Travel blogger reveals the beautiful European destination that's too overcrowded to holiday in

Daily Mail​

11 hours ago

As millions of tourists continue to flock to Europe each summer, one seasoned traveller is urging holidaymakers to think twice before booking trips to some of the continent's most beloved destinations.
Sara Rodriguez, a travel expert and blogger behind Madrid Travelling, has revealed four European hotspots she believes travellers should avoid due to severe overcrowding.
She cites long queues, inflated prices, and a loss of authentic charm as key issues - and among them is a once-hidden gem that she describes as 'more hectic than idyllic.'
Europe is undeniably rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, but without restrictions on visitor numbers, millions of tourists descend on cities every summer, which leads to congestion and diminished tourist experiences at iconic spots.
According to data from travel platform, Holidu, Dubrovnik leads as Europe's most overcrowded city - with a staggering 27 tourists per local resident.
But Dubrovnik isn't the only place struggling to manage its popularity. Here are the four cities Rodriguez says are overwhelmingly busy.
Positano, Italy
Once a serene seaside village on Italy's Amalfi Coast, Positano has exploded in popularity thanks to social media and travel influencers.
Despite its beautiful scenery and iconic colourful buildings, Rodriguez says its narrow streets and steep staircases are now packed with tourists, leading to a 'hectic' atmosphere rather than an idyllic one.
Speaking to The Express, she also noted inflated prices for tourists, adding: 'I left feeling like I never got to experience the real Positano beyond the chaotic surface.'
During peak season, between Easter and October, Positano sees an average of 12,000 tourists per day - despite having only 4,000 residents, as reported by Rick Steves' Europe.
Paris, France
The City of Light remains one of the world's top travel destinations - but according to Rodriguez, it's also one of the most frustrating to visit during the summer months.
She described the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and even a simple walk along the Seine as having 'never-ending lineups' that 'strained her patience,' which overall impacted her enjoyment of the city.
According to Visit Paris Region, approximately 48.7 million tourists visited Paris in 2024, including both domestic and international visitors.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rodriguez found Amsterdam's city centre overrun with rowdy stag parties, weekend revellers, cyclists and crowded streets.
She also highlighted the difficulty in getting museum reservations, as well as overpriced restaurants.
Considering the city is an eighth of the size of London, its sheer number of visitors can make Amsterdam overwhelmingly busy.
According to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, the popular Dutch destination welcomed a whopping 15.1 million day visitors in 2024 - with over half travelling in from within the Netherlands.
Mykonos, Greece
A long-time favourite for luxury travellers and beach lovers, Mykonos now feels overrun, according to Rodriguez.
She admitted she felt that the island's charm was overshadowed by partygoers and 'inebriated vacationers' during the peak season.
Rodriguez added: 'When I finally went to the Greek island, I thought it would be a tranquil haven.
'Even while it was breathtakingly gorgeous, the restaurants were expensive and the beaches were noisy.'
In 2024, Mykonos welcomed 1.29 million tourists and 768 cruise ships, according to the Hellenic Ports Association.