Overburdened European Localities on the Brink of Collapse Due to Intense Tourism Overloading

Overburdened European Localities on the Brink of Collapse Due to Intense Tourism Overloading

A new analysis by the British consumer magazine Which? has identified the European destinations most affected by overtourism, with locals and infrastructures struggling to cope under the weight of massive tourist influxes.

The study, published by the British Consumers Association, analyzed tourism data from the European Commission to determine both Europe's busiest and quietest spots in terms of tourists. According to Which?, overtourism is defined by three measures: the number of tourists per resident in overnight stays per resident, overall overnight stays, and overnight stays per square kilometer.

The analysis revealed that the Greek island of Zakynthos, with a local population of just 40,000, is the most severely impacted by tourist pressure. Every year, an estimated 6 million tourists flock to this Mediterranean destination, resulting in an average of 150 overnight stays per resident. Croatia's Istria peninsula follows closely behind with 133 overnight stays per resident, while Fuerteventura, one of Spain's Canary Islands, ranks third (118.72 overnight stays per resident).

On the other end of the ranking, Teleorman in Romania has as few as 20 overnight stays per 1,000 residents, followed by the Dytikos Tomeas Athinon region in Greece and Calarasi in South East Romania.

Some of the most affected destinations include:

1. Zakynthos, Greece: Known for its nightlife, restaurants, and the iconic Navagio Beach, this island in the Ionian Sea has been a popular tourist destination since the 1980s. However, the influx of tourists has put significant strain on local resources and infrastructure.
2. Istria, Croatia: This Adriatic coastal region is renowned for its scenic beauty, picturesque towns, and crystal-clear waters. Overcrowding is a growing concern for the region, which also offers opportunities for wine tourism.
3. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain: A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Fuerteventura attracts tourists seeking warm weather during the European winter months. Despite concerns about overtourism among locals, the Canary Islands saw a 2.1% increase in tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2025.
4. Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain: Lanzarote also struggles with tourism pressure, with Spain's most polluted beach, Playa Blanca in Las Palmas, a concern for environmentalists. Locals have even resorted to warning tourists about non-existent dangers to discourage visits.
5. Dodecanese Islands, Greece: Consisting of islands such as Rhodes and Kos, the Dodecanese Islands are increasingly facing the challenges of mass tourism. The Greek government has announced measures to combat the issue, including filling hotel pools with seawater and increasing the cruise debarkation fee.
6. Tiroler Oberland, Austria: This hiking and skiing destination attracts tourists from around the world but is facing the consequences of overtourism, with a high number of overnight stays per resident.
7. Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria: Austria has implemented a tourist tax on overnight stays and recently conducted surveys showing that local residents are increasingly in favor of reducing the number of tourists.
8. Cyclades, Greece: This island group, including popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, attract millions of tourists every year. Seismic activity and catastrophic floods in March 2025 may have temporarily reduced tourist numbers.
9. Kerkyra (Corfu), Greece: This beautiful sailing destination faces challenges related to overtourism, with locals suffering from the consequences. Tourists planning visits might prefer off-season travel to ensure the best experience.
10. Ausserfern, Austria: Part of Tyrol, Ausserfern is known for its mountainous landscapes, making it difficult to exploit the region for anything but tourism.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, commented on the data, saying, "Overtourism has overwhelmed some of Europe's most popular destinations. A better holiday experience can be found in destinations where there are fewer tourists, such as Estonia with its stunning coastlines or Murcia in Spain."

When evaluating the enrichment data, it offers insight into the broader trend of overtourism in Europe. The data reveals the most affected destinations to be Greek islands, Swiss cities, major cultural capitals, and the Canary Islands. Locals in these areas are increasingly protesting the negative impacts of overtourism, calling for regulatory measures to preserve their quality of life and the sustainability of their communities.

1. The eco-conscious traveler might reconsider visiting Zakynthos, Greece, given its struggle to cope with the influx of 6 million tourists annually.
2. For a serene alternative, consider Istria, Croatia, where the number of tourists per resident is lower at 133 overnight stays.
3. Fuerteventura, a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Canary Islands, Spain, remains a popular destination, but its 118.72 overnight stays per resident could indicate potential strain on local resources.
4. Lanzarote, another Canary Island, wrestles with tourism pressure, and locals are expressing concerns due to issues like pollution, such as at Playa Blanca in Las Palmas.
5. The Dodecanese Islands in Greece, including Rhodes and Kos, face mounting challenges due to mass tourism, prompting the Greek government to implement measures like filling hotel pools with seawater and increasing cruise debarkation fees.
6. Tiroler Oberland in Austria, a beloved hiking and skiing destination, experiences high numbers of overnight stays per resident and is grappling with the consequences of overtourism.
7. In Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria, locals are growing weary of tourism strain and have expressed support for reducing tourist numbers.
8. The Cyclades, a group of islands in Greece that includes Santorini and Mykonos, are battling the effects of overtourism, with seismic activity and floods potentially reducing tourist numbers in some years.
9. Kerkyra (Corfu), a beautiful sailing destination in Greece, faces challenges from overtourism and may benefit from off-season travel to ensure a better experience for tourists.
10. Ausserfern in Tyrol, Austria, with its mountainous landscapes, faces unique challenges due to its limited resources, making it susceptible to exploitation by tourism.
11. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, suggests that travelers might find a better holiday experience in countries like Estonia with its stunning coastlines or Murcia in Spain, which are comparatively less affected by overtourism. To focus on sustainable tourism practices, it's important to consider local sentiments, infrastructure, and the potential impacts of our travel choices on the destinations we visit.

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