The Croatian resort city of Dubrovnik was recognized as the most visited tourist destination this year, with 36 tourists for every resident.
According to a study by the search engine Holidu, after the end of the pandemic this summer season, tourists from all over the world are eager to travel more than ever, as a result, which many cities literally cannot get through. At the same time, excessive tourism can put pressure on local communities, as residents of such cities are forced to contend with traffic jams, excessive noise, and rising housing prices, the Express writes.
Italian Venice was recognized as the second most crowded city in Europe: there were 21 tourists for every resident. Even the previously introduced ban on cruise liners entering the city and the fee for entering the city failed to stop the flow of guests.
Bruges (Belgium) and Rhodes (Greece) also have 21 tourists per inhabitant, while Reykjavik (Iceland) has 16 tourists per inhabitant.
The cities most crowded with tourists in Europe in 2023
- Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- Venice, Italy.
- Bruges, Belgium.
- Rhodes, Greece.
- Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Florence, Italy.
- Heraklion, Greece.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Dublin, Ireland.
- Tallinn, Estonia.
What attracts tourists to Dubrovnik, Croatia
The popular port city of Dubrovnik on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, on the one hand, attracts beach lovers, because there are not only wonderful beaches and warm seas but also an abundance of sunny days.
On the other hand, Dubrovnik has a lot to offer its guests in terms of culture and history – it’s Old Town on a steep promontory above the sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also attracts moviegoers who flock to the city to walk in the footsteps of the heroes of their favorite films and TV series – this is where one of the most successful TV series in history, “Game of Thrones,” was partially filmed.
At the same time, Croatia closed its eyes to ill-mannered tourists for a long time, but now the country has decided to fight them. Now any tourist caught breaking one of the strict local rules can be fined up to €4,000. Among other things, this includes fights, verbal abuse, walking without a shirt, and drinking alcohol near the protected area, read more in the article “In Croatia, tourists will be fined 4 thousand euros for walking bare-chested and more.”