectful tourism helps the island stay attractive in the long run. Either way, the Hvar dress code sends a clear message to travellers: cover up when you leave the beach, and Hvar will treat you well.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.