Travel experts have identified three European cities they believe British holidaymakers should avoid due to overtourism and loss of local charm. The warnings come as part of a broader assessment of the most and least spoilt destinations across Greece, Spain, France, and Italy.
In France, St Tropez was named the most spoilt destination by author Anthony Peregrine. He noted that the town's population swells from 3,500 to 80,000 during summer, with narrow streets clogged by crowds seeking affordable options. Peregrine advised travellers to explore other Mediterranean villages instead.
Spain's Seville was labelled the most spoilt by writer Sally Davies, who lamented its transformation over 30 years. She highlighted that 60% of apartments are now tourist rentals, and streets are filled with visitors rather than locals. Despite not being the worst part of Spain, Davies said its former charm has been lost.
Venice was cited as Italy's most spoilt destination by journalist Lee Marshall, who blamed a combination of cheap flights and social media attention. Visitors often outnumber residents two to one, and a £4 tourist levy has generated three times the expected revenue. Mykonos in Greece was also criticised for illegal construction and high prices, with a 7% drop in international flights last year.
On the positive side, the least spoilt destinations include Moselle in France, Extremadura in Spain, Umbria in Italy, and Thassos in Greece, offering alternatives for those seeking less crowded experiences.
