The European Cities Most Overloaded with Tourists
Europe, a place steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a magnet for travellers from around the world. While tourism undeniably boosts economies, some of its most iconic cities are struggling to cope with unprecedented visitor numbers. From the enchanting canals of Venice to the mediaeval charm of Bruges, these urban gems are facing the challenges of overtourism.
Holidu, the holiday rental portal, discovered the cities with the highest number of tourists per inhabitant. Using data from Euromonitor International, a market research provider, this study analysed the number of inbound arrivals in 2023 compared to the city’s population. Read on to discover these overloaded places you might want to avoid this summer.
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia – 27 tourists per 1 inhabitant
Dubrovnik holds the dubious distinction of being Europe’s most overloaded city, with a staggering 27 tourists per inhabitant. This Adriatic gem has been overwhelmed by visitors, transforming from a tranquil coastal retreat into a bustling, human anthill. Once celebrated for its architectural splendour and historical allure, the city is now synonymous with overtourism. The Game of Thrones effect only exacerbated the problem, turning its cobblestone streets into congested thoroughfares and its iconic walls into selfie backdrops. But don’t be scared, you can avoid peak crowds and enjoy the beauties of Dubrovnik if you book a trip for September or October.
Dubrovnik, Croatia credit Hans Jurgen Weinhardt via Unsplash
2. Rhodes, Greece – 26 tourists per 1 inhabitant
Rhodes is the second destination within the ranking. With 26 tourists for every resident, it’s fast becoming a victim of its own popularity. Once a tranquil Mediterranean escape celebrated for its historic Old Town and dreamy beaches, the island is now grappling with overwhelming visitor numbers. Its charming cobblestone streets have transformed into bustling tourist corridors, while its pristine coastline is overrun with sunseekers. If summer is the only opportunity you have to travel, you can still find beautiful and peaceful places. We will leave you with our recommendations: Vlycha Bay, Gennadi and Apollona.
Rhodes, Greece credit Benjamin Recinos via Unsplash
3. Venice, Italy – 21 tourists per 1 inhabitant
With an overwhelming 21 tourists for every resident, Venice claims the unfortunate bronze medal in Europe’s overloaded competition. This iconic floating city, once a serene and romantic escape, is now buckling under the weight of its popularity. The once-tranquil canals have transformed into congested waterways, and the historic buildings bear the scars of millions of footsteps. You can still find the magic in overcrowded Venice at these lesser-known, and more importantly, lesser-visited treasures. We will give some of the most beautiful: Visit Castello, enjoy the music at Musica A Palazzo and discover the square Secret Campi.
Venice, Italy credit Levi Van Leeuwen via Unsplash
4. Heraklion, Greece – 18 tourists per 1 inhabitant
Just outside the top three most overloaded European cities lies Heraklion. With a staggering 18 tourists per inhabitant, this historic port city is grappling with the challenges of overtourism. What was once a charming gateway to the island’s stunning beaches and ancient ruins has been transformed into a bustling commercial hub. But fear not, if you move away from the city centre you will find some hidden gems a few kilometres away like: Fodele Beach, Panagia Beach only accessible by boat and Pantanassas Beach. Despite the overloaded tourism, Heraklion is the perfect combination of history, beautiful beaches and great food.
Heraklion, Greece credit Ilse via Unsplash
5. Florence, Italy- 13 tourists per 1 inhabitant
In fifth place with 13 tourists for every resident, Florence finds itself firmly entrenched in the heart of Europe’s overloaded crisis. This iconic city, once a cultural and artistic powerhouse, is now battling a different kind of masterpiece: the human tide. The Ponte Vecchio, once a tranquil passage, has transformed into a chaotic gauntlet of selfie-seekers. The Duomo, a breathtaking architectural marvel, is often swallowed by an endless sea of tourists. Florence’s timeless beauty is at risk of being eclipsed by the relentless pursuit of the perfect Instagram moment. As a way to control this Florence, as of April 2023, applies a city tax rate ranging from €4.50 to €8 per night according to the rating of the accommodation. Children under 12 are exempt from this tax, and the fee is payable for up to 7 nights of continuous stay.
Florence, Italy credit Mark Tegethoff via Unsplash
Who rounds off the top 10 best?
6. Reykjavik, Iceland – 12 tourists per 1 inhabitant
7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 12 tourists per 1 inhabitant
8. Lisbon, Portugal – 11 tourists per 1 inhabitant
9. Porto, Portugal – 10 tourists per 1 inhabitant
10. Dublin, Ireland – 9 tourists per 1 inhabitant
Methodology:
This ranking was made by using the number of tourists in 2023 for each city on The Savvy Backpacker and Air Mundo’s most visited cities lists. Using this list, we gathered data from Euromonitor International’s “Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023”, published in December 2023. The population of each city was then extracted from the World Population Review and other credible sources. The final ranking sorts each city from highest to lowest based on the number of tourists per inhabitant, prioritising those with more tourists. All cities from both Russia and Ukraine were removed from this ranking.