Region of top tourist country named one of Europe's most threatened by overtourism

A new report by Which? Travel has brought attention to the growing issue of overtourism across Europe. With growing concerns of overcrowding, protests, and angry locals threatening renewed mobilisations in some of the continent's most popular hotspots this summer, the team analysed the European Commission's recent tourism numbers to reveal where holidaymakers should avoid in 2025.

Croatia's stunning Istrian peninsula has been named one of Europe's most heavily burdened destinations. According to the study, Istria recorded 133,467 overnight stays per 1,000 residents, placing it second only to Zakynthos, which topped the list with nearly 150 times more tourists than locals. The popular Balkan country has continued to promote Istria as a "hidden gem", however, these figures suggest the region is far from undiscovered.

Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, located between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. 90% of the area belongs to Croatia, with the rest shared between Italy and Slovenia. Important towns in the region include the stunning city of Pula, as well as Rovinj, Poreč, and Labin.

Experts have warned that the effects of overtourism, including rising property prices, overwhelmed infrastructure and disruptive visitor behaviour, are beginning to outweigh the economic benefits of one of Croatia's biggest sectors. In a statement from the Ministry of Tourism, income from international tourists reached just under €15 billion in 2024 - a 2.7% increase compared to the previous year. 

However, popular destinations are now struggling to balance the quality of life for residents with ever-growing visitor numbers. Dubrovnik, in the south of the country, is among the worst affected, with its historic centre unable to cope with the high numbers of tourists.

Last year, the city made famous by Game of Thrones recorded a significant increase in tourism, with 4.56 million overnight stays and 1.4 million tourist arrivals, making it the most visited destination in Croatia for overnight stays and second by arrivals, after the capital, Zagreb.

Zakynthos topped the list for the destination with the highest tourist pressure, with 149,887 tourists per 1,000 residents, while the Canary Island of Fuerteventura took third place, with 118,720.

Paris took the top spot for the highest number of tourists per square kilometre, with 418,280, while Majorca recorded the most overnight stays at over 51.1 million. 

“Many places have reached a tipping point,” said Which? Travel editor Rory Boland. “The negatives are becoming too significant to ignore.”

As a potential solution, the study has revealed some lesser-known Eastern European destinations which are begging for tourists, including parts of Romania and North Macedonia, which offer sites just as beautiful as those in Croatia, but without the crushing crowds.