Spain Joins Italy, Greece, Croatia, France and More in the Fight Against Overtourism: How Unchecked Crowds Are Ruining Europe’s Most Beautiful Cities –Key Insights You Can’t Miss

Published on December 13, 2025

Tourism has long been a pillar of Europe’s economy, but Spain joins Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, and more in a growing battle against the unchecked crowds that are beginning to overwhelm the continent’s most iconic cities. Overtourism is taking a toll on popular destinations, causing environmental damage, economic strain, and a loss of local identity. From Barcelona to Venice, and Santorini to Paris, major cities are grappling with the negative effects of millions of tourists flocking to their historic landmarks. Spain, along with other European nations, is now implementing strategies to curb this issue, aiming to protect cultural heritage while maintaining a sustainable tourism model. In this article, we dive into how overcrowding is ruining Europe’s most beautiful cities and provide key insights on the measures that can restore balance to these beloved destinations.

Spain: The Struggle with Mass Tourism in Major Cities and Islands

Spain, one of Europe’s most popular destinations, is increasingly suffering from overtourism, particularly in cities like Barcelona and islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca. In Barcelona alone, the number of international visitors has skyrocketed, with around 30 million tourists arriving annually. The city is now facing a crisis of overcrowding, especially in key areas such as La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and the iconic Sagrada Familia. This surge in visitors has led to long queues, environmental degradation, and a steep rise in living costs for locals.

The Balearic Islands are no exception. Mallorca, for example, has become so overwhelmed with tourists that the local government is considering introducing a cap on the number of visitors to the island. The issue of mass tourism also extends to beach destinations such as Costa Brava, where environmental damage, like the erosion of sandy beaches and waste accumulation, is becoming a significant concern.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
To combat overtourism, Spain has implemented several initiatives, including tourist taxes in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. These taxes aim to reduce the number of low-budget tourists while raising funds for sustainable tourism projects. In addition, the government is investing in regional tourism to divert visitors away from the busiest cities and create more balanced tourism growth. More tourists are encouraged to explore cities like Valencia and Granada, which offer similar attractions without the overwhelming crowds.

Italy: Venice and Beyond: A Warning for the Future

Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and it faces significant challenges with overtourism. The city of Venice is the poster child for this issue, with 20 million tourists visiting each year. The small city, with a population of about 260,000, struggles to accommodate the massive influx of visitors, especially during peak seasons. Key sites like Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge are overcrowded year-round, often leading to concerns about the preservation of its historical sites and canals.

Florence and Rome also bear the brunt of mass tourism. The Colosseum sees millions of visitors annually, with some days seeing over 30,000 tourists. The sheer volume of tourists has led to congestion, rising costs, and environmental degradation.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
Italy has implemented strict measures to reduce the impact of overtourism. Venice, for example, is now enforcing a tourist quota by limiting access to popular areas during peak periods. The Italian government is also promoting lesser-known destinations like Matera, Cagliari, and Aosta to reduce pressure on major cities. Additionally, sustainable tourism initiatives are being introduced to protect the environment, including responsible travel guides and eco-friendly accommodations.

Greece: Islands Under Siege by Tourists

Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are among the most famous tourist destinations in Greece. The picturesque islands have become synonymous with mass tourism, with Santorini alone receiving over 2 million tourists every year. The rapid increase in visitor numbers has put immense pressure on local infrastructure, leading to overcrowding, waste management problems, and soaring property prices that push locals out of the housing market.

The Greek government has recognized the issue, and various measures are being taken to manage tourism better. This includes the development of off-the-beaten-path islands like Kefalonia and Naxos, where the tourism flow is more manageable.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
Greece has introduced caps on cruise ship arrivals to Santorini and other popular islands. The government is also encouraging slow travel and sustainable tourism, where tourists stay longer in fewer destinations to reduce the pressure on local economies and environments.

Croatia: Dubrovnik Struggling Under the Weight of Global Popularity

Croatia’s Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has faced a surge in tourism in recent years, primarily due to its starring role in Game of Thrones. With more than 1 million visitors arriving annually, Dubrovnik has become a prime example of overtourism. The city’s narrow streets and historical buildings can no longer accommodate the massive influx of tourists. Locals have begun protesting the negative impact on their quality of life, citing overcrowded streets and skyrocketing prices.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
Dubrovnik has implemented several strategies to manage tourism. This includes tourist quotas limiting the number of visitors per day, especially to key attractions. The local government is also exploring ways to promote the rest of Croatia, especially Istria and the Dalmatian coast, as alternative tourist destinations.

France: Paris and the French Riviera: A Tale of Overcrowded Wonder

The French Riviera and Paris are magnets for tourists from around the world. The iconic Eiffel Tower and the luxury beaches of the Côte d’Azur draw millions each year, but at what cost? Paris alone receives over 17 million international tourists annually, making it one of the most visited cities globally. The congestion in popular areas such as the Champs-Élysées and Montmartre often leads to reduced quality of life for residents.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
The French government has responded with measures aimed at spreading tourism across the country. Regions like Brittany and Normandy are being promoted to encourage tourists to explore beyond Paris and the French Riviera. Additionally, sustainable tourism projects focusing on environmental conservation and heritage protection are being rolled out.

