Overtourism is becoming an increasingly common frustration for travelers. Destinations that once offered serenity and culture have become overcrowded hotspots, damaging local environments and communities.
With 2024 bringing a surge in global travel, many popular spots are already bracing for the worst.
But here’s the good news: while overtourism may feel unavoidable, there are ways to sidestep it.
In this article, you’ll discover which destinations were most at risk in 2024 and, more importantly, how to avoid crowds by finding equally breathtaking alternatives. Whether you’re looking for serene beaches, iconic landmarks, or cultural gems, there’s a world of under-the-radar places waiting for you.
What Is Overtourism and Why It’s a Growing Concern?
Overtourism happens when a destination experiences too many visitors for its infrastructure to handle, leading to environmental, social, and cultural strain. This isn’t just an inconvenience for travelers—it’s a growing issue for the very places people want to enjoy.
In 2024, with travel rebounding globally, overtourism hit harder than ever. Famous destinations like Venice, Bali, and Barcelona were already grappling with overcrowding, and the effects were noticeable: from environmental damage to overwhelmed local services and the displacement of residents.
Not only do the natural landscapes, degrading historic sites, and historic sites suffer, but local communities often pay the price too, with rising costs of living and disruptions to everyday life.
The rapid growth in global tourism has intensified these pressures. Cheap flights, social media exposure, housing prices, too many tourists, and the lure of bucket-list experiences drive tourists to the same small set of locations, all at once.
The result? Once-idyllic places turn into overrun tourist traps, losing their unique charm and becoming unpleasant to visit. But more importantly, the very reasons people are drawn to these locations—natural beauty, cultural authenticity, peaceful escapes—are under threat because of too many tourists, mass and traffic rules.
Understanding this growing concern helps us realize why finding alternatives or practicing responsible travel is crucial. After all, you don’t want your trip to contribute to the decline of a destination or your experience to be dampened by massive crowds.
Destinations Most at Risk of Overtourism in 2024
Some of the world’s most iconic destinations were already bearing the brunt of overtourism, and 2024 intensified the pressure because of the high tourist numbers. Below are a few key locations that are at significant risk of being overwhelmed by visitors this year:
1. Venice, Italy
Venice is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its winding canals, stunning architecture, and historic significance. However, its fragile ecosystem has long been threatened by overtourism.
Forbes reported that the problem stems from the sheer number of visitors who flock to the city daily—over 20 million tourists a year for a city with just over 50,000 residents. Massive cruise ships used to dock close to the historic center, disgorging thousands of tourists at a time.
Although new regulations have moved these ships further away, the city still struggles under the weight of tourists who visit for just a day, adding to overcrowding but contributing little to the local economy. The influx is so great that Venice now charges visitors an entry fee during peak times, part of a desperate attempt to manage crowd levels and attract tourists.
Overtourism in Venice is eroding the city’s foundations, with frequent flooding (the infamous "acqua alta") exacerbated by climate change and human activity. Narrow streets and iconic spots like Piazza San Marco are often too congested to enjoy, leaving both locals and tourists frustrated.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city rich in history, art, and culture, but the immense popularity of landmarks like La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter has made it a victim of overtourism. The city's compact design, with its narrow streets and densely packed historic areas, can only handle so many visitors at once, and yet millions pour in each year.
Locals have grown increasingly vocal about the disruption tourism causes. In neighborhoods like Barceloneta, residents have staged protests over the skyrocketing housing prices, noise pollution, and loss of community caused by the flood of tourists.
The proliferation of short-term rentals, like those on Airbnb, has driven housing costs through the roof, pushing locals out of the city center. This tension has led the city government to impose restrictions on new hotels and short-term rentals, but managing the overwhelming number of tourists remains a challenge.
With tourism expected to soar again, Barcelona faces the risk of further erosion of its cultural identity, as overcrowded attractions and high traffic make it difficult for visitors to have a meaningful experience.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s allure is its natural beauty, spirituality, and laid-back atmosphere, but these qualities have drawn so many tourists that the island’s environment and culture are suffering. Once known for its quiet beaches and serene landscapes, Bali is now plagued by traffic jams, waste management issues, and overdevelopment, particularly in popular spots like Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta.
The island receives more than 6 million visitors annually, and while tourism is vital to the economy, it comes at a cost. Bali’s water resources are being depleted to cater to hotels, resorts, and pools, leaving locals with shortages.
Beaches, once pristine, are often littered with trash, and coral reefs are being damaged by overuse and pollution. As travelers return in droves, Bali faces a dilemma: how to balance its booming tourism industry with sustainable practices that preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
Despite efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism, such as banning single-use plastics, the island’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the constant flow of tourists. Bali’s beauty is undeniable, but if tourism continues at its current rate, the very things that make it special may be lost.
4. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most visited attractions in South America, drawing travelers from around the globe to witness its ancient Incan architecture and breathtaking mountain views. However, the steep increase in tourism has raised concerns about the site’s long-term preservation.
To protect the site from degradation, Peru has implemented strict regulations, including limiting the number of daily visitors and enforcing timed entry tickets. The introduction of mandatory guides and designated walking routes has helped to deter tourists and reduce the impact on the site, but Machu Picchu remains vulnerable due to its fragile stone structures and delicate ecosystem.
