Over-tourism is a significant concern for the world’s top travel destinations. As visitor numbers to places like Venice, Italy, and Machu Picchu soar, so do issues of overcrowding, environmental damage, and loss of traditional cultures. These off-the-beaten-path cities and historical sites provide relief from the crowds and promote sustainable sightseeing.
Skip: Venice, Italy
Famous for its picturesque architecture and network of canals, Venice is a top Italian destination. Using data on overnight stays between 2019 and 2022, Statista named it the second most-visited city in Italy.
However, the millions of tourists who flock to Venice threaten its fragile landscape. According to Responsible Travel, overtourism has negatively impacted the local environment by increasing canal pollution and harmful fumes from passenger cruises.
Visit: Chioggia, Italy
The quaint city of Chioggia is an excellent alternative for your Italy itinerary. It’s the southernmost town along the Venetian Lagoon, boasting the same allure as Venice with far fewer crowds. Explore Chioggia’s narrow canals, colorful buildings, and mouthwatering seafood for a taste of authentic Italian culture.
Skip: Santorini, Greece
In recent years, tourists have overrun the ancient Greek island of Santorini. Greeka estimates that an average of two million visitors travel to Santorini annually. This staggering number inevitably damages the small island’s natural resources and beauty, according to a 2023 article in Washington State Magazine.
Visit: Milos, Greece
Instead, consider Milos for your next Greek getaway. This island offers stunning volcanic beaches and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. You won’t have to contend with long lines of tourists when vacationing on Milos. It’s a quiet escape with endless amounts of Mediterranean charm.
Skip: Barcelona, Spain
As a significant tourist hub, Barcelona is well-known for its bustling cityscape and thriving economy. While it’s a beautiful vacation spot, the downsides to such high tourism rates are undeniable. Earth5R identifies poor quality of life for locals and dangerous pollution levels as Barcelona’s primary concerns.
Visit: Seville, Spain
Rather than battling the swarms of Barcelona tourists, head to the much calmer city of Seville. Despite being the biggest city in Spain’s Andalusia region, it has a slower pace and feels more grounded. There’s much to see and do in Seville, from the world’s largest Gothic cathedral to top-tier cuisine.
Skip: Machu Picchu, Peru
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu has been a staple of countless bucket lists for decades. These 15th-century ruins in the Andes Mountains are a prime example of the once-thriving Inca civilization. Today, Machu Picchu faces major erosion issues due to its thousands of daily visitors, as the Barcelona Field Studies Centre reported.
Visit: Choquequirao, Peru
Choquequirao is a similar archeological site that’s much less popular than Machu Picchu. The remote Incan ruins boast jaw-dropping scenery and immerse visitors in ancient traditions and customs. To reach Choquequirao, tourists must embark on a challenging multi-day trek, though it’s well worth the effort.
Skip: Boracay, Philippines
The small island of Boracay in the Philippines attracts international tourists to its breathtaking beach resorts. It’s an oasis of powdery sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical forests.
However, a notable uptick in tourism prompted the government to impose strict visitor limitations in 2018. The New York Times says Boracay’s future remains uncertain as it struggles to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
Visit: Bohol, Philippines
Some travelers opt for the underrated island region of Bohol instead. There are many exploration opportunities throughout Bohol Island and the smaller islands surrounding it. Dive into history at local landmarks, snorkel the coral reefs, or participate in an exhilarating jungle adventure.
Skip: Bali, Indonesia
Unsustainable Magazine says Bali tourism has drastically affected the Indonesian province’s landscape. Deforestation, overpopulation, and economic disparity are the most immediate concerns. As people flock to Bali from locations worldwide, the region risks losing its rich cultural heritage and scenic natural areas.
Visit: Lombok, Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Lombok has emerged as a top Bali contender. Lombok is significantly quieter and less developed, offering tourists a peaceful place for relaxation. Its pristine beaches and volcanic terrain are ideal for diving, hiking, and savoring the tranquil surroundings.
Skip: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Many consider Dubrovnik a must-visit European city. During summer, the cobblestone streets and public beaches fill with international visitors. A Cogent Social Sciences article highlights the potential harm of overcrowding, including damage to Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town and coastal ecosystems.
