Greece and Croatia Set The Bar For Tourism Intensity Across Europe’s Most Popular Regions

Published on July 11, 2025

In 2023, Croatia and Greece were the tourism heartbeat of Europe, with the South Aegean in Greece and the Adriatic Coast in Croatia leading the list in terms of tourism intensity. The latest tourism intensity statistics from the German Federal Statistical Office shed some light on the most popular destinations in Europe where overnight stays exceeded residents by quite some distance.

The South Aegean region of Greece, where popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes lie, was the undisputed king of tourism intensity in Europe in 2023, enjoying an astounding 117 overnight stays per capita. The statistic underscores how tourism is at the core of the regional economy and culture. The South Aegean islands have long been popular holiday addresses, and the trend continues to gather pace because the islands boast stunning beaches, historic sites, and picturesque landscapes.

Greece’s South Aegean: Travel’s Hotspot for Europe

It’s no wonder the South Aegean region of Greece tops the list. The sun-drenched sunsets of Santorini and the party scene of Mykonos have come to symbolize Mediterranean excess. Rhodes, steeped in ancient Greek culture and home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also central to the region’s tourism appeal. The islands attract not only millions of foreign tourists but also remain close to the hearts of the Greeks, who pride themselves on sharing with everyone around the globe the wealth of culture they have to offer.

It’s more than the beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions that make these islands special, though. For decades, Greece has been dedicated to the development of its tourism infrastructure, enabling travelers to have everything they require for the perfect experience. High-end resorts and boutique hotels are plentiful, as is the rising culinary scene, and the South Aegean has choices for every preference and budget. For relaxation or adventure, travelers will find the islands deliver.

The sheer tourism intensity, with 117 overnight stays per inhabitant, highlights how much the local economy relies on the influx of tourists. While the region welcomes visitors year-round, the summer months are especially packed, with Greek islands often experiencing significant overcrowding, leading some to wonder if sustainable tourism measures will be considered to preserve their charm and natural beauty.

Croatia’s Adriatic Coast: The New Star of the European Vacation Industry

Close behind Greece, Croatia’s Adriatic coast has also emerged as one of the most aspirational holiday destinations in Europe. With 67 overnight stays per capita in 2023, the region has established itself as one of the important players in the European tourism scene. The cities of Dubrovnik, Split, and the beautiful islands of Hvar and Brac lure tourists to experience medieval cities, sun-drenched beaches, and turquoise waters.

Croatia’s beauty is not only in its charming coast but also in its history and culture. The historic city of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” continues to be one of the attractions to tourists who would be fascinated by its wonderfully preserved medieval architecture, including its powerful city walls once surrounding the Republic of Ragusa. Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is also gaining popularity for its culinary culture and wine, where local cuisine and high-grade wines attract gourmands from all over the world.

As the region sees a rise in tourism intensity, the Croatian government has invested heavily in enhancing its tourism infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services have improved, allowing for smoother and more luxurious travel experiences. Croatia’s rising star in the tourism world seems set to shine brighter, especially as more travelers seek destinations that combine natural beauty with cultural richness.

Other Notable European Tourism Hotspots

While Greece and Croatia dominate the tourism intensity rankings, other European regions also made their mark. Italy’s South Tyrol province ranked third with 68 overnight stays per inhabitant. Known for its picturesque mountain landscapes, charming alpine villages, and a blend of Italian and Austrian cultures, South Tyrol offers a unique appeal, especially for those looking to enjoy outdoor adventures, skiing in the winter, or hiking and cycling in the summer.

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete, came in second only to Croatia at 55 overnight stops per capita, confirming the primacy of Greece in the tourism of Europe. The Tyrol in Austria, famous for its skiing resorts and alpine towns, also attracted considerable popularity, reflecting the variety of tourism opportunities in store for Europeans.

At the other extreme, Polish and Romanian regions were said to have had weak tourist activity, with areas such as these managing only just shy of one overnight stay per citizen. This would mean that where some nations have booming tourism industries, others might be failing to attract tourists or require investment in the tourism infrastructure.

Rise of the Canary Islands and Other Hot Spots

In raw numbers of tourists, the Spanish Canary Islands were the undisputed king of Europe in 2023, with overnight stays amounting to 95.6 million. Though the islands have over two million residents and therefore are less frenzied in tourism per capita, the islands’ astounding popularity continues to attract sun worshippers from circumglobal distances. The Canary archipelago has pleasant weather throughout the year and a volcanic landscape and diversified tourist offerings, earning it an ever-entrenched favorite for tourists from the continents of Europe and the rest of the globe.

At the same time, Upper Bavaria around Munich registered 41.6 million overnight stays, consolidating its position as one of the most visited areas in Germany.

Conclusion: Sustainable Tourism for Hotspots in Europe

With the growing tourism in Europe, more importance is being given to aligning the demand for high-demand areas and responsible traveling. Not only are northern Greece and Dalmatian Croatia high-demand tourism areas, but they also offer the ultimate examples of how local communities and the environment are affected by the influx of tourists. While these regions benefit the tourism business model greatly, they must also take action to preserve the cultural and natural patrimony for future generations to inherit. The future of tourism in Europe relies on the balance between the financial gains from heavy tourist inflow and the sustenance of these popular places. Both Croatia and Greece have come to symbolize the success of tourism in Europe, but where there is high popularity, there is an obligation to ensure the sustainability of the places for the next generation.

(Source: German Federal Statistical Office)