Booking a holiday is an exciting time, with the prospect of exploring some of the world’s most stunning locations. However, failing to plan ahead can lead to sharing your tranquil retreat with hordes of other tourists all seeking the same experience.
Europe has an impressive offering of interesting holiday destinations, with sun-soaked beaches, snowy ski resorts, and springtime city beaks aplenty.
Many have become tourist hotspots, attracting millions of global visitors every year. This means that even some places once considered ‘hidden gems’ now face overtourism.
Albania, a small country in the Balkans, is one example of European countries facing an unprecedented tourism surge. More than 7.5 million tourists visited Albania last year, and more than 10 million are expected to visit next year.
But it’s not just the places that were once lesser-known to global visitors that are overcrowded. A study conducted by the Holidu team identified the cities with the highest ratio of tourists to residents earlier this year.
While London, Barcelona or Paris may come to mind, the famous capital cities did not make the cut. Instead, a rather unexpected destination took the top spot.
10. Tallinn
Estonia’s capital city isn’t on everyone’s travel bucket list, but those who have visited it would say it’s a must-see. With a beautiful old town branded by some visitors as one of the best in Europe, it makes for a charming summer city break. Tallinn also boasts a unique Nordic-Eastern European fusion culture and is well-known for being a cruise ship destination.
But its popularity, thanks to major sights like the Lahemaa National Park, means it’s become overrun with 10 tourists for every resident, according to Holidu. Those looking for a quieter Estonian break will find plenty to explore beyond Tallinn.
9. Dublin
Unsurprisingly, another major city has snagged a spot in the ranking, this time in the Republic of Ireland. Dublin ranks just inside the top 10, with 11 tourists for every resident, claims Holidu. Temple Bar is one of the city’s most crowded spots, attracting approximately 3.5 million visits annually. The Guinness Storehouse is another renowned Dublin attraction, but visitors say it’s like a well-oiled machine, and you can beat the queues by booking tickets in advance.
8. Amsterdam
As one of Europe’s top tourist hotspots, Amsterdam has 12 tourists for every resident, which is straining the city’s housing market, local neighbourhoods, and character.
Similar to Prague in the Czech Republic, the city has grown frustrated by the influx of drunken stag parties. A campaign to discourage young Britons, particularly groups of men aged 18-35 from visiting was launched in Dutch capital. Additionally, Amsterdam has implemented one of the world’s highest tourist taxes, which might deter travellers in the future.
7. Heraklion
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. While it is home to some incredible remote beaches like Balos, the island’s capital, Heraklion is quite the tourist attraction. It’s been named one of Europe’s most overcrowded destinations, with 13 tourists for every resident.
The city’s archaeological sites are a major attraction, but those seeking tranquillity can find quieter spots elsewhere on the island, particularly in the west near Chania.
6. Florence
This romantic Italian city ranks just outside the top five, with 13 tourists for every resident. Home to several cultural treasures, including Michelangelo’s iconic David statue, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi’s dome, Florence is popular among global visitors. However, concerns over over-tourism have sparked frustration among locals, with some workshop owners reporting that they’ve had to close due to the overwhelming number of visitors.
