It's the most overcrowded holiday resort in Europe. Forget about peace and relaxation

Six million overnight stays and just forty thousand inhabitants – the Greek island of Zakynthos has just been named the most overcrowded holiday resort in Europe. What does this mean for tourists? And does Zante still have something to offer those seeking luxury and peace?

Zakynthos, also known as Zante , was until recently synonymous with Mediterranean paradise – azure waters, spectacular cliffs, a postcard-perfect Navagio beach. Today, it is also the epicenter of European overtourism. According to data from the European Commission and the analysis by "Which? Travel" , in 2023, there were six million tourist overnight stays – with a local population of just 40,000 people . Simple calculation: there were almost 150 tourists per inhabitant.

Zakynthos/photo Unsplash Max van den Oetelaar

It is the "tourist pressure index" , i.e. the ratio of the number of tourist overnight stays to the number of inhabitants, that made it possible to indicate Zakynthos as the most popular destination in Europe.

- Ferries overcrowded with people and luggage, congested roads, overloaded airports, and on top of that garbage and energy systems at the edge of capacity - warns Responsible Travel , a company promoting responsible tourism.

Zakynthos has been attracting not only beach lovers but also clubbers for years. The southern coast of the island, with resorts such as Laganas, Kalamaki and Tsilivi, is famous for its extensive hotel complexes and loud nightlife. It is a paradise for young Europeans thirsty for cocktails with a palm tree and pool parties – but is it also for those looking for a sophisticated holiday?

Although Zante still charms with its natural beauty, many travelers are starting to wonder: is it worth it? If you dream of a quiet vacation with a glass of Assyrtiko against the backdrop of a Greek sunset, it may be better to look around for the less-crowded gems of this country.

The problem of overtourism is not limited to Zakynthos. Which? also lists Majorca , where there are 54 overnight stays per capita. The Spanish island has tried to combat the problem by introducing a tourist tax, but experts advise avoiding the island during peak season – particularly in July and August.

The trend of mass travel is becoming a challenge not only for the environment, but also for those who define luxury as silence, space and authenticity.