Destinations to avoid in 2026 (and our alternatives!)

Today, the overcrowding of certain destinations raises questions about the impact of our travel habits. But rather than giving up on travel altogether, it is possible to rethink your itinerary: choose less popular times of year, explore lesser-known neighborhoods, or opt for alternative destinations that are just as culturally rich. Avoiding certain destinations in 2026 also gives us the opportunity to broaden our horizons and gain a better understanding of the places we visit. Traveling differently allows us to rediscover what really makes travel so rewarding: taking the time to open ourselves up to new encounters and let ourselves be surprised.

Overtourism: a crucial issue for certain destinations

Travel is an integral part of our contemporary lifestyles. More accessible, faster and more diverse than ever before, tourism has also become an economic pillar for many regions. However, in recent years, this dynamic has also shown its limitations in certain very popular destinations.

There is increasing talk of tourist overcrowding. This term does not necessarily refer to an excess of travelers per se, but rather to an excessive concentration of flows in the same places and at the same times.

With visible effects on infrastructure, the environment and local life, overtourism inevitably raises questions about its consequences:

• Increased pressure on housing (short-term rentals and rental prices skyrocketing);
• Saturated transportation;
• Degradation of certain natural or heritage sites;
• Feeling of disconnect between residents and visitors etc.

Faced with these findings, more and more destinations are seeking to better regulate or distribute tourist flows. As travelers, we also have a role to play, not by giving up travel, but by adapting our choices.

Destinations to avoid in 2026... or to visit differently

So, which destinations should be avoided in 2026? The European cities below are particularly prone to overcrowding. That's why we invite you to rethink how you visit them, or even consider alternative destinations.

1. Barcelona: the fragile balance of an iconic city

For more than a decade, Barcelona has embodied the tensions that can be caused by overcrowding. This dynamic Mediterranean city, easily accessible and culturally rich, attracts a wide variety of visitors: architecture enthusiasts, partygoers, families, remote workers, cruise passengers and more.

The metropolis of approximately 1.7 million inhabitants welcomes nearly 30 million visitors each year, or more than 17 visitors per capita. The result? The concentration of visitors in areas such as Barceloneta, the Gothic Quarter and around the Sagrada Família has profoundly transformed local life: businesses are geared almost exclusively toward tourism, housing is being converted en masse into short-term rentals, public transportation is saturated and so on.

Despite municipal efforts to regulate these flows, visitor numbers are expected to be very high in 2026, particularly from spring to late summer.

2. Venice: a destination under pressure

Venice is undoubtedly the best example of a destination whose world-renowned fame far exceeds its capacity: this city of less than 500,000 inhabitants welcomes between 25 and 30 million visitors each year.

Built on a fragile lagoon, Venice also has to cope with massive visitor numbers concentrated in a few neighborhoods and at certain times of the day, often linked to cruise tourism. This overcrowding results in accelerated wear and tear on the city's heritage and a profound imbalance between visitors and residents.

The regulatory measures put in place in recent years demonstrate a certain awareness of the problem. In 2025, the city extended the application of its day-tripper entry fee to 54 high-traffic days. However, these measures are

3. Amsterdam: a city in transition

In recent years, Amsterdam has been undergoing a major transition in terms of tourism. Long perceived as a fun and accessible destination, the Dutch capital has seen a surge in visitor numbers, leading to congestion in its historic center and the deterioration of certain local balances.

With an estimated 20 million visitors annually, Amsterdam remains an overcrowded destination during peak seasons, particularly in spring (when the tulips bloom) and summer, which affects the quality of the local experience and the daily lives of residents.

The authorities are now trying to reorient the city's image towards more cultural tourism that is spread out over time and space. Despite these efforts, visitor numbers remain very high during these key periods.

4. Dubrovnik: a victim of its own media success

With around 27 visitors per capita, Dubrovnik has become one of the most visited cities in the Mediterranean in just a few years, largely due to cruises and media coverage. Its old town, beautifully preserved but very compact, struggles to absorb the simultaneous arrival of thousands of visitors.

This extreme concentration can make for a frustrating experience for both residents and travelers alike, with long lines, crowded streets and shortened visit times. To preserve the medieval center, local authorities have introduced quotas and access limits. In 2026, despite these attempts to regulate visitor numbers, pressure is likely to remain high during the high season.

5. Santorini: a postcard image under threat

Santorini is a typical example of a destination shaped by the collective imagination. Its whitewashed hilltop villages, spectacular sunsets, and volcanic landscapes attract large numbers of visitors, concentrated on a few sites and at a few key times of the day.

