10 Destinations At Breaking Point From Overtourism — And 10 Alternatives To Visit Instead
Travel is more accessible than ever, but that convenience comes at a cost. Some of the world’s most beloved destinations are buckling under the pressure of too many visitors, with crowded streets, overwhelmed infrastructure, and frustrated locals becoming the norm.
While the draw of famous places is understandable, there are equally incredible spots that offer the same beauty, culture, or adventure—just with fewer crowds and a more authentic vibe. Choosing the right destination can make your trip more rewarding and more responsible.
1. Venice, Italy
Narrow alleyways overflow with camera-wielding tourists while massive cruise ships tower over historic buildings. Venice faces sinking foundations and a dwindling local population as housing becomes unaffordable.
Day-trippers often outnumber residents in this floating city, leaving behind trash but little economic benefit. Water taxis and gondolas create constant traffic jams in the canals.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Paradise has transformed into a playground of infinity pools and Instagram spots. Bali’s sacred temples now require dress codes and guards to manage visitor behavior.
Traffic gridlock plagues the island’s narrow roads while plastic waste washes up on once-pristine beaches. Water tables are dropping dangerously as luxury resorts consume resources at unsustainable rates.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Colorful protest signs hang from balconies reading “Tourists Go Home” while locals can’t afford to live in their own neighborhoods. Barcelona’s famous La Rambla has become an overcrowded tourist corridor.
Short-term rentals have replaced family homes, driving up housing costs. The city’s unique Catalan character struggles to survive as souvenir shops replace local businesses.
4. Santorini, Greece
White-washed buildings with blue domes become nearly invisible behind crowds jostling for sunset photos. Santorini’s infrastructure strains under summer visitors who overwhelm its limited resources.
Cruise ships disgorge thousands of day-trippers onto narrow cliffside paths. Water scarcity becomes critical each summer, with some hotels receiving deliveries by boat while donkeys struggle carrying heavy loads up steep steps.
5. Kyoto, Japan
Geisha apprentices hurry through back streets to avoid harassment from photo-hunting tourists. Kyoto’s temples and shrines have implemented reservation systems as visitor numbers overwhelm sacred spaces.
Local bus routes become unusable for residents during peak seasons. Traditional machiya homes are being converted into vacation rentals, forever changing the character of historic neighborhoods.
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
Ancient stone pathways show visible wear from thousands of daily footsteps. Machu Picchu now requires timed entry tickets and guides to control the human impact on this fragile Incan citadel.
Hikers crowd the famous Inca Trail while alternatives remain relatively empty. Conservation experts worry about irreversible damage to archaeological structures that have survived centuries only to be threatened by modern tourism.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bicycles navigate around stumbling bachelor parties while locals can’t find affordable apartments. Amsterdam’s infamous red light district has become a human zoo where residents feel uncomfortable in their own neighborhood.
The city has banned new tourist shops and removed the iconic “I Amsterdam” sign to discourage selfie-seekers. Canals once used for transportation now primarily serve as backdrops for visitor photos.
8. Reykjavik & Golden Circle, Iceland
Delicate moss fields show irreparable damage from visitors stepping off marked paths for photos. Iceland’s population of 370,000 now hosts over 2 million tourists annually, straining services and natural environments.
Rental car convoys create traffic jams at waterfalls that were once peaceful natural wonders. Housing prices have skyrocketed as apartments convert to Airbnbs, pushing locals out of their capital city.
9. Phuket, Thailand
Once-pristine beaches now feature rows of identical umbrellas stretching as far as the eye can see. Phuket’s coral reefs suffer from boat damage and sunscreen pollution while beachfront developments block public access.
Local fishermen struggle as mass tourism changes marine ecosystems. Water quality issues and waste management problems intensify during high season when visitor numbers multiply the island’s population.
10. Hallstatt, Austria
Quiet alpine mornings shatter as tour buses arrive by the dozens, disgorging visitors into a village of just 800 residents. Hallstatt became an overnight sensation after appearing in Asian travel media and reportedly being replicated in China.
Private homes now have signs reminding tourists not to enter their gardens or peek through windows. The small lakeside community struggles with traffic, noise, and drones hovering over its picturesque church.
11. Trieste Or Lecce, Italy
Literary cafés where James Joyce once wrote welcome visitors with authentic Italian coffee culture. Trieste offers Habsburg architecture alongside Roman ruins without the suffocating crowds of more famous Italian cities.