The surrounding town of Aguas Calientes is also struggling with the influx of visitors. The small town is packed with hotels and restaurants catering to tourists, leading to overdevelopment and environmental strain. As more tourists seek to cross Machu Picchu off their bucket list, the area faces ongoing challenges in balancing tourism and incoming guests with conservation efforts.
5. Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s iconic blue-domed churches, white-washed buildings, and stunning sunsets make it one of the most photographed and visited islands in the world. But the small island is ill-equipped to handle the crowds that flock there each year, particularly during the summer months.
Santorini’s charm is in its quiet, picturesque villages and crystal-clear waters, but the flood of tourists—many arriving on large cruise ships—has led to severe overcrowding. In peak season, visitors often outnumber the island’s 15,000 residents several times over.
This has resulted in traffic jams, overbooked hotels, and overwhelmed restaurants. Popular spots like Oia, where tourists gather to watch the sunset, are packed to the point where it’s nearly impossible to move through the narrow streets.
Santorini’s infrastructure struggles under the weight of so many visitors. There are concerns about the island’s water supply, as well as the impact of constant construction to accommodate tourists. Santorini remains a high-risk destination for overtourism, with the island's natural beauty and traditional way of life increasingly at risk of being overshadowed by mass tourism.
These five destinations each tell a story of incredible beauty, culture, and history, but also of the challenges posed by overwhelming popularity. As more people flock to these locations, they face continued threats to their sustainability and charm. Fortunately, there are alternative destinations that offer similar experiences without the downside of overcrowding.
How to Travel Responsibly in Overtouristed Areas
For many travelers, some bucket-list destinations like Venice or Machu Picchu are simply too special to skip, even if they’re crowded. If you find yourself wanting to visit these iconic places, there are ways to do so without contributing to the negative impacts of overtourism.
Here’s how you can be a responsible traveler while still enjoying these hotspots:
Visit During the Off-Season
One of the easiest ways to minimize your impact is to avoid peak travel periods. For example, visiting Venice in late autumn or early winter means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.
Off-season travel not only reduces the strain on local infrastructure but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy these destinations in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, you’ll often find lower prices on accommodation and attractions, making it a win-win.
Stay in Locally Owned Accommodations
Supporting local businesses is a great way to offset the effects of overtourism. Instead of booking international hotel chains, look for locally owned guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts, or eco-friendly accommodations.
This helps funnel money directly into the local economy, which is especially important in areas struggling with the pressures of less tourism dollars. Additionally, locally owned businesses are often more invested in sustainable practices and preserving the area’s cultural heritage.
Travel in Small Groups
Large tour groups can overwhelm small towns or fragile sites. By traveling independently or in a small group, you help reduce congestion at popular spots and make it easier for locals to manage visitors.
Many destinations now offer small-group tours that provide a more personalized experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with the culture and environment without adding to the crush of tourists.
Respect Local Culture and Environment
One of the key principles of responsible travel is respecting the places you visit. This means adhering to local customs, dressing appropriately, and being mindful of your behavior, especially in sacred or historically significant areas. Additionally, make efforts to reduce your environmental footprint.
Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and leave no trace when visiting natural sites. This small effort can make a big difference, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.
Seek Out Lesser-Known Spots Within Popular Destinations
Even in overtouristed cities, there are often hidden gems that remain relatively undiscovered. For example, in Barcelona, you can visit neighborhoods like Gràcia or Poblenou, which offer a quieter, more authentic local experience compared to the bustling La Rambla.
In Bali, instead of the packed beaches of Kuta, you might explore the tranquil rice terraces in Jatiluwih. By venturing beyond the main tourist hubs, you’ll not only enjoy a more peaceful trip but also help spread the economic benefits of tourism to lesser-known areas.
Limit Your Time at Popular Sites
If you do want to visit a famous landmark, consider limiting the amount of time you spend there. This reduces congestion and allows other visitors to enjoy the site without overwhelming it.
Additionally, you can plan your visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the busiest hours. For example, visiting the Acropolis in Athens just after it opens can give you a quieter, more intimate experience compared to mid-day when the crowds peak.
Educate Yourself on the Destination’s Sustainability Efforts
Many popular destinations are implementing measures to mitigate the effects of overtourism, such as visitor caps, entry fees, or timed tickets. Before you travel, research the policies in place and follow them to support these efforts.
For instance, in Machu Picchu, adhering to the new timed-entry rules ensures that the site remains preserved for future visitors. Understanding the challenges faced by a destination and doing your part to respect those efforts helps you travel more consciously.
Conclusion
As 2025 approaches, overtourism continues to challenge some of the world’s most beloved destinations. However, by choosing to travel more responsibly and seeking out less crowded alternatives, you can still experience the beauty and culture you crave without adding to the problem.
Whether you opt to visit hidden gems like Naxos or Lombok, or you take steps to minimize your impact at a popular destination, your choices matter. Traveling off-season, supporting local businesses, and respecting local cultures all contribute to a more sustainable tourism experience.
Not only will this help preserve the destinations you love, but it will also allow you to enjoy more authentic and fulfilling travel moments.
In the end, avoiding the masses and escaping overtourism doesn’t mean sacrificing incredible travel experiences—it simply means making smarter choices. With a little planning and a more conscious approach, 2025 can be the year you explore the world in a way that’s both responsible and rewarding.
