Three Greek cities are among the most overloaded with tourists, according to a recent survey by Holidu, a holiday rental portal.
It made a list of the cities that host the highest number of tourists per inhabitant using data from Euromonitor International, a market research provider.
Rhodes in second place, Heraklion in fourth, and Athens in 11th place are among the most congested Greek destinations in Europe.
Cities overloaded with tourists
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.
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, the survey says.
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.
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, Holidu claims.
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.
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.