Europe Struggles with Over-tourism: These Destinations Are Overwhelmed

Europe Faces Rising Tourist Pressure. Europe continues to grapple with the increasing challenge of over-tourism, and a recent analysis by the Which? Group reveals the most crowded tourist destinations on the continent based on comprehensive 2023 data.

Which? is an independent British consumer group recognized as one of the most reliable sources for comparisons and reviews in Europe.
In the tourism sector, Which? publishes analyses, satisfaction ratings, and extensive surveys on destinations, airlines, and airports worldwide.
The data is often based on official sources such as the European Commission alongside independent surveys, making its reports highly influential.

Based on recent data from the European Commission (EC), the findings reflect the ratio of tourists to residents, with certain areas hosting more than a hundred visitor nights per local resident. This surge places immense pressure on local infrastructure, ecosystems, and community life.

The most beloved tourist destinations in Europe are reaching a critical tipping point, as new data reveals the gap between densely touristed areas and less-visited regions. Greece, Croatia, Spain, and Austria are at the height of this tourism imbalance.

Greece stands out as a primary tourism hotspot, appearing four times in the top ten list, with its iconic island, Zakynthos, claiming the title of the most crowded destination in Europe. Zakynthos recorded roughly 150 tourist stays per local resident in 2023. With a modest population of about 40,000 residents, the island hosted 6 million stays throughout the year.

Zakynthos. Photo: Shutterstock

Other popular destinations in Greece, such as Santorini and Mykonos (in the Cyclades group of islands), also ranked high, along with the islands of Rhodes, Kos, and Corfu.

There is no doubt that Greece is experiencing an intense tourism boom, which, while economically beneficial for the tourism sector and the country as a whole, also impacts local resources and residents' lifestyle.

In second place on the density index is Istria, the largest peninsula in Croatia. It recorded an astounding 133 nights per resident. Croatia's beaches, historic towns, and clear waters make it a popular choice for tourists seeking a beach holiday without Western Europe's high prices.

The Canary Islands, particularly Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, are also prominently featured in the rankings. These Spanish islands attract European tourists seeking sunshine, especially in the winter months.

Austria appears three times in the top ten, with attractive alpine and skiing destinations such as the Tyrol region or the Salzburg Alps.

In terms of total tourism volume, the island of Majorca leads significantly with 51 million stays in 2023, while its population is just under one million residents.

Photo: Shutterstock

The Most Crowded Tourist Areas in Europe (Stays per Resident):

Zakynthos, Greece – 149.88

Istria, Croatia – 133.46

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – 118.72

Lanzarote, Canary Islands – 117.78

The Dodecanese (including Rhodes and Kos), Greece – 113.79

Oberland Tyrol District, Austria – 112.71

Pinzgau-Pongau – Salzburg District, Austria – 109.01

Cyclades Islands (including Santorini and Mykonos), Greece – 104.15

Corfu, Greece – 100.08

Ausserfern District in Tyrol, Austria – 97.30

Tyrol region. Photo: Shutterstock