{"id":2072,"date":"2025-05-10T14:58:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T14:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=2072"},"modified":"2025-05-13T13:11:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T13:11:26","slug":"tourists-outnumber-locals-on-crammed-greek-island-named-most-crowded-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/10\/tourists-outnumber-locals-on-crammed-greek-island-named-most-crowded-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Tourists outnumber locals on \u2018crammed\u2019 Greek island named most crowded in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"Summer\t<\/div>
It\u2019s loved a little too<\/em> much (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Brits look forward to summer holidays<\/a>, the residents of our most loved destinations are bracing themselves for the influx of tourists.<\/p>\n

Popular cities and towns in the likes of Spain<\/a>, Portugal<\/a> and Greece are struggling to manage the huge volume of visitors which can\u00a0overwhelm local communities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Last year, Barcelona<\/a> locals resorted to\u00a0using water guns<\/a>\u00a0to deter rowdy tourists, while in\u00a0Madrid<\/a>\u00a0locals protested over rising rent prices, which many attributed to holiday lets affecting housing demand.<\/p>\n

And now, the consumer champion, Which?, has revealed the destinations most plagued by tourism.<\/p>\n

Placing highest in their list is the Greek island of Zakynthos \u2013 also known as Zante \u2013 which Which? have dubbed \u2018the capital of overtourism\u2019.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
@myzakynthos<\/a> <\/p>\n

In no particular order xoxo \ud83e\udd8b\ud83e\ude75\ud83d\udc2c #fyp<\/a> #zakynthos<\/a> #zakynthosgreece<\/a> #greece<\/a> #traveltiktok<\/a> #summer2024<\/a> #greecetiktok<\/a> #zante<\/a> #europeansummer<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c Dont Stop Yobbo \u2013 Serious grooves<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Only around 40,000 people actually live there, but in 2023, a whopping six million people stayed overnight, mainly along its south coast.<\/p>\n

These figures mean that there were 150 overnight stays for every person who lives there. <\/p>\n

Which? say: \u2018Zante does not have the most visitors in absolute terms, but compared to residents the volume of tourists is huge. <\/p>\n

\u2018The results of this level of tourism vary, but broadly it means a holiday there is mostly spent in the company of other tourists while shops, restaurants and cultural experiences will often be aimed (and priced) at tourists rather than locals.\u2019<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"GREECE-MASS-TOURISM-SEA\"\t<\/div>
Tourists queue to see a famous shipwreck in Zante (Picture: FREDERIC MOREAU\/Hans Lucas via AFP\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s no surprise that tourists flock to Zakynthos. The island is famed for it\u2019s turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, and the Laganas area is a popular spot for those after a more hedonistic partying trip.<\/p>\n

But as such, it\u2019s led to visitors criticising the place. On Reddit, one visitor warned to avoid Lagana, calling it a \u2018hell hole\u2019.<\/p>\n

And, Zante\u2019s crowds are something that tourists regularly highlight as an issue on the island. After a trip to Laganas Beach, a reviewer on TripAdvisor called it \u2018a mess\u2019.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
@travelwithanika<\/a> <\/p>\n

Laganas was our worst nightmare \ud83e\udee3 #laganas<\/a> #zante<\/a> #traveladvice<\/a> #greekislands<\/a> #greektok<\/a> #agiosnikolaos<\/a> #zakinthos<\/a> #greece<\/a> #griechenland<\/a> #HouseofHIIT<\/a> #bestbeaches<\/a> #traveltips<\/a> #traveltiktok<\/a> #travel<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c Monkeys Spinning Monkeys \u2013 Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

\u2018The beach was so\u00a0busy, and though it\u2019s long, at the time we visited, there wasn\u2019t much beach space,\u2019 they wrote. \u2018The sea is shallow, but crowded. The amount of rubbish and cigarette butts in the sand is so sad.\u2019<\/p>\n

Another added: \u2018When we visited the beach was overly\u00a0busy, row upon row of sunbeds. It was all totally over commercialised and noisy.\u2019<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"TOPSHOT-SPAIN-TOURISM-DEMO\"\t<\/div>
Tourism protests have been held in popular destinations, like this one in Mallorca (Picture: JAIME REINA\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Similar comments were made about Zante Old Town. \u2018The roads were extremely busy, parking was difficult and the streets, squares, restaurants and bars were absolutely crammed full of people,\u2019 wrote another reviewer.<\/p>\n

Which? ranked their destinations according to the European Commission\u2019s (EC) definition of overtourism, which is worked out considering three measures.<\/p>\n

The first measure looks at how many nights tourists spend in a region, compared with the number of residents, termed \u2018tourist pressure.\u2019 This is where Zakynthos comes out on top, with a figure of 149,886.95 tourists per residents.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tMost crowded holiday destinations\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

