2025 Worst Destinations For Overtourism And How To Avoid Them
After years of slowdown due to the pandemic, the tourism industry is now booming. But with crowds returning, some destinations are overwhelmed. Here are the most overcrowded spots to avoid in 2025 if you want a peaceful getaway.
Author:Sophia HarperReviewer:Liam JonesMay 20, 202514.2K Shares258.7K Views
Navigating a busy street with your camera, only to find locals frustrated by tourist crowds, illustrates overtourism, a growing issue where excessive visitors strain destinations, harming the environment, communities, and the travelexperience. By 2025, iconic cities, beaches, and natural sites are overwhelmed as travel surges.
Ten destinations are highlighted that are struggling with heavy tourism, along with practical tips for exploring them responsibly. Options like avoiding peak times, supporting local businesses, or choosing quieter spots nearby show how small changes can make a big difference. Rethinking travel habits helps protect these places for the future.
Overtourism
Overtourism occurs when too many visitors flock to a destination, overwhelming its resources. If not managed, this surge can harm the local economy, community, and environment, making it harder for the place to thrive long-term. A big driver of overtourism is affordable short-term rentals.
2025 Worst Destinations For Overtourism
Bali
Bali’s beaches and temples are wildly popular on Instagram, but the island is buckling under the pressure of 6 million yearly visitors. Plastic waste pollutes the coastlines, too much construction drains water supplies, and tourists disrespecting sacred spots frustrates locals. Traffic jams on narrow roads spoil Bali’s peaceful vibe, and new hotel bans aim to slow overdevelopment.
How To Avoid the Crowd - To help, visit during the quieter rainy season (November–March). Stay in eco-friendly spots in Ubud or northern Bali, skipping overcrowded areas like Kuta. Choose tours that respect local culture and traditions. Always dress modestly at temples. For a less crowded escape, try nearby islands like Lombok or Flores, which offer stunning beaches and rich culture without Bali’s chaos.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s iconic Gaudí architecture and lively streets draw millions of visitors each year. But overcrowding has led to frustration among locals. Short-term rentals like Airbnb have pushed housing prices up, making it tough for residents to afford homes. In 2024, protests erupted over issues like overcrowding at Park Güell, prompting plans to restrict rentals by 2028. Busy areas like La Rambla are often packed, spoiling the experience for visitors, and the city’s infrastructure is struggling under the pressure.
How To Avoid The Crowd - Visit in spring or fall to skip the summer crowds. Stay in quieter neighborhoods like Gràcia or Poblenou instead of busy tourist areas. Hit popular spots early morning or late afternoon to avoid long lines.
Venice
Venice’s canals and historic charm attract millions of visitors each year, far outnumbering its small population of around 50,000 residents. The constant crowds strain the delicate lagoon environment, push up housing costs, and make life harder for locals. Cruise ships and day-trippers add to pollution and overcrowding, especially in busy areas.
Starting in 2025, Venice will charge a small fee (€5–€10) for visitors on peak days between April and July. The city’s streets and services are struggling to cope with the sheer number of tourists.
How To Avoid The Crowds- To visit responsibly, plan your trip for quieter months like November to March. Stay in family-run guesthouses in less crowded neighborhoods such as Cannaregio or Castello. Wander beyond St. Mark’s Square to see authentic local life, and respect rules like avoiding lingering on bridges. If you want similar Italian canal vibes without the chaos, try nearby towns like Treviso or Chioggia.
Kyoto
Kyoto’s timeless temples and cherry blossoms attract millions, but the crowds in 2025 have become overwhelming. Historic areas like Gion face issues with tourist overcrowding, leading to restricted access on certain streets. Trains and popular sites struggle during peak seasons, and locals say their daily lives are disrupted by the constant influx. The city is grappling to protect its traditions while managing visitor numbers.
In 2024, the city began limiting access to private streets in Gion, with clear signs and fines for trespassers. Officials also urge visitors to wander quieter areas and visit popular spots during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late evenings. To address overcrowding, Kyoto is implementing measures as carefully planned as a japanese puzzle box. Starting in 2026, a tourist tax (around 60 euros per night) will fund infrastructure upgrades.
How To Avoid The Crowd - To enjoy Kyoto without the chaos, visit in winter or late fall when the crowds thin. Stay in nearby cities like Osaka or Nara and travel Kyoto on day trips. Skip the famous spots and find quieter temples like Tofuku-ji or Daitoku-ji. Always respect local customs, avoid snapping photos of geishas without asking.
Mount Everest
Mount Everest’s peak is a dream for climbers, but overcrowding has made it risky. Long lines during summit attempts and piles of trash harm the environment. Local Sherpa communities face unfair treatment and pressure from tourism. Even with high climbing fees today, crowds haven’t slowed down, putting the mountain’s natural beauty at risk.
