Europe’s most overcrowded destination has more than 40 tourists per inhabitant | Travel news | Travel

One of the most overcrowded locations in the world for tourists can be found here in Europe.

Countries such as Spain, Greece, Italy and Croatia all experienced crowds of tourists and overcrowding during the high season during the summer months.

As the global tourism industry tries to recover from the pandemic, many destinations around the world are facing a flood of tourist arrivals all year round, meaning they won’t be as peaceful as they once were.

Research by MoneyTransfers.com has shown that one of the most ‘overtouristic’ cities in the world can be found in Europe.

Muğla, a province and city in southwestern Turkey on the Aegean Sea, was named the fourth most ‘overtouristic’ destination in the world.

Muğla has no fewer than 40.2 tourists per inhabitant. Jonathan Merry, resident travel expert at MoneyTransfers.com, said: “The recent devastating fires in Maui have highlighted the feelings many residents of popular destinations have: a desire among tourists to stay away, especially when the country itself is in danger.

“The index below shows how overcrowded many cities around the world are with international visitors. While this is not necessarily unwelcome in many ways, there is no denying that this level of popularity and the fact that tourists far outnumber locals can lead to overcrowding and a cascade of negative impacts.”

MoneyTransfers.com noted that Muğla’s scenic beauty and historic location, and its proximity to the popular holiday resorts of Bodrum and Marmaris, have made it a very attractive location for tourists, especially those looking for a mix of ancient history and Mediterranean influences.

Bodrum is one of Turkiye’s most popular holiday destinations and its popularity and demand is mainly due to its consistently sunny, warm weather. According to the Met Office, Bodrum experiences high temperatures from May to October.

But don’t worry, in November you’ll still find an average daily temperature of 21℃ if you’re looking for some winter sun.

Muğla Province is not only home to tourist sites and resorts, but also to a vast amount of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Top picks include Saklikent Milli Parki, İztuzu Plajı and Oludeniz Beach.

If you like walking in the sun, walk the Lycian Way walking route along the coastline in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The hiking trail is 760 kilometers long and takes no less than 35 days.

Kate Clow, creator of the Lycian Way route, told CNN Travel: “Turkiye at the time, this is 35 years ago, had no walking routes at all. And I had hiked in the Pyrenees and several other places in France and Spain. And I thought: ‘Turkey deserves one too’.”

In and around the city of Muğla itself you will find cultural and natural wonders, including the Topalar Waterfall, the ancient ruins of Stratonikeia Antik Kenti and the Amynthas Rock Tomb.