Visit: Cavtat, Croatia
Cavtat is a postcard-worthy alternative to Dubrovnik. It’s a fabulous destination to experience Croatia’s alluring coastlines. The village overlooks the Adriatic Sea and has a casual, friendly atmosphere. Cavtat is also much cheaper than Dubrovnik, allowing you to save money without sacrificing waterfront views.
Skip: Cozumel, Mexico
According to Brittanica, tourism is the primary industry on the Mexican island of Cozumel. Millions of people head there annually to enjoy the beaches and diving spots. Sadly, this amount of tourism destroys natural habitats and pollutes the sea, as stated in an Études Caribéennes publication.
Visit: Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Take a trip to Isla Mujeres for fewer crowds. USA Today reports that the laid-back tropical paradise received only 20% of the tourism rates Cancun, another famous resort town, saw in 2022. Isla Mujeres’s serene environment and world-renowned beaches make it a must-visit.
Skip: Paris, France
In 2023, the World Travel & Tourism Council named Paris the world’s most valuable tourist economy. While the City of Love has been a famous vacation spot for decades, it’s beginning to suffer the side effects of rampant tourism. Forbes reports that Paris’s population has been shrinking due to overcrowding and the high cost of living.
Visit: Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is a haven for art, culture, and cuisine where you can unwind in peace. It features centuries-old homes, churches, and public gardens. You’ll create unforgettable memories exploring the romantic Bordeaux countryside.
Skip: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
According to the BBC, Amsterdam’s over 20 million annual visitors strain its infrastructure. Residents’ attitudes toward tourism have grown negative as the city gained a global reputation as a party locale. Overtourism plagues popular areas throughout Amsterdam, resulting in frustration among locals.
Visit: Utrecht, The Netherlands
The medieval town of Utrecht is a welcome escape from Amsterdam’s crowds. Tour museums and cultural landmarks to discover thousands of years of history. Beautiful canals intersect Utrecht, appealing to those who crave a slice of European charm.
Skip: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
As the world’s largest religious complex, Angkor Wat attracts most of Cambodia’s tourists. It was on the UNESCO World Heritage Convention’s Danger List for ten years, which identifies sites at risk of being ruined by unchecked tourism, pollution, and other factors. Angkor Wat, in particular, has experienced noticeable erosion and a lack of water access.
Visit: Beng Mealea, Cambodia
Though Beng Mealea is significantly smaller than Angkor, it provides more isolation. This temple lies nearly untouched among the lush Cambodian jungle, and its remoteness will make you feel like you’ve wandered into an epic adventure movie.
Skip: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a hub for international travelers. Its city center is dominated by captivating architecture, medieval monuments, and towering cathedrals.
With so much to see and do, it’s unsurprising that Express reports Prague has eight times as many tourists as locals. These high tourism rates threaten the city’s historical attractions, which foreigners frequently overrun.
Visit: Olomouc, Czech Republic
Add the quaint city of Olomouc to your next European itinerary. It has all the beauty of Prague with a fraction of the crowds. Around every corner, you can discover Baroque fountains, cathedrals, and palaces.
Skip: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is a beachfront destination famous for its rugged environment and vibrant festivals. Unfortunately, Tourism Teacher cites its thriving tourism industry as a leading cause of habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Visit: Florianopolis, Brazil
Though Florianopolis is popular among tourists, it’s a much quieter place to stay in Brazil. Beachfront resorts line the coast, where surfers and sunbathers enjoy the warm, sunny conditions. You’ll get a more genuine taste of Brazil’s wild side when you vacation in Florianopolis.
Go off the grid to escape the crowds altogether
Vacations are the perfect excuse to unplug from technology and reconnect with loved ones. An off-the-grid getaway allows you to relax and unwind without the distraction of tourist hoards.
14 Captivating Off-the-Grid Travel Destinations to Unplug and Unwind
Agritourism experiences may be the key to sustainable tourism
Consider booking an agritourism adventure during your next holiday. Many worldwide countryside estates offer unique and engaging activities like vegetable picking and nature tours to deepen your appreciation for the natural world.
15 Countryside Estates to Escape the Stress of Work and Life
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
