This coming summer, many Brits will be heading off to European tourist hotspots – whether that be the sun-soaked sandy beaches of Spain or hunting down Italy’s exquisite eateries.
However, many cities are struggling to cope with the ever-increasing amount of tourists flocking to their doors each year, and it is even becoming unenjoyable for holidaymakers due to the crushing crowds which swarm every landmark.
Travel vlogger Mark from Wolters World, who have over 1 million subscribers on YouTube, has shared what he thinks to be the European cities most ruined by over tourism, and how holidaymakers can combat the crowds when jetting off abroad.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Although tourism has greatly boosted Lisbon’s economy, it also has negative effectsHaving done his PhD there, Mark was able to see the goring effects of over tourism on the city, such as how daily commuters are finding it difficult to board the metro due to the sheer amount of tourists who cram into the carriages. He also outlines the problem of Tuk Tuks, which are helpful for many visitors yet create traffic within the city.
2. Florence, Italy
Many come to the city each year to become engrossed in its rich history, but tourism is becoming such a problem here that laws are being implemented to stop people eating ice cream on the streets. Mark said that you should travel here out of season in order to avoid the crowds.
3. Mykonos, Greece
Coming to the beautiful island of Mykonos is like stepping into paradise, with its gorgeous beaches and white buildings. However, it won’t be long before you see all the visitors trying to take the perfect photo for Instagram. Whilst Mark recommends to visit many of these places out of season, the amenities on Mykonos are mostly closed until the summer months, making this difficult.
4. Hallstatt, Austria
The inspiration for Frozen’s Arendelle, Hallstatt is a small town that is simply not built for the crowds that flock to it every year. Residents even had to put up a wall to block the stunning view from visitors in order to try and reduce overcrowding.
5. Toledo, Spain
Whilst not as frequented as other major Spanish cities, Mark still advises to come to Toledo during the week, as many flock to the city for day trips over the weekend.
6. Majorca, Spain
The second Spanish entry on Mark’s list becomes incredibly overcrowded during the summer months, as families swarm its beaches and young people arrive for the nightlife. To decrease the level of people present, going to the northern coast or travelling on cultural excursions offers an equally enjoyable time to the more populous areas.
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
When visiting Iceland, nearly all travellers come to the capital and the rest of the south-west corner. This is beginning to cause environmental damage, so Mark suggests travelling to other parts of the country, where you can visit equally as stunning locations but with little to know tourists at all.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
People come to explore Scotland’s capital all year round, meaning crowds are always dense.
9. Munich, Germany
Like Edinburgh, Munich is deigned to accommodate many tourists, due to Oktoberfest which occurs there. However, Mark says it is almost suffocating walking along the streets sometimes, due to the sheer amount of people around you.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
One of Mark’s favourite cities to visit in Europe, he still admits it is succumbing to overtourism, whether its young people out in the bars or clubs, or people looking for the best food and drink deals. However, he says you can find cheaper prices and quieter streets just a few roads away from the busiest areas.