Over-tourism concerns continue to increase as various destinations try to limit visitations. Measures to curb mass tourism include reducing tour group capacity to up to 25 in Venice and taxing foreign tourists in the Canary Islands. Despite the efforts to manage over-tourism, the situation worsens in some places. If you don’t want your 2025 bucket list filled with such overcrowded places, we’ve compiled a list of 15 popular destinations to avoid in 2025.
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
Nestled in southwestern Sicily, Agrigento boasts some of the best archaeological sites, including the Valley of Temples, known for its Greek and Roman ruins. The charming seaside hotspot is preparing to be named “The Italian Capital of Culture in 2025,” which will mean increased visitor numbers. With the current water crisis the locals face, more tourists in the city could worsen the already “severe” situation.
Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia’s most famous island, Bali, offers many incredible experiences, including pristine white sand beaches, a vibrant culture, and revitalizing spa experiences. However, overtourism has strained the province’s natural resources over the years. Due to the increasing number of visitors, the locals feel Bali may soon be unrecognizable as a tropical paradise. The Land of the Gods attracted 6.3 million foreign tourists in 2024 and expects to hit 6.5 million in 2025.
Venice, Italy
Venice is world-famous for its breathtaking canals, gondola rides, and stunning architecture. While it’s an absolute heaven for many travelers, with the extreme overcrowding, 2025 might be a good year to opt for alternatives. To limit visitation, the city implemented a €5 entry fee for day-trippers, which intends to double for last-minute bookings in 2025. So far, this measure has only slightly impacted limiting crowds. And with Jubilee Year coming, the number of visitors to the City of Canals is expected to increase.
Kerala, India
Kerala, included in Fodor’s ‘No List 2025,’ is a tropical haven where many vacationers visit to unwind and enjoy diverse nature experiences. From stunning beaches to lush tea plantations to incredible backwaters, the state has a lot to offer. However, it is suffering from mass tourism, which puts pressure on the beautiful natural environment. There are also concerns about increased unsustainable tourism practices, with places like Vemanad Lake highly polluted.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a secluded slice of tropical paradise in the Caribbean and very popular among US travelers. From beautiful beaches to lush rainforests brimming with diverse wildlife, majestic peaks, and colorful reefs, there is much to discover there. The archipelago has seen a surge in tourism, and with a limited landmass, it’s easy to feel like the islands are overcrowded, especially in popular spots like Virgin Gorda.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers endless opportunities for fun adventures, from marveling at its old-world architecture to discovering its bustling nightlife scene. However, mass tourism is an issue, with many locals expressing their frustrations with the overcrowding, especially in the central area. It’s hard to navigate the congested streets, and with the increasing prices, Lisbon is among the popular destinations to avoid in 2025 due to overtourism.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a desirable vacation spot for many, thanks to its picturesque beaches, cultural experiences, luxury resorts (and spas), and more. Its affordability has made it a popular destination for digital nomads. However, with mass tourism, the island is highly commercialized, so your experience won’t be as authentic as in lesser-known Thai islands. Plus, there are concerns about the diminishing beach quality, making it worth skipping for alternatives.
Oaxaca, Mexico
There are many things to discover in Oaxaca, including unmatched natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, delicious food, and incredible historical attractions. The captivating region boasts a 360-mile coastline and a worldwide surf championship. But it’s also one of the popular spots suffering the most from overtourism. Since 2020, Oaxaca has seen a 77% increase in visitation, and the locals have experienced impacts like displacement and an increased cost of living.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands offer some of the most unforgettable travel experiences, from the unbeatable volcanic scenery of Lanzarote to nature walks through the lush forests of La Palma. However, the islands are facing significant issues with mass tourism. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in anti-tourism protests, expressing their frustrations. The islands have made considerable efforts to limit travelers’ numbers, including introducing a tourist tax.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s major cultural hub, Tokyo, is known for its rich cultural heritage and world-class attractions, such as Tokyo Tower, which offers sweeping city views. Over the years, the capital has experienced mass tourism, which strains local resources and causes pollution. Residents have also had to deal with increased housing costs.
Scotland North Coast 500
Scotland’s North Coast 500 meanders through over 500 miles of magnificent views of the Scottish Highlands landscape. You’ll see a variety of lochs, including the famous Loch Ness Monster, historical landmarks, beautiful coastlines, and more. The popularity of the scenic driving route has increased rapidly, negatively impacting the landscape. Wild camping has increased pollution by irresponsible littering and disturbance of the area’s wildlife.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto was Japan’s capital city between 794 and 1868 and the emperor’s residence for over 1,000 years. Kyoto’s overtourism is overwhelming its capacity, with popular spots like the Gion district seeing the most travelers. The residents feel the situation’s impact, as they can hardly navigate and enjoy strolling through their streets. The influx of tourists also affects the locals’ daily routines and causes pollution. Because of this, it’s one of the popular destinations to avoid in 2025 due to overtourism.
Barcelona, Spain
One of the world’s most popular cities, Barcelona has over 2,000 years of history, which means endless experiences, from museums and monuments to a rich Catalan culture and incredible culinary adventures. However, its popularity has adversely affected the natural environment, increased housing costs, and reduced quality of life. Barcelona’s locals have protested against mass tourism, with some spotted spraying water on tourists as part of their demonstration. For this reason, Barcelona is the top destination not to be included in your 2025 bucket list.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is recognized for its gorgeous sandy beaches, rugged peaks, hidden lakes, ancient castles, and unmatched gastronomic scene. Overtourism has been an issue on the island for some time now, and Palma’s capital residents have protested its impacts on them. For a secluded island experience, consider less-crowded alternatives like Formentera.
Mount Everest
Mount Everest, the world’s highest point, is known for its extreme weather conditions and unmatched vistas. Summiting the peak is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the ultimate goal of many avid climbers. The increase in the number of adventure seekers has led to overcrowding, pollution of the surrounding area, and traffic jams. Mass tourism also affects the experience of the area’s natural beauty.
