Study: Greek Island of Zakynthos Most Overcrowded Tourist Destination in Europe

07:55 10/5/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Zakynthos, a popular Greek island in the Ionian Sea, has been identified as the most overcrowded tourist destination in Europe, according to a new study by the European Commission.

The research utilized a “tourism pressure” index

that compares the number of overnight stays by visitors with the local population size, revealing which destinations face the greatest strain from mass tourism.

With a permanent population of just 40,000 residents, Zakynthos recorded an estimated six million overnight stays in 2023.

This indicates that during the peak summer months, tourists outnumbered locals by nearly 150 to one.

The data highlight the significant imbalance between infrastructure capacity and visitor volume on the island, which is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and known internationally for its nightlife and resort culture.

The study noted that most tourists stay in large, busy resorts along the island’s southern coast, including major areas like Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Argassi, and Alykanas.

The findings were initially reported by the Daily Mail, which emphasized the ongoing challenges Zakynthos faces in managing the massive seasonal influx.

Responsible Travel, a UK-based travel company promoting ethical tourism, observed that the island is overwhelmed each summer, with ferries, ports, roads, and the local airport operating at capacity.

Basic infrastructure, particularly waste management and power supply systems, struggles to meet demand.

“Zakynthos is buckling under the weight of its popularity,” the company said, warning that unchecked tourism growth may further degrade local living conditions and the island’s appeal.

Zakynthos is not alone in facing the challenges of overtourism. Mallorca, a major Spanish holiday destination in the Balearic Islands, also ranks high on the European Commission’s list, with an average of 54 tourist overnight stays per resident. In response to increasing concerns, local authorities have introduced a tourism tax in an effort to limit visitor numbers and reduce pressure on local infrastructure.

As tourist numbers in southern Europe continue to rise annually, the findings underscore growing tensions between the economic benefits of tourism and the environmental and social costs of tourism saturation.

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