Footage of a raucous party from boats in a secluded cove on eastern Hvar was viewed by 120,000 people in just a few hours, sparking anger among locals who warn of a lack of oversight and nautical discourtesy.
A published video of a loud party from boats in a secluded cove on the eastern part of Hvar has triggered a fresh wave of comments about the behavior of boaters and the chronic lack of control in more remote stretches of coastline. A furious local resident publicly highlighted the issue, noting that such scenes are hardly rare in summer.
According to her, it's a quiet and hidden cove with just one house, which during the season becomes a destination for boats and sailboats. Visitors moor without permission, blast music at full volume, and leave trash behind. The islander claims that in the area above the beach, one can also come across human feces. Last year, at her initiative, a protective barrier was installed to somewhat shield the cove, but it broke on the third day.
"It's a total free-for-all from 0 to 24," the islander summed up the situation for Slobodna Dalmacija, questioning where the municipal inspectors and the Harbor Master's Office oversight are on eastern Hvar.
She emphasizes that noise isn't the only issue. She speaks of sewage being discharged into the sea, waste being discarded on beaches and in forests, the harvesting of sea urchins and shellfish, and other violations that she believes go unsanctioned. "Why is it a problem to say ENOUGH to this kind of tourism?" she asked, adding that people live on the island and that many visitors come to such coves precisely in search of peace and quiet.
After the video surpassed 120,000 views and drew a wave of negative reactions, she clarified that she has nothing against parties and doesn't mind the genre of music, but rather the behavior that denies others a peaceful experience in nature. "We're not all the same in tourism. There are those of us who care about the island and for whom not everything is for sale," she stated.
"If you've paid for accommodation for ten days, it doesn't mean you can behave however you please," the outraged islander told Slobodna Dalmacija.
Her plea, "Is it a problem to say enough?," also carried by Jutarnji list, comes at a time when Croatia's tourism strategy and its long-term sustainability are being increasingly questioned, especially in light of environmental preservation and the quality of life for the local population.
