Malta has been identified as Europe's most overcrowded island for 2026, according to a study by BookRetreats. The island nation, which is only 316 square kilometers, is experiencing a significant increase in tourism, with visitor numbers up by one-fifth year-on-year. Locals are currently outnumbered seven to one by tourists.
Despite these figures, the Maltese government has expressed a commitment to attracting even more visitors. The island welcomes over 38,700 overnight stays per square kilometer, the highest tourist density on the continent. British tourists constitute the largest proportion of visitors.
The Maltese government has set a target to grow annual arrivals to 4.5 million by 2034. The island's popularity is attributed to its golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historical sites, including neolithic temples and an impressive coastline. The capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recognized as the best city in the world in Condé Nast Traveller's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards.
Malta offers attractions such as ornate Baroque architecture in Valletta, where a beer within the fortress walls costs around €4.29. A bottle of wine from a local supermarket is approximately €7. Beyond the capital, travel agents recommend exploring lesser-known spots on the island and its sister island, Gozo. Gozo, located a 20-minute ferry ride from Malta, is described as quieter and rich in history, with highlights including Ramla Bay, Victoria's Citadel, and the Ta' Pinu Shrine.
Other destinations listed in the BookRetreats study for overcrowding include the Dodecanese Islands and Cyclades Islands in Greece, Menorca and Fuerteventura in Spain, and Gozo and Comino in Malta, as well as Lefkada in Greece.