How To Avoid The Crowd - To help, visit during quieter times like late autumn, choose tour companies that care about the environment, and follow strict rules for managing waste. Supporting Sherpa-led projects that focus on sustainability makes a difference too. If you’re planning a trip, consider alternatives like the Annapurna or Langtang trails. These offer breathtaking views, rich culture, and fewer crowds, letting you enjoy the Himalayas responsibly.
Lisbon
Lisbon’s vibrant streets and rich history attract visitors worldwide, but the rise in tourism has brought challenges. Over 60% of central homes are now short-term rentals, pushing up prices and forcing locals to leave. Crowds flock to iconic spots like Belém Tower, making them overcrowded and less enjoyable. The city’s infrastructure is struggling under the pressure. By 2025, new rules will aim to curb vacation rentals to ease these issues.
How To Avoid The Crowd - For a better experience, visit in spring or fall when crowds thin out. Stay in neighborhoods like Campo de Ourique or Alvalade to live like a local. Find hidden gems such as the National Tile Museum, and support small businesses to help the community. If Lisbon feels too busy, try Porto or Coimbra, both offer Portugal’s signature charm, history, and culture without the chaos.
Tokyo
Tokyo’s lively streets and famous spots are seeing a surge in tourists in 2025, partly because of a weaker yen. Crowds are making trains and buses packed, especially in busy areas like Shibuya and Asakusa. Locals say the constant flow of visitors feels overwhelming, and popular spots like Tokyo Skytree have endless lines. The city is struggling to balance its unique culture with the demands of tourism.
How To Avoid The Crowd - To enjoy Tokyo without the chaos, try visiting in winter or early summer when it’s less crowded. Stay in quieter neighborhoods like Koenji or Nakano for a taste of local life. Hit up big attractions early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the rush. For a calmer vibe, Go through hidden gems like Yanaka, where old Tokyo charm remains. If you want a big-city feel with fewer tourists, consider Fukuoka or Sapporo instead.
Mallorca
Mallorca’s stunning beaches and lively nightlife draw millions of visitors, but the surge in tourism has made housing unaffordable for many locals. In 2024, protests erupted, calling for stricter limits on tourist numbers. Overcrowded beaches and traffic jams have started to tarnish the island’s charm, while waste and water usage strain the environment. By 2025, new rules aim to prioritize sustainability.
How To Avoid The Crowd - Visit in April or October when the weather’s pleasant and crowds are smaller. Stay in quieter inland villages like Sóller or Alcúdia instead of busy Palma. Wander eco-friendly activities, such as hiking the Serra de Tramuntana trails, and shop at local markets instead of big resorts. If you prefer less crowded islands, try Menorca or Formentera, they offer similar beauty without the overcrowding.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands’ constant sunshine brings in crowds year-round, but this has caused problems for locals. Too many short-term rentals make housing unaffordable, and popular beaches and natural spots are overcrowded and littered. By 2025, new rules will try to slow tourism growth to protect the islands’ environment.
How To Avoid The Crowd - Visit between late fall and early winter when it’s quieter. Stay in small, locally-owned hotels on less busy islands like La Gomera. Try eco-friendly activities like guided hikes or exploring volcanic landscapes on Lanzarote or El Hierro. Stick to marked trails in protected areas to help preserve nature. This way, you’ll experience the Canary Islands’ beauty while supporting sustainable travel.
Scotland’s North Coast 500
The North Coast 500, a stunning driving route in Scotland, is getting overcrowded with campers and tourists. Wild camping harms delicate natural areas, and narrow roads can’t handle the heavy traffic. Local towns are struggling with overwhelmed services and infrastructure. To help, a 2025 visitor pledge encourages travelers to respect the environment and communities.
How To Avoid The Crowd - For a better experience, visit in early spring or late fall when roads are quieter. Stick to official campsites or stay in local guesthouses to minimize your impact. Follow the visitor pledge to protect nature and support locals. If you want similar coastal views without the crowds, try the Argyll Coastal Route or see the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides.
Natural Drivers Of Overtourism
Overtourism happens when too many visitors flood a destination, harming the environment, local communities, and the travel experience itself. While marketing and easy access play a role, the biggest pull often comes from a place’s natural charm.
Natural Beauty That Draws Crowds
Some places become tourist hotspots simply because they’re breathtaking. The Canary Islands, for example, lure visitors with their volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and lush forests. Spots like Teide National Park, home to Spain’s tallest peak or the serene dunes of Maspalomas showcase nature’s raw beauty. Hiking trails through ancient laurel forests or stargazing under clear skies add to their charm.
