Summer Gripes in Split: Locals and Tourists Voice Frustrations Over Crowds, Prices, and Behavior

SPLIT, Croatia – As the summer season heats up, both residents and visitors in Split are openly sharing their frustrations about the city’s bustling atmosphere. A recent street survey conducted by Dalmatinski portal revealed a range of annoyances, highlighting the challenges of balancing tourism with local quality of life. Local residents expressed significant concerns regarding tourist behavior. One male resident, wearing a straw hat, stated, "The worst are the hordes of drunk tourists who urinate in the streets, ride skateboards and hit churches with them, and walk around in swimwear as if they are on the beach." Another local man lamented that Split has become "a city of kebabs and ice cream," suggesting a loss of authentic local character. Complaints also included traffic congestion and the difficulty for locals to navigate their own city due to overcrowding and long queues in shops. An older woman added that the noise and inability to move freely or conduct daily errands due to the crowds were major issues. On the other hand, tourists primarily focused on economic grievances. A young woman interviewed highlighted a particular inconvenience: "It was a Sunday and it was Anti-Fascist Day, so no liquor stores were open, and it was really expensive to buy a lot of drinks at the restaurants." Other tourists echoed concerns about "overpriced drinks" and "water," indicating that the cost of living and leisure activities in Split during peak season is a significant point of contention for visitors. Despite these complaints, some tourists praised the friendliness of Croatian people. The interviews underscore a growing tension between the demands of mass tourism and the desire of residents to maintain their city's cultural integrity and livability.