Attention all travelers planning a European summer getaway! Dubrovnik, the stunning Croatian city with its captivating orange rooftops and famous Game of Thrones filming locations, has a secret to share – it’s Europe’s most overcrowded city. Holidu’s recent study revealed that this picturesque seaside spot, with a population of around 41,000, hosted a staggering 1.5 million tourists in 2019. That’s an overwhelming 36 tourists for every local resident! Can you imagine the hustle and bustle?
But fear not, adventurers! The experts at Holidu have a solution. They recommend avoiding the peak summer months and instead planning your visit for early May, mid-September, or even mid-October to savor Dubrovnik’s beauty without the chaos. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure amidst the frenzy of city life.
However, Dubrovnik is not alone in facing this tourism tsunami. Venice, Bruges, Rhodes, and other European hotspots are also grappling with severe overcrowding. Even cities like Amsterdam, Dublin, and Tallinn are feeling the tourist pressure, earning spots in the top ten most overcrowded European cities.
Here’s a glimmer of hope amidst the tourist onslaught – the charming Croatian island of Solta, just an hour away from Split by ferry, offers a tranquil escape. With only 1,700 permanent residents, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Picture a blissful island connected by a single road, adorned with olive groves, pine forests, and vineyards. Who wouldn’t want to trade the chaos for serenity?
So, before you plan your European beach escape, remember this – choose your destination wisely. If you yearn for a European adventure minus the tourist swarm, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. After all, who wouldn’t want to relish the allure of Dubrovnik without being engulfed by hordes of tourists? It’s a vacation dream worth pondering.
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