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, blends temples, gardens, and traditions with natural beauty. Famous spots like Kiyomizu-dera temple or the cherry blossoms spring in Maruyama Parkdraw huge crowds. The city’s historic link to art and nature, like zen gardens designed to mirror the seasons makes it irresistible.
Weather And Timing
Lisbon’s sunny weather draws big crowds, especially in summer (June-August) when days are hot and beaches are busy. For fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures, plan trips during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). These shoulder seasons offer warm days perfect for exploring historic neighborhoods like Alfama or enjoying coastal views from Belém Tower. While summer remains popular, visiting earlier or later in the year lets you experience Lisbon’s charm without the hustle and still enjoy that famous Portuguese sunshine.
Barcelona faces similar patterns. Its beaches and festivals, like the vibrant La Mercè in September, draw massive crowds. The city’s iconic spots, think Park Güell or the Gothic Quarter, see overwhelming numbers during summer heatwaves and cultural events. Even locals joke that the “off-season” is now just a myth, as visitors pour in year-round for its blend of sun, architecture, and festivals.
Physical Limitations And Carrying Capacity
Mallorca’s popular spots, like its tiny beaches and narrow medieval streets, struggle under the weight of tourism. Picture thousands of visitors crowding into small coastal towns like Valldemossa or cramming onto beaches meant for a few hundred. In peak summer, some beaches see over 2,000 people daily, turning peaceful paths into chaotic bottlenecks.
Venice, a city built on water, faces its own battle with physical limits. Its maze of canals, historic bridges, and narrow alleys wasn’t designed for millions of annual visitors. The fragile lagoon ecosystem struggles under the weight of cruise ships, while iconic spots like St. mark’s square in veniceand the rialto bridge become gridlocked with tourists. Rising sea levels and frequent flooding (“acqua alta”) worsen the strain, damaging centuries-old buildings and forcing costly projects like the Moses barriers to protect the city.
FAQs About 2025 Worst Destinations For Overtourism
How Does Overtourism Impact Local Residents And Their Way Of Life?
Overtourism can seriously harm local communities. In places like Cinque Terre, it pushes up housing prices, forcing locals to leave because they can’t afford to live there anymore. Local shops and services often start focusing on tourists instead of residents for example, stores in Cinque Terre now sell souvenirs rather than groceries.
What’s The Top Tourist Spot In 2025?
Osaka, Japan, has been crowned the world’s most popular destination for 2025, thanks to a surge in travelers. Famous as “Japan’s kitchen,” Osaka is beloved for its incredible food, lively shopping districts, and exciting nightlife.
Where Is Tourism Growing Fastest?
The Asia-Pacific region (316 million visitors) saw a quick rebound in 2024, though visitor numbers were still at 87% of pre-pandemic levels up from 66% in late 2023. International visitors increased by 33% in 2024, adding 78 million more arrivals compared to 2023.
How Can I Tell If A Destination Is Suffering From Overtourism?
Look for long queues, crowded public spaces, and local complaints in media or online forums. Rising prices and environmental damage, like litter or erosion, are also signs. Travel advisories may highlight overtourism issues.
Which Country Visits The USA The Most?
Number of inbound international visitors to the U.S. in 2024, by origin. In 2024, the highest number of inbound international visitors to the United States, 20.24 million, came from Canada.
Final Thoughts
As we journey through 2025, the way we travel can help protect the places we love. Visiting during less busy seasons, supporting local businesses, and trying lesser-known spots keeps destinations thriving. This approach ensures both locals and travelers can enjoy these beautiful places for years to come.
Let’s make 2025 a year of mindful adventures, small choices, like respecting nature or chatting with locals, can make a big difference. Together, we can travel the world while leaving it better than we found it.
You Might Also Like: Historical Landmarks In Asia History Lovers Shouldn’t Miss
Sophia Harper
Author
Sophia Harper’s photography acts as a portal to the soul of the places she visits. Drawn to South America’s landscapes and cultures, she has spent years capturing everything from the majesty of ancient ruins to the vibrancy of urban streets.
Sophia’s work isn’t just about documenting moments; it’s about evoking the emotions and stories behind them. A dedicated photographer, she has worked with local communities across South America to capture their rich cultural narratives through her lens.
Liam Jones
Reviewer
Liam Jones has made it his mission to prove that adventure doesn’t need a hefty budget. Having traveled to over 40 countries, he specializes in finding affordable ways to experience the world, from the best street food in Bangkok to hidden gems in Lisbon.
Liam’s travel tips have reached thousands of readers, empowering them to see the world on a shoestring budget without sacrificing quality. With a deep passion for local cultures, he continues to share his travel hacks, ensuring adventure remains accessible to all.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles