Busy scene on Via de'l Lucchesi close to the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Travel Pulse
As the summer season winds down, European cities are continuing to grapple with the issues of overtourism and the challenges it brings. This season has been no different, with popular destinations implementing measures to manage the influx of visitors and protect local life. While cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Venice are often highlighted in discussions about overtourism, they are far from the only places to take action.
One example is the picturesque Ile-de-Bréhat in France. Located off Brittany’s coast, this island has imposed a daily visitor limit during peak times to maintain its charm and quality of life for residents. Between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, the number of day-trippers allowed is capped at 4,700, though locals and workers are exempt from this rule.
Tourists’ crowd at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.Travel Pulse
In Athens, Greece, where the Acropolis has long been a hotspot for tourists, measures are in place to alleviate the pressure on this ancient site. The city has restricted daily visitors to 20,000 and implemented specific hourly limits to help manage the crowd flow more effectively.
Venice, Italy, a city often synonymous with the term "overtourism," has introduced several new regulations. These include an entry fee on select days, a ban on loudspeakers used by tour guides, and a restriction on tour groups to no more than 25 people. These changes aim to preserve Venice's serene atmosphere amidst the throngs of visitors.
Sunrise in Barcelona. Travel Pulse
Barcelona, Spain, has been particularly proactive this year. The city has announced a ban on new short-term apartment rentals starting in 2028 to combat the effects of tourism. Additionally, Barcelona removed a bus route from Google Maps that led tourists to Park Güell and increased the tax on cruise ship passengers who spend less than 12 hours in the city.
Lisbon, Portugal, is also making moves to address tourism-related issues. The city plans to significantly reduce the number of tuk-tuks operating on its streets and will raise the tourist tax from two to four euros per night starting this fall.
Hallstatt in Austria. Travel Pulse
Hallstatt, Austria, known for its stunning lakeside views, faced its own challenges with an influx of selfie-seekers. To address this, the village erected wooden barriers to keep visitors from blocking roads and causing disruptions.
In Milan, Italy, regulations have been introduced to curb noisy behaviour from tourists. The city now requires bars, cafes, and even gelato shops to close their outdoor seating earlier in the evening, and takeaway restaurants must shut down earlier as well.
Seville, Spain, is planning to introduce a fee for non-local visitors to the Plaza de España, aiming to protect the site from damage. Details are still being worked out, but the proposal reflects the city's commitment to maintaining this iconic landmark.
Florence, Italy, has made headlines with its approach to short-term rentals. Although a new ban was overturned on a technicality, the city continues to work on ways to manage crowd distribution at popular sites like the Galleria dell'Accademia.
Red light district in Amsterdam Travel Pulse
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, has been actively addressing tourism issues by implementing measures such as a campaign advising certain tourists to "stay away," restricting new hotel constructions, and raising the tourist tax. The city plans to eliminate its cruise ship terminal by 2035 and has enforced stricter rules on cannabis use and bar hours in the Red Light District.
Marseille, France, has introduced a daily visitor quota for the Calanques National Park to protect its natural beauty. Visitors now need to book in advance and obtain a QR code for entry.
Copenhagen, Denmark, is encouraging eco-friendly tourism through its CopenPay program, which rewards visitors for making sustainable choices with points that can be redeemed for various activities.
Istanbul, Turkey, has revised its attendance guidelines and introduced an entry fee for non-Turkish visitors to the Hagia Sophia, following a surge in visitors after its conversion back to a mosque.
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Travel Pulse
Dubrovnik, Croatia, has placed caps on cruise ship passengers and introduced fines for certain behaviours to manage the impact of tourism on its historic Old Town.
In Montenegro, Kotor may be next to take significant steps against over-tourism as local frustrations grow overcrowded conditions, especially during peak cruise ship season.
Santorini Island in Greece. Travel Pulse
Lastly, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed limiting the number of cruise ships docking at popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos, suggesting a bidding system or restrictions to prevent overcrowding. The newest addition to this list is Czech Republic.
