Italy's popular tourist destinations are facing immense pressure this summer, with packed streets, extensive queues, and overcrowded beauty spots becoming a common sight. Viral videos circulating online capture the scale of the issue, showcasing shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in Rome, lengthy ferry lines on Lake Como, and congested train platforms in Cinque Terre.
Rome, a city drawing millions of visitors annually to landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, is experiencing particularly severe congestion. Travelers have shared footage highlighting the sheer volume of people, with some describing the experience as overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, citing concerns about pickpocketing and the presence of litter.
Efforts to manage visitor numbers at some attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain, include limiting entry to 400 people at a time and charging a €2 fee for tourists, though residents can still enter for free. Social media posts from visitors frequently mention the intensity of the crowds, with one user noting the significant amount of discarded cigarette butts on the ground.
Travel to other popular regions is also heavily impacted. At Lake Como, videos show long queues for ferries, with one visitor describing the boat lines in Varenna and Bellagio as "crazy" and opting to use buses or less crowded ferry stops. Similarly, Cinque Terre is experiencing significant congestion, with travelers reporting crowded train platforms and long lines, contrary to expectations of a more tranquil experience.
To mitigate the impact of large numbers of visitors, approximately 20 beaches across Italy have implemented capacity limits. Renowned locations like La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, which was recognized in Tripadvisor's Best of the Best awards, require advance reservations, with many sold out until September. Cala Goloritzé and Tuerredda Beach in Sardinia are also among those requiring bookings.
The issue of overtourism in Italy is not new. Across southern Europe, similar concerns have led to protests in recent years. Locals in tourist hotspots like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Venice have voiced complaints about rising housing costs, overcrowded public spaces, and strain on transportation and public services due to the influx of millions of visitors. Last summer, similar scenes of extreme crowding were observed in Rome and Florence, leading some visitors to express that the situation felt "out of hand."
