Europe is home to a vast range of holiday hotspots, from sun-soaked beaches and snow-capped ski resorts to lively city breaks in the springtime. These destinations have become a magnet for tourists, attracting millions of international visitors each year. Consequently, even locations once considered ‘hidden gems’ are now contending with the challenges of overtourism.

Albania, a small nation nestled in the Balkans, epitomises this trend among European countries, witnessing an unprecedented boom in tourism. Last year, Albania played host to over 7.5 million tourists, with projections exceeding 10 million for the coming year. However, it’s not just the lesser-known destinations that are bearing the brunt of overcrowding. A study conducted by the Holidu team earlier this year pinpointed cities with the highest ratio of tourists to residents. Contrary to expectations, renowned capitals such as London, Barcelona or Paris didn’t make the cut. Instead, an unexpected destination clinched the top spot.

10. Tallinn

Estonia’s capital may not feature on every traveller’s bucket list, but those who have experienced its charm would argue it’s a must-visit. Boasting a stunning old town hailed by some visitors as one of the finest in Europe, Tallinn makes for an enchanting summer city break.

Tallinn, known for its unique blend of Nordic and Eastern European culture, is a popular cruise ship stop. However, with attractions like Lahemaa National Park drawing crowds, the city now sees 10 tourists for every resident, according to Holidu.

Those seeking a more tranquil Estonian experience can find plenty to discover beyond Tallinn.

9. Dublin

Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, also features in the rankings, with Holidu reporting 11 tourists for each local inhabitant. Temple Bar, one of the city’s busiest areas, attracts roughly 3.5 million visitors annually.

The Guinness Storehouse is another famed attraction, but despite the crowds, it operates efficiently, and queues can be avoided by pre-booking tickets.

8. Amsterdam

Amsterdam, one of Europe’s prime tourist destinations, has a ratio of 12 tourists per resident. This influx is putting pressure on the city’s housing market, local communities, and overall character.

Like Prague, Amsterdam has grown weary of rowdy stag parties. A campaign discouraging young British men, particularly those aged 18-35, from visiting was launched in the Dutch capital.

Furthermore, Amsterdam has introduced one of the world’s highest tourist taxes, which may deter future visitors.

7. Heraklion

Crete, the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its stunning remote beaches like Balos. However, it’s the island’s capital, Heraklion, that draws in the crowds.

With a staggering 13 tourists for every resident, it’s been dubbed one of Europe’s most overcrowded destinations. While the city’s archaeological sites are a major draw, those seeking peace and quiet can find solace in the less frequented areas of the island, particularly near Chania in the west.

6. Florence

The romantic Italian city, also sees 13 tourists for each local resident, placing it just outside the top five most visited destinations. Home to cultural masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi’s dome, Florence is a magnet for international travellers.

However, the surge in tourism has sparked discontent among locals, with some shopkeepers claiming they’ve had to shut their doors due to the overwhelming influx of visitors.

5. Reykjavik

The capital of Iceland, is another European city grappling with over-tourism, boasting a ratio of 16 tourists per resident. Once an off-the-beaten-path destination, Reykjavik now accommodates around two million visitors annually, despite having a population of only 140,000.

In response to this surge, the city reinstated its tourist tax in January after a pandemic-induced pause.

4. Rhodes

Rhodes, another Greek island, further underscores the allure of a Mediterranean beach holiday. With 21 tourists for every resident, it’s even more popular than Crete.

However, Rhodes is grappling with challenges that affect both its local population and visitors. In 2023, wildfires led to the largest evacuation in Greece’s history, while a tourism boom has resulted in overdevelopment and subsequent pollution.

3. Bruges

a Belgian city, also sees 21 tourists for each resident. This makes it particularly crowded during the peak summer season and the Christmas holidays.

The influx of visitors has caused some locals to express frustration. Tourism officials suggest visiting outside of these busy periods to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Despite welcoming over 8.3 million visitors in 2023, Bruges has taken steps to combat overtourism, including prohibiting new hotels in the historic centre and issuing new holiday home permits throughout the city.

2. Venice

The renowned Italian city, matches the ratio of 21 tourists per resident, earning it the second spot on the list. Venice has made headlines with its day-tripper tax and ban on cruise ships entering its lagoon.

Despite these measures, the city remains heavily overcrowded. So much so, UNESCO has added it to its list of endangered cities.

Venice’s local population has seen a significant decline since the 1950s, plummeting from 170,000 residents to fewer than 50,000 in just 75 years. According to travel guides at Adventure.com, this exodus has predominantly affected lower- and middle-class residents, young people, and renters.

1. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik takes the title of Europe’s most overcrowded holiday destination, with a staggering 36 tourists for every resident. This historic Croatian coastal city, once known for its charming cobblestone streets, now echoes with the sound of suitcases being dragged across them.

Thousands of flip-flops and sandals have polished the limestone surface to a marble-like sheen.

The Old Town, encircled by its renowned walls, is the city’s busiest area and has become increasingly costly as its popularity soars. As a result, Croatian residents are being priced out of their own city, with costs far exceeding those elsewhere.