Locals in a popular European island are reeling under the pressure of overtourism as the tourists outnumber the residents. Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a stunning Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant nightlife.
The island is a favourite destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural charm, and lively beach resorts. Earlier this summer, the consumer advocacy group Which? released a report highlighting the European destinations most affected by excessive tourism
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Leading the list was the Greek island of Zakynthos, which has earned the nickname “the capital of overtourism.”
Despite its natural beauty and popularity among holidaymakers, the island has struggled with the overwhelming number of visitors, particularly during peak season.
In 2023, the Greek island of Zakynthos saw an enormous influx of visitors, with around six million overnight stays recorded—despite having a local population of just 40,000 residents.
Most of these tourists stayed along the island’s popular south coast, drawn by its beaches, nightlife, and scenic beauty. This staggering number means that for every person living on the island, there were roughly 150 overnight visitors throughout the year.
According to the latest data from Greece’s official tourism office, visitor numbers to Zakynthos rose 7.3 percent year-on-year.
Addressing the findings, a Which? spokesperson said: "Zante does not have the most visitors in absolute terms, but compared to residents the volume of tourists is huge.
"The results of this level of tourism vary, but broadly it means a holiday there is mostly spent in the company of other tourists while shops, restaurants and cultural experiences will often be aimed (and priced) at tourists rather than locals."
Calling it a "mess", a traveller wrote on TripAdvisor forum: "The beach was so busy, and though it’s long, at the time we visited, there wasn’t much beach space. The sea is shallow, but crowded. The amount of rubbish and cigarette butts in the sand is so sad."
Another added: "When we visited, the beach was overly busy, row upon row of sunbeds. It was all totally over-commercialised and noisy."