Italy's popular tourist destinations are experiencing significant overcrowding this summer, with viral videos showcasing packed streets, extensive queues, and overwhelmed beauty spots.
Rome, a city that attracts millions of visitors annually to landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, is currently facing severe congestion. One TikTok user described the city as "not for the weak," while another warned that "the Rome crowds really are no joke, especially in the summer heat." Footage of the Trevi Fountain shows immense crowds, with visitor numbers limited to 400 at any one time. Entry to the fountain now costs €2 for tourists, though residents can still visit for free.
Tourists venturing to Lake Como are also encountering substantial delays, particularly with ferry services. Videos posted online reveal long queues of people waiting for boats, with one visitor noting the "boat queues in Varenna/Bellagio/Como were crazy." Many travelers suggested alternative transport, such as buses, or disembarking at less crowded stops like Nesso.
Cinque Terre, a coastal region known for its scenic beauty, is also experiencing intense tourist numbers. Travelers have shared videos and comments expressing surprise at the crowded train platforms and lengthy lines, contrary to expectations of a more serene experience. "Thought I’d escaped the crowds… turns out everyone had the same idea," one user commented.
In an effort to manage the influx, some Italian beaches have implemented visitor limits. Approximately 20 beaches across the country now require reservations. Popular spots like La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, which was recognized in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards, have sold out reservations until September. Cala Goloritzé and Tuerredda Beach in Sardinia also require advance bookings.
The issue of overtourism in Italy is not new. Similar scenes of overwhelming crowds were observed last summer, with some visitors likening the experience to being "part of one big sweaty herd." Concerns about the impact of mass tourism, including rising housing costs, strained public services, and overcrowded public spaces, have led to protests in other European tourist hubs like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Venice in recent years. Protesters have called for stricter regulations on visitor numbers, cruise ship traffic, and short-term rental properties.