Istria ranked 2nd in Europe for tourist overload, new study reveals

Rovinj

A new report by Which? Travel has spotlighted the growing issue of overtourism across Europe, revealing that Croatia’s Istrian peninsula is among the continent’s most heavily burdened destinations.

According to the study, Istria recorded an astonishing 133,467 overnight stays per 1,000 residents, placing it second only to the Greek island of Zakynthos, which topped the list with nearly 150 times more tourists than locals, tportal writes.

The report paints a concerning picture for many popular destinations now struggling to balance local life with surging visitor numbers.

While Croatia continues to promote its coastline as a hidden gem, the figures suggest it is anything but undiscovered.

Experts warn that the effects of overtourism — such as rising property prices, overwhelmed local services, and disruptive visitor behaviour — are beginning to outweigh the economic benefits.

Cities like Dubrovnik are highlighted as suffering acutely, with historic centres unprepared for the sheer volume of tourists.

Highest tourist pressure (tourists per 1,000 residents):• Zakynthos, Greece: 149,887
• Istria County, Croatia: 133,467
• Fuerteventura, Canary Islands: 118,720

Highest number of tourists per km²:
• Paris: 418,280
• Central Athens: 88,535
• Copenhagen: 63,944

Most overnight stays:
• Mallorca: 51,193,029
• Paris: 43,919,010
• Rome: 41,135,744

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

Professor Richard Butler of the University of Strathclyde added that the problem isn’t always the number of tourists but how destinations manage them. Unlike purpose-built tourist hubs such as Las Vegas or Blackpool, historic European cities face more strain.

As a solution, the study suggests lesser-known Eastern European destinations, including parts of Romania and North Macedonia, as peaceful and culturally rich alternatives.

Meanwhile, the remote Norwegian island of Jan Mayen remains Europe’s least visited spot — with zero annual visitors — accessible only by special permit.