Overrun and Over It: Europe’s Once-Dreamy Cities Now Groaning Under Tourist Weight

Europe’s top destinations may be on your bucket list, but the reality might leave you with more regrets than memories. These overcrowded hotspots are struggling to keep up—will you?

1. Venice, Italy: Sinking Under the Weight of Tourism

Venice is literally sinking under over-tourism, with its fragile canals and structures suffering from constant boat traffic and footfall. Starting in 2024, Venice will introduce a daily tourist fee (€5) for day-trippers to manage the crowds and reduce strain on the city.

Would exploring less frequented Italian cities like Lecce or Trieste offer a more sustainable and quiet charm?

2. Barcelona, Spain: Local Life Overshadowed by Tourists

Barcelona has seen protests against tourists who locals feel are ruining the city’s charm. To manage the influx, Barcelona has implemented strict regulations on short-term rentals since 2023, limiting the number of tourists in certain areas.

Could visiting nearby Girona or Tarragona give you a taste of Catalan culture without the crowds? 

3. Santorini, Greece: Strained by Seasonal Swell

The stunning island of Santorini struggles with water shortages and infrastructure strain due to seasonal tourist influxes. In 2024, Santorini introduced a daily cap on cruise ship visitors, limiting arrivals to 8,000 passengers per day.

Might the less visited but equally beautiful Naxos be a more responsible choice?

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Overrun by Game of Thrones Fans

Dubrovnik has experienced over-tourism partly due to its fame as a filming location for “Game of Thrones.” Since 2021, Dubrovnik has been limiting cruise ship arrivals to two per day in an effort to manage the crowd sizes and reduce the strain on its Old Town.

Would visiting Split or Korcula allow you to enjoy Croatia’s historic coast without contributing to the congestion?

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Beyond Capacity

The narrow streets and canals of Amsterdam are packed, putting a strain on local life and public services. In 2023, the city banned new tourist shops in the center and has been encouraging visitors to explore less crowded neighborhoods.

How about discovering the less crowded but vibrant city of Utrecht instead?

6. Cinque Terre, Italy: Loved to Death

The fragile coastal area of Cinque Terre is suffering from too much foot traffic, risking environmental damage. In 2024, authorities introduced stricter quotas for hiking trail access to help preserve the environment.

Perhaps the Italian Riviera’s lesser-known spots, like Portovenere, offer a quieter, more sustainable visit.

7. Paris, France: Iconic but Overwhelmed

Iconic sites like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower can be mobbed, diminishing the quality of the visitor experience. The Louvre now requires time-slot bookings to manage visitor flow, a measure introduced in 2023.

Could exploring other French cities like Lyon or Marseille offer rich culture with more breathing room?

8. Reykjavik, Iceland: Nature at Risk

The delicate natural landscapes around Reykjavik are endangered by the massive increase in visitor numbers. As of 2023, stricter regulations on nature tourism have been put in place to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Would the less traveled East Fjords provide a closer connection to Iceland’s wild beauty without the environmental impact?

9. Scottish Highlands, Scotland: Wear and Tear on the Wilds

Popular sites in the Scottish Highlands, such as Ben Nevis and Loch Ness, face paths eroding and natural habitats disturbed by hikers and tourists. In 2024, new measures were introduced to limit foot traffic on vulnerable trails and promote off-peak travel.

Could exploring less known areas like the Borders offer a chance to experience Scotland’s nature without the crowds?

10. Prague, Czech Republic: A Victim of Its Own Charm

The historic center of Prague sees daily tourist numbers that far exceed its local population, leading to a loss of its authentic charm. Since 2023, Prague has limited large tour groups and enforced new regulations on short-term rentals in the city center.

Why not visit Olomouc or Brno for a taste of Czech history without the crush?

11. Lisbon, Portugal: A Housing Market in Crisis

The popularity of Lisbon with tourists has spiked rents and squeezed out locals. Could enjoying the less explored Portuguese cities like Coimbra or Évora help support more sustainable tourism?

12. The Alps, Europe: Environmental Degradation

Popular Alpine destinations in Switzerland, France, and Italy face issues like trail erosion and habitat disruption due to skiing and hiking. Would visiting the lesser-known Apennines in Italy offer beautiful vistas with less environmental impact?

13. Rome, Italy: Overrun by History Seekers

The queues for the Colosseum and Vatican are legendary and can spoil the experience. Why not discover the ancient wonders of less-crowded Sicily or Puglia instead?

14. Mykonos, Greece: Party Paradise Lost

Mykonos is known for its parties but faces challenges like water scarcity and waste management. Could the quieter island of Paros offer a more sustainable and relaxed Greek island experience?

15. London, England: A Pricey Proposition

London’s high tourist numbers make for expensive and crowded visits. Could the historic charms of York or Bath provide a rich yet more cost-effective English experience?

16. Stockholm, Sweden: An Expensive Endeavor

Stockholm’s beauty is unmatched, but so are its high costs, especially during the peak tourist season. Could the smaller city of Göteborg offer a similarly enriching Swedish experience at a lower cost?

17. Hallstatt, Austria: Copied for a Reason

This small village faces over-tourism to the extent that it was replicated in China. Would the nearby Austrian towns like St. Gilgen offer peaceful beauty without the crowds?

18. Florence, Italy: Renaissance Overload

Florence’s Renaissance art is world-class, but its streets are often packed. Might exploring the equally historic but less visited city of Mantua satisfy your art and history hunger more pleasantly?

18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors

It’s time for a reality check, American travelers. As you pack your bags and head overseas, ready to stamp your passport, it’s becoming glaringly obvious that not every destination is thrilled to see you. 18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

American cities promise rich culture and unforgettable experiences, but rising crime rates can catch travelers off guard. This guide helps you stay safe while fully enjoying your adventures. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kirk Fisher.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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