Further south, Lecce dazzles with baroque buildings carved from local honey-colored stone. Both cities provide genuine Italian experiences where you can still find reasonably priced accommodations and tables at local restaurants.
12. Lombok Or Flores, Indonesia
Crystal waters lap against beaches where footprints disappear with each tide. Indonesia’s lesser-known islands offer the tropical paradise experience that Bali provided decades ago, before mass tourism arrived.
Lombok features pristine beaches and towering volcanoes just a short boat ride from Bali. Flores leads to Komodo National Park and traditional villages where ancient customs continue undisturbed by tourism’s heaviest impacts.
13. Valencia Or Bilbao, Spain
Futuristic architecture rises alongside medieval quarters where tapas bars serve locals late into the evening. Spanish cities beyond Barcelona offer equally impressive cultural experiences without the anti-tourism sentiment.
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences provides Instagram-worthy backdrops while its historic center remains authentically Spanish. Bilbao transformed from industrial port to cultural hub thanks to the Guggenheim, yet retains its working-class Basque character.
14. Naxos Or Milos, Greece
Ancient marble quarries and whitewashed villages remain undiscovered by cruise ship itineraries. Greek islands beyond Santorini offer equally spectacular sunsets without the crowds fighting for the perfect photo spot.
Naxos boasts fertile valleys, mountain villages, and beaches stretching for miles. Milos features otherworldly volcanic landscapes and colorful fishing villages where you can still experience authentic Greek island life at reasonable prices.
15. Kanazawa Or Takayama, Japan
Perfectly preserved samurai districts transport visitors to Japan’s feudal era without the photo-bombing crowds. Japanese cities beyond Kyoto offer equally immersive cultural experiences where geisha traditions continue naturally, not as performances for tourists.
Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen garden ranks among Japan’s finest, while its gold leaf crafts continue centuries-old traditions. Takayama’s wooden merchant houses and morning markets provide authentic glimpses into traditional Japanese life.
16. Choquequirao Or Kuelap, Peru
Stone terraces emerge from mountain mist, rewarding adventurous travelers who make the journey beyond the standard tourist trail. Peru’s archaeological wonders extend far beyond its famous citadel.
Choquequirao requires a challenging multi-day trek but offers Incan ruins that rival its famous counterpart in scale and significance. Kuelap, the “Machu Picchu of the north,” features impressive stone fortifications built by the pre-Incan Cloud People at 10,000 feet elevation.
17. Utrecht Or Haarlem, Netherlands
Medieval church towers rise above winding canals where locals actually outnumber tourists. Dutch cities beyond Amsterdam preserve similar architectural charm without the cannabis tourism and overcrowded attractions.
Utrecht’s unique wharf cellars create two-level canals unlike anywhere else in the world. Haarlem’s cobblestone streets lead to windmills and hofjes (hidden courtyards) where you can experience Dutch life as it’s actually lived by residents.
18. Westfjords Or Akureyri, Iceland
Arctic foxes roam landscapes where waterfalls plunge directly into the sea, far from bus tours and selfie spots. Iceland’s less-visited regions offer the same otherworldly scenery that made the country famous, minus the crowds.
The remote Westfjords feature dramatic cliffs and natural hot springs often enjoyed in solitude. Akureyri provides a perfect base for exploring northern Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and whale-watching opportunities without fighting through tour groups.
19. Koh Lanta Or Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Hammocks sway between palm trees on beaches where development remains low-key and sustainable. Thailand’s lesser-known islands preserve the laid-back atmosphere that made the country’s beaches famous decades ago.
Koh Lanta offers a perfect balance of infrastructure without overdevelopment, plus easy access to marine parks. Koh Yao Noi sits in spectacular Phang Nga Bay, where local Muslim fishing communities maintain traditional ways of life alongside small, eco-conscious resorts.
20. Altaussee Or Zell Am See, Austria
Morning mist rises from Alpine lakes reflecting snow-capped mountains, without tour buses disrupting the view. Austrian villages beyond Hallstatt offer equally picturesque settings where local traditions continue authentically.
Altaussee’s salt mines and crystal-clear lake have attracted artists for centuries. Zell am See combines a medieval town center with easy access to year-round mountain activities, all while maintaining its authentic Alpine character.