12 Must-See European Destinations You Need to Visit Now—Before Mass Tourism Wrecks Them!
Beautiful European cities and islands attract millions of traveling visitors yearly who want to witness their distinctive charm and cultural legacy. The extreme popularity of these places has resulted in overtourism, which damages them because of crowded streets, exhausted resources, and discontented residents.
Tourists who desire to behold Dubrovnik’s historical landmarks and Santorini’s sensational sunsets should immediately plan their travel. These 12 spectacular travel destinations remain worth visiting under responsible travel conditions. We share practical advice for each site to help visitors appreciate its authentic beauty and solve the issues stemming from overcrowding.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubbed “the Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik attracts nearly 27 tourists per resident. Tourism growth exploded after Game of Thrones used the site for filming, yet the locality failed to handle the overwhelming wave of visitors.
Experience Dubrovnik’s magnificent beauty and historic walls during September and October when the city mood is calmer. Visitors seeking peace will find it at Sveti Jakov since it remains less frequented by tourists.
Rhodes, Greece
The town of Rhodes receives an astonishing number of 26 visitors per resident population when peak season arrives. Avoid visiting Rhodes during summer since spring offers a more peaceful experience.
Mount Filerimos hiking trails and touring the relaxed Apollonia village will let you experience breathtaking views at a slower tourism pace.
Venice, Italy
Due to the excessive number of visitors, Venetians will begin charging €10 entry fee for day-trippers starting in 2025 since 21 tourists pass through for every resident yearly. UNESCO and residents express concern about the rising number of visitors because the canals are constrained, and the supporting structures are vulnerable.
Booking a one-night hotel stay will allow you to skip the tax requirement. Visit the Castello district in the evening for a peaceful stroll and enjoy gondola tours outside peak hours.
Heraklion, Greece
The gateway to Crete, designated as Heraklion, receives many tourists, at a rate of 18 tourists for each resident. People visit both archaeological sites, including Knossos Palace and beach activities.
Visitors should travel to Pantanassas Beach and Fodele Village from the central area. Crete’s unique charm includes traditional tavernas and olive groves, allowing visitors to experience authentic Crete.
Florence, Italy
The high number of visitors, totaling 13 people per resident, heavily congests major destinations, including the Duomo at Florence’s Renaissance landmark.
Escape peak visitor hours by exploring the peaceful Boboli Gardens and see San Miniato al Monte during the sunrise. Days outside the city core will help lessen the burden on community housing resources.
Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini welcomes more than 16,000 cruise passengers daily, a staggering number compared to its 15,000 residents.
Between April and June, spend the night in off-tourist areas like Pyrgos to discover vineyard routes and quiet black-sand beaches.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona receives 32 million visitors annually, which strains its infrastructure. The neighborhood gentrification process has also increased the cost of local housing units.
Go beyond the usual sights. The district of El Born offers peaceful tapa bars instead of La Rambla, and a brief train journey leads to Montserrat for spectacular views of nature.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Disruptive levels of tourism visitation to Amsterdam’s famous canals have generated various adverse effects, such as housing deficit problems and excessive commercialization of tourist zones.
You can tour Jordaan’s art galleries and wander its scenic neighborhoods instead of visiting the central district. A bicycle rental enables visitors to access Zaanse Schans, where Dutch windmills attract a limited number of visitors.
Lisbon, Portugal
Tourism has surged in Lisbon to the extent that 60% of all residential properties serve as short-term rentals, eliminating housing options for residents.
Experiencing the old Alfama district of Lisbon should be done during quieter times, while travelers should begin visiting Sintra early to avoid crowds at the historic palaces.
Hallstatt, Austria
This postcard-perfect lakeside village inspired Frozen but receives tourism far exceeding its infrastructure’s capacity. Local authorities implemented legislation that prohibits photo fences to reduce visitor congestion.
During the winter season, explore the area in the morning for a peaceful setting and hike to the Dachstein Ice Cave.
Tallinn, Estonia
Ten visitors per resident in Tallinn creates excessive crowds, overwhelming the Old Town area’s medieval architectural heritage.
Tourists should consider visiting Kadriorg Palace to enjoy its art displays or experience the peaceful nature walks at Lahemaa National Park.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The increasing number of visitors to Reykjavik has created hotel shortages and environmental pressure while people seek natural attractions in Iceland.
To visit Thingvellir National Park, eco-friendly Golden Circle tours and public transportation should be used. Iceland’s exceptional viewpoints extend past the capital city to encompass its entire rural areas.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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