Santorini experiences high seasonality, with the majority of visitors concentrated in the summer. This pressure is all the more noticeable as the island has limited resources, particularly in terms of water and infrastructure. In high season, the density of visitors thus poses major environmental challenges.

In an attempt to mitigate these peaks in visitor numbers in the most popular villages, measures such as daily visitor limits (e.g. a limit of 8,000 cruise passengers per day) have been put in place to protect the island's resources and the local environment.

6. Lisbon: recent popularity that continues to grow

Lisbon is a very attractive destination. Although the number of tourist overnight stays is lower than in other iconic European cities, it is still high for a city of around one million inhabitants. With its mild climate, affordable cost of living, rich heritage and relaxed atmosphere, Lisbon has enjoyed tremendous success over the past 10 years.

However, this rapid popularity has led to the accelerated transformation of certain neighborhoods, with increasing pressure on housing and transportation. While the city remains welcoming and lively, certain periods greatly accentuate this feeling of saturation.

What solutions are there to better distribute tourist flows?

Overcrowding is not inevitable. Several solutions exist, on different scales.

1. Travel off-season

This is often the most effective way to even out visitor numbers throughout the year. Locals can get back to their normal rhythm and travelers can enjoy more pleasant conditions for really discovering their destination.

2. Get off the beaten track

Exploring less frequented neighborhoods, lesser-known towns, or rural areas helps to spread the economic benefits while allowing you to discover more authentic places.

3. Stay longer

Staying longer in the same place, instead of taking multiple short trips, helps to limit the pressure associated with successive trips and better spread visitor numbers over time. It also encourages deeper immersion, which is beneficial for both visitors and the regions.

4. Favor slower modes of transport

Trains, in particular, encourage longer stays. They also provide access to a large number of destinations that are often less well-known and less crowded, unlike air travel, which mainly serves large tourist hubs.

5. Opt for locally-based accommodation and activities

Choose local accommodation, such as those available for exchange on HomeExchange, and activities designed and run by local people. This helps to support the local economy without exacerbating the phenomenon of concentration, while also providing a more authentic and respectful experience.

6. Rely on responsible indicators

For example, Evaneos' Better Index allows you to assess the level of exposure to overtourism of the most exposed destinations by taking into account:

• the density of tourists per capita;
• the density of tourists per square kilometer;
• seasonality;
• the destination's maturity in terms of sustainability.

Following this survey, Evaneos decided to stop offering Santorini and Mykonos during the summer season. These types of indicators also help travelers make informed choices.

Ideas for easily accessible alternative destinations

Changing your destination also means opening yourself up to new discoveries. By choosing cities away from the tourist spotlight, you are contributing to a more balanced and respectful form of tourism, while enjoying an authentic and enjoyable experience.

1. Turin, Italy: the beautiful capital of Piedmont

Turin is often perceived as a city of passage. However, it has many assets that make it a great alternative to cities such as Florence or Milan, which are often very crowded. With its unique architecture, baroque palaces, generous cuisine, rich cultural life and world-class museums, Turin appeals to travelers who like to combine culture with a relaxed lifestyle.

With excellent train connections to France and the rest of Italy, Turin is well worth a visit and offers quick access to the Alps. This underrated city is perfectly suited to a more evenly distributed tourism model, without excessive crowds, even in high season.

2. Ghent, Belgium: Flemish charm without the crowds

Often overshadowed by Bruges or Antwerp, Ghent is nevertheless one of the most interesting cities in Flanders for a city break. Its perfectly preserved historic center is every bit as good as Bruges and offers a much more pleasant atmosphere, as it is less crowded.

Accessible by train in a few hours from France, Ghent is a university city that is lively all year round. It therefore does not suffer from the “museum city” effect that is sometimes found in more touristy destinations. As you wander along the canals and cobbled streets, you will discover a contemporary cultural scene, a rich heritage, and a lively atmosphere. Ghent is also the ideal starting point for exploring other Flemish cities.

3. Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany: a green city at the gateway to the Black Forest

Located in southwestern Germany, near the French border, Freiburg im Breisgau is easily accessible by train from Paris, Strasbourg or Lyon. Freiburg is one of those destinations where life is good. Its pretty historic center is easy to explore on foot or by bike, and remains lively all year round thanks to its large student population.

This green and bohemian city offers an authentic atmosphere, and its old town is home to many heritage treasures. Freiburg is also a beautiful gateway to the Black Forest, its vineyards and its villages. When visiting Freiburg, you can easily combine a city break with nature getaways. This underrated yet charming destination is a perfect example of the alternatives to the classic European destinations.