Some popular tourist destinations are already tired of the excessive influx of tourists and, despite the decent income, are ready to refuse to receive them. Travel Off Path named places where tourists are not very welcome this summer.
The local population can understand – overtourism has become a serious problem. However, Travel Off Path offers alternative options for travelers that are not at all inferior to the popular ones.
Netherlands, Amsterdam. The city resorts to various measures in an effort to scare away tourists, among the latest:
- ban on cruise ships entering the city center:
- ban on the construction of new hotels within the city:
- introduction of the highest EU tourist tax.
But that's not all – Amsterdam is waging an active campaign on social networks, making it clear to noisy tourists who come to the city for drunken stag parties and to smoke weed that they are not welcome here.
But the light didn’t fall like a wedge on this city? Instead, Travel Off Path recommends paying attention to the city of Leiden in the Dutch province of South Holland on the Old Rhine River. As in the capital, there are many beautiful river canals and bridges, and in addition there are many interesting museums.
Spain, Canary Islands. Local residents have launched an active campaign to combat overtourism, which is bearing fruit. For example, the authorities decided to introduce restrictions on short-term rental housing in the Canaries.
An alternative is Cape Verde, a small state on the Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 600 km from the coast of Africa. The former Portuguese colony, like the Canaries, offers tourists white sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes and great weather all year round.
Italy, Lake Como. Even tourists noted that due to the excessive influx of people, this place has lost its charm. Recently, the authorities of the city of Como decided to introduce an entry fee for tourists according to the principle of Venice.
However, it is worth paying attention to the picturesque Lake Lago Maggiore, located on the border of Italy and Switzerland. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and hidden in its heart is the Borromean Islands, offering tourists to explore Italian-style palaces and magnificent gardens.
Greece, Athens. The Greek capital was considered one of the worst destinations in 2023 due to overtourism. The crowds at the Acropolis became truly uncontrollable, so much so that the authorities were forced enter a visitor limitlimiting their number to 20,000 people per day.
Crowding levels in Athens can be unbearable, especially in the summer, notes Travel Off Path. A huge number of international flights land in the capital every day, and the city serves as a hub for tourists traveling to other Greek destinations.
Why not skip Athens and head to one of the smaller Greek islands? Each is filled with historic architecture, beautiful beaches and friendly locals.
For example, it is worth going to Folegandros or Milos. They have the charm of Santorini, but… without the cruise ship visitors and crowds. Last year, the Greek capital was named one of the worst-hit destinations due to overtourism. As a result, since last September the authorities introduced restrictions on visiting the Acropolis of Athens. And starting this year, the country introduced a new “climate” tax for tourists and tightened beach rules. But if the last two innovations have not discouraged you from going to Greece, still pay attention to less crowded destinations.
Spain, Barcelona. Six months ago, the mega-popular city banned cruise ships from entering the center, and since April the tourist tax there has been increased again. Overtourism in summer is a problem throughout Spain, but there are still less crowded and equally attractive destinations to be found throughout the country. For example, Valencia, a city that successfully combines beach holidays and cultural leisure.
Butane. During the coronavirus pandemic, residents of the country have tasted all the delights of life without tourists and now categorically do not want them to return. Tourists are charged a sustainability fee upon entry into the country. After the borders opened, it doubled and amounted to $200 a day, so not everyone can afford to spend a week of vacation in this country.
As an alternative, tourists are advised to pay attention to Nepal – a stunningly beautiful country where tourists, on the contrary, are welcomed with open arms.
Japan Tokyo. The Japanese capital has seen a huge influx of tourists since borders reopened following COVID. This year he broke all previous tourist records. Local authorities have imposed restrictions on the number of visitors at some tourist attractions in a bid to bring overtourism in the capital under control. But the number of people in the city can still be overwhelming.
Alternatively, you can head to lesser-known cities in Japan, such as Fukuoka, the country's eighth largest city. It also looks modern, but on a slightly smaller scale.
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