Portugal: Lisbon and Beyond – The Challenges of Rapid Growth

Portugal is one of Europe’s rising stars in tourism, with Lisbon and Porto receiving record numbers of visitors. Lisbon’s popularity, in particular, has led to a rise in rental prices and a shift in the local economy towards catering to tourists. The narrow streets and historical architecture are now frequently overwhelmed by large crowds.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
Portugal is promoting a more diversified approach to tourism, encouraging visitors to explore regions like the Alentejo and Azores. Additionally, tourist taxes are being introduced in popular cities to help manage crowds and invest in local infrastructure.

Austria: Hallstatt and the Rise of ‘Instagram Tourism’

Hallstatt, a small town in Austria, has become one of the most photographed locations in the world. Thanks to its popularity on social media, the town sees an overwhelming number of visitors, with some reports stating that the population of Hallstatt is outnumbered by tourists during the high season. This has led to traffic jams, pollution, and an increased demand for services, putting a strain on local resources.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
Austria is investing in sustainable tourism to combat overtourism in Hallstatt and other destinations. Local authorities are encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known villages in the Salzkammergut region, where the tourism pressure is much lower.

Iceland: From Hidden Gem to Overtourism Hotspot

Iceland was once known as a hidden gem, but in recent years, it has become a prime destination for tourists seeking adventure. The rise in tourism has placed significant stress on Iceland’s fragile ecosystem, with the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon seeing particularly high numbers of visitors. The influx has led to overcrowding, waste issues, and environmental damage.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
Iceland has introduced a series of measures to combat overtourism, including visitor caps at certain sites and the promotion of off-season travel. Authorities are also encouraging tourists to explore more remote parts of the island, like the Westfjords and East Iceland, to alleviate pressure on the most popular areas.

United Kingdom: The Cotswolds and Overcrowded Countryside

The Cotswolds and Isle of Skye have become popular weekend getaway destinations, drawing tourists away from crowded cities and into the countryside. However, the rise in visitors to these areas is putting a strain on local infrastructure, causing concerns among residents about overcrowding and rising prices.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
The UK has started promoting responsible tourism and rural destinations that are less affected by mass tourism. Local governments are working to ensure that tourism brings benefits to communities without overwhelming them.

Germany: A Quiet Giant Facing Tourism Overload

Germany, known for its charming villages, castles, and cultural heritage, has also felt the impact of overtourism in places like Munich and the Black Forest. The historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is particularly popular with tourists, leading to overcrowding during peak seasons.

Steps to Curb Overtourism:
Germany is focusing on sustainable tourism practices and encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known destinations like Leipzig and Dresden. Policies aimed at reducing seasonal pressure on popular destinations are also being rolled out.

The Hidden Price of Overcrowding: Economic Strain on Europe’s Iconic Destinations

• Overtourism increases housing inflation in cities like Barcelona and Venice.
• In Barcelona, property prices surged by 30% in the last decade, driven by short-term rentals and tourism demand.
• 30% of Barcelona’s housing stock is now converted into tourist accommodations, reducing available housing for locals.
• Cities like Venice face millions in increased costs annually for maintaining infrastructure (roads, waste, transport) due to overcrowding.
• European Commission reports that tourism taxes fail to cover the growing economic burden of overtourism.

Cultural Erosion: How Overtourism is Threatening Europe’s Heritage

• Venice has seen warnings from UNESCO about overtourism’s threat to its cultural integrity.
• 35% of Venetian residents report a decline in cultural value due to excessive tourism and commercialization.
• Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, are overcrowded, leading to damage and loss of authenticity.
• Tourism commercialization often leads to the commodification of local culture, overshadowing traditional practices.
• Cities are introducing visitor management systems to control tourist flow and preserve local culture and heritage.

Environmental Devastation: The Untold Damage of Overtourism on Europe’s Natural Wonders

• Ecological Damage:
  • Overtourism is responsible for significant destruction of natural landscapes. Popular destinations like Santorini and Cinque Terre have seen significant erosion of their beaches and coastlines due to the heavy foot traffic and infrastructural development.
  • Pollution in national parks is increasing as more tourists visit areas like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and Yellowstone in the U.S. Waste accumulation, littering, and water contamination are putting immense strain on these protected areas.
  • The Mediterranean and the Amazon regions are experiencing significant loss of biodiversity. In the Mediterranean, overfishing and habitat destruction are a direct result of excessive tourism, while the Amazon faces threats from illegal logging and land clearance, often driven by infrastructure projects catering to tourism.
  • Sensitive ecosystems, like those in the Galápagos Islands and Iceland, are also being irreparably damaged. Overcrowding in these fragile environments leads to wildlife disturbances and destruction of habitats crucial for local flora and fauna.

A Call for Action: Balancing Tourism and Sustainability in Europe’s Destinations

Overtourism is no longer a distant concern—it’s a present-day reality impacting not just the environment, but the social fabric and economies of Europe’s most iconic destinations. The staggering numbers of visitors flooding cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Iceland’s Golden Circle are pushing local communities to their breaking point, altering their way of life, and depleting their resources. The resulting environmental damage—ranging from beach erosion to pollution in national parks—threatens the very landscapes that make these locations so desirable.

While tourism has undeniably contributed to economic growth and cultural exchange, its unchecked expansion has come with a cost. The rising carbon emissions, destruction of natural habitats, and overwhelmed infrastructure are just the start of a growing crisis. However, the solution lies not in halting tourism altogether, but in rethinking how we travel, where we go, and how we respect the places we visit.