This lists shows the number of tourists per 1,000 residents.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Zakynthos (149,886.95)<\/li>\n
  2. Istarska Zupanija (Istria in Croatia) (133,466.93)<\/li>\n
  3. Fuerteventura (118,720.31)<\/li>\n
  4. Lanzarote (117,785.17)<\/li>\n
  5. Dodecanese Islands \u2013 Kalymnos, Karpathos \u2013 Iroiki Nisos Kasos, Kos, Rodos (113,790.45)<\/li>\n
  6. Tiroler Oberland, Austria (112,716.37)<\/li>\n
  7. Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria (Salzburg Alps) (109,009.7)<\/li>\n
  8. Cyclade Island group:\u00a0 Andros, Thira, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos (104,152.63)<\/li>\n
  9. Kerkyra, Corfu (100,079.59)<\/li>\n
  10. Au\u00dferfern, Austria (97,299.12)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Source: Which?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    The EC also takes most overnight stays overall into account. Mallorca ranks the highest of this list, as the most visited place in Europe by holidaymakers, with over 51 million overnight stays in 2023. To put that into a stark comparison, the island\u2019s population is just 966,000.<\/p>\n

    And finally, the third measure is the most overnight stays per square kilometer. This is most applicable to cities, and puts Paris at the top, with a staggering 418,280 stays per square km. <\/p>\n

    Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: \u2018What this data shows is that\u00a0overtourism\u00a0has overwhelmed some of Europe\u2019s most popular destinations. <\/p>\n

    \n

    \n\t\t\t\tMost tourists per square km\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
    \n
      \n
    1. Paris (418,280.1)<\/li>\n
    2. Central Athens (88,534.92)<\/li>\n
    3. Copenhagen (63,943.88)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Source: Which?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

      \u2018With so many fantastic places in Europe, the truth is, you are going to have a far better holiday in a destination where there are not hundreds or even thousands more tourists than there are locals.<\/p>\n

      \u2018Try Estonia for stunning coastlines and, yes, warm weather, during summer. Or if you want to stick with Spain, Murcia is a great option.\u2019<\/p>\n

      \n

      \n\t\t\t\tMost overnight stays\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
      \n
        \n
      1. Mallorca (51,193,029)<\/li>\n
      2. Paris (43,919.010)<\/li>\n
      3. Rome (41,135,744)<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

        Where can I visit instead?<\/h2>\n

        Logrono\u00a0<\/h2>\n

        Located in the heart of Spain\u2019s La Rioja region, Logrono is frequently hailed as one of Spain\u2019s hidden gems.<\/p>\n

        While it might not attract the same crowds as some more famous cities, it\u2019s considered a must-visit for food and wine lovers.<\/p>\n

        Known for its tapas scene, visitors can hop from bar to bar sampling pintox and local delicacies. It\u2019s also the gateway to Spain\u2019s iconic wine region, La Rioja, where visitors can tour vineyards and taste world-class wines.<\/p>\n

        The city also boasts medieval streets and historic landmarks like the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, which features twin baroque towers and intricate interior artwork.<\/p>\n

        \n

        \n\t\t\t\tLeast crowded holiday destinations\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
        \n

        This lists shows the number of tourists per 1,000 residents.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Benevento (398.17)<\/li>\n
        2. Rybnicki, Poland (351.1)<\/li>\n
        3. Targovishte, Bulgaria (332.15)<\/li>\n
        4. Arr. Soignies, Belgium (284.11)<\/li>\n
        5. Podunavska oblast, Serbia (277.83)<\/li>\n
        6. Severoisto\u010den, North Macedonia (177.84)<\/li>\n
        7. Olt, South West Romania (148.3)<\/li>\n
        8. C\u0103l\u0103ra\u015fi, South East Romania (123.97)<\/li>\n
        9. Dytikos Tomeas Athinon, region near Athens (64.13)<\/li>\n
        10. Teleorman, Romania (21.54)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Source: Which?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

          Skopelos<\/h2>\n
          \n
          \n\t\t\"View\t<\/div>
          You might recognise this Greek island (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

          Look familiar?<\/p>\n

          Skopelos was the filming location for the hit musical rom-com Mamma Mia!, but it hasn\u2019t let fame go to its head.<\/p>\n

          It isn\u2019t as easy to reach as other Greek Islands (you have to hop on a ferry to get there), which means its pristine shores are untouched compared to other corners of the country.<\/p>\n

          But the journey is rewarded with a true slice of Greek paradise. Think white pebble beaches with turquoise blue water surrounded by lush pine forests.<\/p>\n

          Fans of ABBA\u2019s jukebox musical can visit filming locations around the island such as the Chapel of Agios Ioannis, an isolated church where Donna and Sam married in the film, which offers panoramic views of Skopelos from its perch on top of a barren sea rock.<\/p>\n

          \n

          \n\t\t\t\tLeast per square km\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
          \n
            \n
          1. Svalbard, Norway (2.4)<\/li>\n
          2. Teleorman, Romania (1.21)<\/li>\n
          3. Jan Mayen, Norwegian volcanic island (0)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Source: Which?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

