Hvar, once a tourist paradise, now looks like a ghost town, and the reason is – prices that have gone through the roof! Maja Oven, a Slovenian entrepreneur and vice president of the cycling society Rog, shocked the region with her Facebook post. Beer on Hvar costs a staggering €8.5, spaghetti bolognese 45 kuna, daily soup €11, and dessert €12! And that’s not all – the bars are empty, waiters demand cash only, and usually don’t give receipts. Is this the new normal in tourism or just a scandal?
Empty Bars and Sky-High Prices – How Did It Come to This?
Hvar has always been known as one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Adriatic. But this year, there are no crowds. Tourists are fleeing from prices that, as Maja Oven says, are “unacceptable.” Empty restaurant and café terraces speak louder than words. Have the owners gone too greedy? Or is this a result of inflation and global economic problems?
Cash or Nothing – Old Trick or New Problem?
Another issue Maja highlighted is the insistence on cash payments and refusal to issue receipts. This is not only inconvenient for tourists but also an alarming sign for tax authorities. Is some kind of grey economy running on Hvar?
What Do Locals and Tourists Say?
While some local restaurateurs defend the prices as necessary due to high costs, tourists are outraged. “I have never paid €8.5 for a beer while the place was empty,” says Maja. Many are thinking of skipping Hvar this year or waiting for things to “return to normal.”
What’s Next?
If this trend continues, Hvar could lose its reputation as a favorite destination. Tourists will choose other places where prices are reasonable and service is accessible. Restaurateurs should think – is short-term profit better or long-term guest loyalty?
Conclusion
Hvar’s tourism is at a crossroads. Will the owners wake up and adapt, or will they keep raising prices until they are left alone? Empty bars and expensive menus are a bad sign. If you ever planned to visit Hvar, maybe it’s time to think twice. Or drop a comment on what you think about these prices – is this normal or total chaos?
Join the conversation, because this isn’t just a story about Hvar – it’s a story about tourism changing before our eyes!
