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The most famous places in the world seem to be on everyone’s wish lists – and are often the first places people will travel to in a particular country before exploring anywhere else.
From the crowded piazzas of Venice to the slow-moving tourists within Dubrovnik’s historic walls, some visits can leave you feeling like you wish you had the place to yourself. Beyond long queues and a lack of authentic feel, overtourism can put considerable strain on a location, from the wear and tear of historic monuments to affecting the quality of life for local residents.
One answer is to travel to popular spots out of season. Another is to consider lesser-known alternatives.
“Our holiday choices matter more than ever, and travellers need to think carefully about where they go and how they visit when they get there,” says Tim Williamson, joint managing director at Responsible Travel, who also points out that some destinations suffer from undertourism, too.
“Overtourism can be extremely localised and despite the headlines, there are many places that want and need more visitors. Tourism still has enormous power to boost local economies, cushion financial blows, restore heritage and conserve endangered species. Choosing an alternative to somewhere like Dubrovnik can help ease pressure, but we also need to avoid simply shifting the problem elsewhere.”

He recommends that holidaymakers ensure they also spend locally – as opposed to just inside a hotel, or on a cruise ship – and avoid short-term rentals, which can have a negative impact on housing availability and affordability to local people. Make sure to choose a holiday company that considers its impact on local nature and people.
“Walking holidays can be a great way to do this. They offer a slower, more considered way to experience popular places. Local guides bring insights into genuine local life and help travellers avoid the busiest areas while supporting livelihoods on the ground.”
1. Instead of Dubrovnik, go to Sibenik and Zadar
Dubrovnik began a fightback against overtourism a decade ago, when there were reportedly warnings the Croatian city could lose its Unesco World Heritage status due to severe overcrowding. According to Responsible Travel, tourists outnumbered residents 27 to one at its peak, around 2016.
Some measures have been put in place. Cruise ships are now capped at two per day and have to stay at least eight hours, short-term rentals have been curbed, and the Old Town is now a restricted traffic zone.
“It’s encouraging to see popular destinations starting to rethink what success looks like,” Williamson says, adding that efforts to address overtourism in Dubrovnik “show that tourism growth alone might no longer be the goal”.
However, the city is by no means uncrowded. Marina Rogoznica, lead Croatia product manager at Unforgettable Travel, who is based in the country, recommends the coastal city of Sibenik as an alternative.
“Sibenik is a medieval city with really narrow little cobblestone streets. It has a few fortresses – one is Unesco [listed] – as well as the Cathedral of St Lawrence nearby, also a Unesco site. It’s very important historically to Croatians, but also a beautiful town to visit with a lot of resorts [nearby] and nice hotels, so you can combine a beach day with culture,” she says.
Equally, the Roman city of Zadar is worth a visit. “It’s retained its Roman structure, one of the oldest ones in this part of the world.”

2. Instead of Venice, go to Chioggia
Overtourism in Venice has actually been driving locals out – fewer than 50,000 people still live in the city centre, while an estimated 30 million tourists visit each year, many of whom do not stay overnight.
No one can blame holidaymakers drawn to this car-free floating Gothic and Renaissance city – its setting has inspired artists for centuries and made for many a romantic backdrop.
However, it is not the only place in Northern Italy where you can take a small boat through pretty waterways. Just 25km (16 miles) from its very famous neighbour, the fishing town of Chioggia has “Venice vibes” without the crowds. It too has historic architecture, colourful buildings and picturesque canals.

“It’s relatively unknown and something of a contender to its ‘big sister’,” says Zain Richardson, chief executive of Asmallworld.
“The best bits are the relative lack of people compared to Venice, its fish markets, and its ornate bridges.”
3. Instead of Barcelona, go to Tarragona
“Spain is an enormous country and many of its other towns and cities receive a fraction of the visitors Barcelona does,” Williamson says.
“If you love the idea of immersing yourself in Catalan culture, then head out of the city and explore inland. Here, you’ll find medieval towns and villages fiercely proud of their Catalan heritage. And if you like hiking and biking, it’s wonderful.”
He recommends Tarragona, a port city about 100km south of Barcelona. It has a Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 2nd century that is dramatically perched on the edge of the Mediterranean, and other Unesco-listed Roman ruins.

It also has narrow, Barcelona-like streets and pristine Blue Flag beaches such as Cala Fonda.
He adds that the Costa Brava above Barcelona is “much underrated, with beautiful coves and beaches”, while inland, Lleida, with its impressive hilltop cathedral, is known for medieval heritage and rich regional gastronomy.


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3 travel alternatives to Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik with fewer tourists

Chioggia town in venetian lagoon, water canal and church. Veneto, Italy, Europe. Photo: Getty Images

The beautiful old city of Sibenik, in Croatia, offers much of what Dubrovnik does but with far fewer tourists. Photo: Getty Images

People pack the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The Croatian city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Photo: Corbis via Getty Images

Zadar in Croatia is a beautiful old town with ancient Roman ruins. Photo: Getty Images

A canal in the town of Chioggia, 25km from Venice, Italy. Photo: Getty Images

The Roman amphitheatre in Tarragona, in Catalonia, northeast Spain. Photo: Getty Images

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Travel & Leisure

Avoid the crowds in Venice by visiting Chioggia, give Dubrovnik a miss and head to Sibenik, or skip Barcelona and try Tarragona


Avoid the crowds in Venice by visiting Chioggia, give Dubrovnik a miss and head to Sibenik, or skip Barcelona and try Tarragona.


European travel

Responsible travel

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3 travel alternatives to Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik with fewer tourists

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Avoid the crowds in Venice by visiting Chioggia, give Dubrovnik a miss and head to Sibenik, or skip Barcelona and try Tarragona

Avoid the crowds in Venice by visiting Chioggia, give Dubrovnik a miss and head to Sibenik, or skip Barcelona and try Tarragona