'I'm a travel expert - 4 popular Europe holiday spots are way too overcrowded for me'
Some of the world's most popular destinations have even increased their tourist taxes in a bid to reduce visitor numbers - here are four of the worst
During the peak holiday season, Europe can become swamped with tourists. And one travel expert has highlighted that one of Italy's prime spots is now excessively overcrowded. Some top destinations, including Barcelona, have even resorted to hiking tourist taxes to curb the influx of visitors.
Research by Holidu indicates that Dubrovnik tops the list as the world's most overcrowded tourist spot, boasting 30 visitors for each local inhabitant. But what other locations are bursting at the seams during the summer months?
Sara Rodriguez, a seasoned traveller and the brains behind the blog Madrid Travelling , spoke to Express.co.uk about four places she found overwhelmingly crowded.
Positano, Italy
Considered a gem of southern Italy's Amalfi Coast, the picturesque landscape in Positano is nothing short of iconic. Colourful buildings are perched on cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean, giving Positano its name as the “vertical village”.
Despite its picturesque charm as a coastal village, Sara described Positano's vibe as overly "hectic". She said: "While undeniably beautiful with its colourful buildings and seaside views, the narrow streets were packed shoulder to shoulder with other sightseers."
She added: "The atmosphere felt more hectic than idyllic and prices were inflated for tourists. I left feeling like I never got to experience the real Positano beyond the chaotic surface."
Paris, France
Sara also shared her frustrations with Paris, saying: "The congested boulevards of Paris and the never-ending lineups at attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre strained my patience. I didn't really enjoy the atmosphere as much as I was waiting to take shots."
TripAdvisor reviewers are sounding the alarm on overtourism, with one visitor to the Louvre Museum complaining: "The art is crazy but the queues are insane. Two hours to access the museum and then you can barely walk due to the quantity of tourists. They should regulate this."
The issue was worsened last year in Paris, especially with the city hosting the Olympics and Paralympics. In response to the expected influx of visitors, Paris City Hall hiked the tourist tax by a whopping 200% for 2024.
The extra revenue aims to bolster Île-de-France Mobilités, the body overseeing public transport, as they gear up to handle the surge of passengers during the global sporting event.
Mykonos, Greece
Over in Mykonos, Greece, the situation isn't much better. Despite its idyllic reputation, the Greek island commands a hefty price tag for accommodation, dwarfing the costs of neighbouring islands like Syros.
Sara, a recent visitor, shared her disappointment: "When I finally went to the Greek island, I thought it would be a tranquil haven. Even while it was breathtakingly gorgeous, I felt that partygoers and inebriated vacationers overshadowed it. The restaurants were expensive and the beaches were noisy."
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Meanwhile, Amsterdam in the Netherlands continues to draw crowds with its vibrant culture, rich history, and picturesque canals. The city's 17th-century canal ring remains a unique urban landscape, attracting tourists from around the globe.
Despite its small size, a mere eighth of the size of London, Amsterdam is swamped with tourists, making it exceedingly busy. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System reports that in 2023, the city saw 15.1 million day-trippers, with around 60 percent being domestic visitors.
Sara's visit to Amsterdam was less than ideal due to the throngs of people, as she said: "The city centre was overrun with rowdy bachelor parties riding bikes through crowded streets. The museums were packed and reservations at restaurants were impossible to get."
