Safety of Tourists in Croatia

Fecal Waters in Istria, Decaying Infrastructure, and Endangered Tourist Safety: Is Croatia Still a Safe Destination for turists?

Croatia, long a popular destination for Slovenian tourists, is facing serious issues that threaten the health, safety, and trust of visitors. Recent heavy rainfall in Istria has exposed a dark side of the tourism infrastructure: Medulin, Poreč, Pula, and Rovinj were flooded with fecal waters, sparking outrage among locals and tourists. While Croatian national television HRT reported on “brown water,” they concealed the critical fact—that it was sewage. Such cover-ups raise the question: what are Croatian authorities and media willing to do to protect the image of the tourism industry, even if it endangers public health?

Fecal Waters and Concealing the Truth
The flooding of fecal waters in Istria is not an isolated incident but a symptom of outdated and poorly maintained sewage infrastructure. Instead of transparently informing the public and taking urgent measures, authorities resorted to euphemisms and hiding the facts. This approach not only misleads tourists but exposes them to serious health risks, such as infections and other consequences of contact with contaminated water. It seems that tourists are merely seen as “ATMs”—a source of revenue, not individuals whose safety and well-being should be a priority.

Decaying Maritime Transport Infrastructure
Related articles: Safety of Jadrolinija vessels; Jadrolinija ferry accidents

Jadrolinija, Croatia’s national maritime company, is another example of crumbling infrastructure. Despite boasting the “Stay Safe in Croatia” label, its ferries are often outdated, poorly maintained, and questionably compliant with safety standards. Some users on platforms like Tripadvisor report disorganized conditions on board, including poor hygiene and inadequate staff behavior. Despite plans to modernize the fleet by 2026, the current situation remains concerning. Delays, cancellations, and technical issues are frequent, further complicating travel along the Croatian coast and islands.

Charter Vessels: Risks for Tourists
The yacht charter sector in Croatia is also fraught with pitfalls. Overbooking, a lack of berths, and the “apartmentization” of vessels—where too many people are crammed onto small boats—create dangerous conditions. Many vessels are poorly maintained, with questionable permits and cheap equipment that fails to meet safety standards. Tourists often report unprofessional behavior from crews and companies that attempt to conceal existing vessel damage to charge deposits. Such practices not only jeopardize safety but also ruin the vacation experience.

Tourism Over Health and Safety
Croatia earns billions of euros annually from tourism, but profit seems to take precedence. Plenković once said: “Money is important, and nothing else.” However, when it comes to the health and safety of tourists, priorities appear to lie elsewhere. Instead of investing in infrastructure and safety measures, authorities often prefer to cover up problems to maintain the image of a “safe destination.” This raises the question: how much is human health and life worth when tourism revenue comes first?

Boycotting Croatia and Alternatives
Given these issues, Slovenian tourists should carefully consider whether Croatia is still worth visiting. Other Mediterranean destinations, such as Greece, Italy, or Spain, offer comparable or better experiences with better-maintained infrastructure and higher safety standards. A boycott of Croatia could be an effective way to pressure authorities to change their approach to tourists—until they demonstrate that they care about visitors’ safety and health, not just their money.

Caution and Alternatives
Slovenian tourists should exercise particular caution when visiting Croatia. Before renting a vessel, thoroughly check its condition and the reputation of the company. When traveling with Jadrolinija, be prepared for potential inconveniences. Above all, consider other destinations that offer greater safety and a better attitude toward visitors. Croatia must realize that tourists are not just a source of income but people who deserve respect and safety. Until this changes, it’s worth reconsidering whether a vacation in Croatia is worth the risk.

Source: DM, HRT

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