23-07-2025
The most overcrowded tourist destinations in the world - with one European country taking the top spot
From the sandy beaches of the Bahamas, to the stunning landscapes in Iceland, it might not be surprising that such locations attract millions of tourists a year.
Aside from visitors, locals impact how busy a destination may feel too, and in some cases tourists can exceed the residents.
Go2Africa has ranked the 15 most crowded locations, and one European country sits at the top spot with a whopping 6,800,000 visits a year, compared to the tiny population of 882.
The huge difference at Vatican City means locals are massively outnumbered by 7709.75 tourists to one.
As the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City attracts many visitors for its religious and historical importance.
Andorra, which is located between France and Spain, comes second with 9,600,000 tourists a year compared to its 81,938 local population.
Known for its amazing ski spots, Andorra is home to the stunning mountains and is a popular destination for winter sports.
So many people visit that there's 117.16 tourists per local annually.
While San Marino, near north-central Italy, sees 2,000,000 travellers each year and is home to 33,581 people.
San Marino has breath-taking scenery as well as plenty of historical monuments and buildings to attract visitors.
The country sees 59.56 visitors per one resident each year.
The Bahamas has a huge 11,220,000 influx of tourists on an annual basis, while 401,283 live there, placing it fourth.
With clear blue waters and stunning beaches, tourists flock to the Bahamas on an annual basis to soak up the sun.
Some 27.96 tourists dreamy Caribbean location per one local.
At fifth, Saint Kitts and Nevis attracts 875,085 guests but has a population of 46,843 locals.
The tropical Caribbean island was loved by Princess Diana and is known for its stunning beaches and lush landscapes, with 18.68 tourists per local.
The top 15 most overcrowded destinations:
1. Vatican City
Local population: 882
Tourists per year: 6,800,000
2. Andorra
Local population: 81,938
Tourists per year: 9,600,000
3. San Marino
Local population: 33,581
Tourists per year: 2,000,000
4. Bahamas
Local population: 401,283
Tourists per year: 11,220,000
5. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Local population: 46,843
Tourists per year: 875,085
6. Antigua and Barbuda
Local population: 93,772
Tourists per year: 1,154,236
7. Bahrain
Local population: 1,607,049
Tourists per year: 14,900,000
8. Monaco
Local population: 38,956
Tourists per year: 340,000
9. Malta
Local population: 563,443
Tourists per year: 3,563,618
10. Hong Kong
Local population: 7,414,909
Tourists per year: 44,500,000
11. Iceland
Local population: 393,396
Tourists per year: 2,287,341
12. Croatia
Local population: 3,875,325
Tourists per year: 21,300,000
13. Barbados
Local population: 282,467
Tourists per year: 1,520,740
14. Switzerland
Local population: 8,921,981
Tourists per year: 42,800,000
15. Grenada
Local population: 117,081
Tourists per year: 504,000
