Europe is experiencing an intense surge in tourism, with iconic landmarks and popular destinations overwhelmed by record numbers of visitors this summer. Travel experts indicate that the tourism industry is reaching its maximum capacity earlier than in previous years, and some countries are struggling to manage the mass influx.
The European Travel Commission (ETC) reported a 5% rise in international tourist arrivals to the continent in early 2026 compared to the same period the previous year. Spain alone is anticipating 100 million international arrivals this summer, marking its strongest summer in modern tourism history. This significant increase is partly attributed to travelers opting for European destinations over those closer to the Middle East due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Major tourist attractions such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and the Vatican are experiencing immense crowds, even during peak seasons. Social media has been flooded with videos illustrating the reality of the overcrowding, with scenes of jam-packed streets, colossal queues, and packed public transport.
Experts like Kevin Schreck, a travel adviser based in Valencia, note that tourism in the Mediterranean has been steadily increasing for three years, leading to earlier peak capacity. "We've definitely seen a big influx compared to the last few years," Schreck told the Daily Mail, adding that "even now, despite the heatwaves and anti-tourist protests in the area, it continues to rise." He expressed concern that the situation is becoming unsustainable, stating, "I wouldn't necessarily say that Spain is coping rather well, even if the numbers look positive from one angle."
Nero Line, a luxury rental provider in Spain, corroborated these observations, reporting that "peak weeks have been filling earlier and with less room to move than previous seasons." While the industry is broadly performing well, there is considerable pressure on infrastructure and local communities in the most visited areas.
The OECD's report on Tourism Trends and Policies highlighted that "concentrated visitor flows are placing pressure on infrastructure and communities in some destinations." The report warned that "the absence of robust infrastructure can hinder the delivery of quality experiences... and place strain on existing resources that may not be equipped to handle increased demand."
Italy has seen crowds at popular sites like Lake Como, with packed trains and extensive queues for ferries. Around 20 beaches in Italy have implemented visitor limits in an attempt to manage the influx. In Rome, a €2 fee was introduced for access to the Trevi Fountain's close-up viewing basin, but visitors still reported overwhelming crowds and issues with litter.
Greece is also grappling with overtourism, with the Acropolis seeing thousands of visitors daily. Local authorities have implemented work hour restrictions for outdoor laborers due to extreme heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F). Popular beaches on islands like Koufonisia are also reported to be packed.
Malta has seen similar overcrowding at natural attractions like St. Peter's Pool, a spot popularized on social media. Videos have shown the area inundated with swimmers and spectators, with concerns raised about the accumulation of rubbish left by visitors.
The issue of "unbalanced tourism" was acknowledged by the EU Council earlier this year, noting that Spain, Germany, France, and Italy account for over 60% of overnight stays. This concentration of tourists, combined with geographical and seasonal factors, presents a significant challenge.
Concerns over overtourism have fueled local protests in several European hotspots, including Barcelona, Mallorca, and Venice. Residents cite issues such as rising housing costs, overcrowded public spaces, and strain on public services. In Mallorca, recent demonstrations saw clashes between protesters and riot police, with signs expressing anti-tourism sentiments like 'tourists go home' and 'tourism = destruction'. This marks the third consecutive summer of mass protests on the island.