DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Lifestyle
German news & articles
European overtourism: Where can I avoid the holiday crowds this summer?
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

European overtourism: Where can I avoid the holiday crowds this summer?

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

Eurostar promises to run direct trains from UK to GermanyEurostar promises to run direct trains from UK to Germany
UNICEF: Germany just 25th-best country for children’s wellbeingUNICEF: Germany just 25th-best country for children’s wellbeing
SBB cuts Deutsche Bahn trains to Switzerland over chronic delaysSBB cuts Deutsche Bahn trains to Switzerland over chronic delays
Water level on Lake Constance (Bodensee) falls to 53-year lowWater level on Lake Constance (Bodensee) falls to 53-year low
EU: People in Germany should stockpile 3 days of emergency suppliesEU: People in Germany should stockpile 3 days of emergency supplies
Record number of migrating cranes spotted over GermanyRecord number of migrating cranes spotted over Germany
Once-in-a-century comet visible over skies in Germany this weekOnce-in-a-century comet visible over skies in Germany this week
What are my rights if my night train is cancelled or downgraded in Germany?What are my rights if my night train is cancelled or downgraded in Germany?
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usImpressumSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
May 29, 2025
Jan de Boer

Editor at IamExpat Media

Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016. While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more

Looking to plan a holiday with quiet beaches and ice cream shops with no queues? A new analysis from the European Commission has revealed the quietest places to visit in 2025.

Top European destinations continue to grapple with visitor numbers

The European Commission's study analysed various metrics to determine whether a destination suffers from overtourism. These include, among others, the number of tourists relative to the population, the number of tourists per square kilometre and whether tourism numbers fluctuate by season.

They noted that while overtourism can be highly inconvenient for locals, high visitor numbers can also have negative effects on the tourists themselves. Alongside the stress caused by overcrowding, the study noted that hotels, restaurants and bars change their prices based on demand, meaning visitors to the most overwhelmed places are not getting value for money.

Which parts of Europe suffer the most from overtourism?

The commission found that across Europe, Mallorca is the worst affected by overtourism. On average, the island, home to just under a million people, sees 51 million overnight stays a year, more than the likes of London, Rome and Berlin. The density of visitor numbers and the fact that the island's tourist season is relatively short propelled it to the top of the list.

The Greek island of Zakynthos or Zante took second place, with the local population of 40.000 having to accommodate 6 million overnight stays a year. When it comes to cities, Paris was the most swamped with tourists, not surprising given its bounty of historical sites and museums, with Athens and Copenhagen completing the remaining places.

The study also found several places that have seen visitor numbers soar in recent years. Copenhagen, Cork, and the province of Limburg in the Netherlands have all seen tourism numbers increase by between 3 and 5 million overnight stays since 2019.

Where are the best places in Europe for a quiet holiday?

So, where should people head to if they want to avoid the crowds gripping most of Europe? For the quietest time off, the study recommended the Estonian seaside resort of Haapsalu. The town, famous for its old town, castle and beach, only boasts 120 tourists per square kilometre a year.

The Baltic island of Wolin in Poland took second place, with its pristine beaches often completely empty during the off-season. The hidden gem of Tropea is a quiet haven of calm in the very busy Calabria region of Italy, which is why it took third.

The Alentejo region between Lisbon and the Algarve in Portugal, the city of Murcia in Spain and the underrated mini-Parisian city of Lille were also solid options. For more information about the study, check out the official website.

This article was originally published on IamExpat in Switzerland.

By Jan de Boer

nito / Shutterstock.com