            Estepona\u00a0<\/h2>\n
            \n
            \n\t\t\"Beach\t<\/div>
            One of our travel writer\u2019s faves (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

            This charming coastal town, tucked away on the edge of Costa del Sol remains a hidden gem despite its location in one of Spain\u2019s most visited regions.<\/p>\n

            Metro\u2019s\u00a0Sophie-May Williams visited the \u2018humble town\u2019 last year<\/a><\/strong>. She noted that while 12 million international tourists flocked to the Andalusian region in 2023, only 253,376 (2%) stopped in Estepona.\u00a0<\/p>\n

            Visitors can wander through its picturesque streets, where whitewashed houses are adorned with colourful flowers, like the vibrant bougainvillaea that blankets the town.<\/p>\n

            The heart of Estepona is the Plaza de las Flores, a lively square surrounded by cafes where tourists flock for lunch. There are four main tapas bars in the square, and as Sophie says \u2018it doesn\u2019t matter which one you go to\u2019.<\/p>\n

            For beach lovers, Estepona\u2019s coastline offers miles of sandy shores, including the popular Playa de la Rada. Here, you can relax by the crystal clear waters or enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars.<\/p>\n

            If you\u2019re seeking something more adventurous, Estepona also has excellent hiking trails, including the scenic path to the nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains.<\/p>\n

            \n

            \n\t\t\t\tLeast overnight stays\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
            \n
              \n
            1. Zasavska, Slovenia (22,990)<\/li>\n
            2. Teleorman, Romania (6,983)<\/li>\n
            3. Jan Mayen (uninhabited Norwegian island) (0)<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

              Naxos<\/h2>\n
              \n
              \n\t\t\"Greece,\t<\/div>
              A must visit for history lovers (Picture: Getty Images\/Westend61)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

              Naxos is the largest and the greenest of the Cyclades Islands, but, unlike nearby Mykonos, it\u2019s not overrun with tourists.<\/p>\n

              Peppered with white, cubic homes, ancient ruins and other historical landmarks, Naxos is a must-visit for history lovers.<\/p>\n

              Portara (or Temple Of Apollo) is one of the island\u2019s top attractions, an enormous marble gate that construction began in the\u00a06th century BC.<\/p>\n

              Though the temple was never finished, the doorway remains on the islet of Palatia more than 2,000 years later.<\/p>\n

              Metro<\/strong>\u2018s\u00a0Martina Andretta<\/a>\u00a0fell in love with Naxos when she visited.<\/p>\n

              She said: \u2018There\u2019s a real \u2018matter of fact\u2019 feeling about this place, it doesn\u2019t feel as staged as (in my opinion) Santorini felt.<\/p>\n

              \u2018There\u2019s an amazing fruit, called citron, that\u2019s grown in the region and used to make a liqueur served in cocktails and aperitifs. I think about it more than I should.\u2019<\/p>\n

              Tavira<\/h2>\n
              \n
              \n\t\t\"Tavira\t<\/div>
              This small town is dubbed \u2018the Venice of the Algarve\u2019 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

              Affectionately known as \u2018the\u00a0Venice<\/a>\u00a0of the Algarve\u2019 for its Italian-style plazas and meandering river,\u00a0Tavira<\/a>\u00a0is one of the lesser-visited spots in Portugal.<\/p>\n

              It might have its own unique identity, but it\u2019s also an excellent jumping-off point for exploring everything the Algarve has to offer \u2013 including white sandy beaches and historical landmarks dating back to the Medieval Age.<\/p>\n

              As Caroline Rowe, award-winning travel creator and founder of\u00a0Pack the Suitcases<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0previously told\u00a0Metro<\/strong>, while Venice is synonymous with a \u2018constant stream of tourists,\u2019 Tavira is \u2018much quieter and more laid back.\u2019<\/p>\n

              \u2018It has its own charm, with classic Portuguese whitewashed buildings and bougainvillea-lined streets. It\u2019s a beautiful town to wander around, popping into museums, galleries and churches before finding a cafe to sit outside and watch the world go by,\u2019 she shared, reflecting on her recent month-long trip out there.<\/p>\n

              On a Saturday morning, she recommends visiting the market to sample delicious local produce, which you can then take for a picnic next to the River Gil\u00e3o.<\/p>\n

              Culinary delights aside, there\u2019s also Tavira Castle to explore, as well as the Santa Maria do Castelo Church and Pra\u00e7a da Rep\u00fablica, the town\u2019s main square.<\/p>\n

              Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              It\u2019s loved a little too much (Credits: Getty Images) As Brits look forward to summer holidays, the residents of our most loved destinations are bracing themselves for the influx of tourists. Popular cities and towns in the likes of Spain, Portugal and Greece are struggling to manage the huge volume of visitors which can\u00a0overwhelm local […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2074,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2072","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2072"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2082,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072\/revisions\/2082"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2074"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2072"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2072"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2072"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}