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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Greece’s Beautiful European Island Zakynthos Faces Overtourism As Tourists Outnumber Residents By One Hundred And Fifty Times Monday, June 9, 2025Greece’s stunning European island Zakynthos has become a striking example of overtourism, attracting a staggering number of visitors—over one hundred and fifty times greater than its resident population. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, turquoise waters, and iconic sites like Navagio Beach, Zakynthos draws millions of tourists annually, transforming the island’s character and placing immense pressure on local communities and natural resources. This surge in tourism highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices to preserve the island’s unique beauty while balancing the economic benefits with the wellbeing of its residents.Zakynthos: Europe’s Overtourism Hotspot Amid Stunning Natural Beauty and Local ChallengesIn recent years, the issue of overtourism has emerged as a significant challenge across numerous European destinations. As tourist numbers soar, local communities are increasingly voicing their frustrations through protests and demonstrations. The Canary Islands and Balearic Islands have seen such unrest, and cities like Barcelona and Venice have responded with measures such as introducing tourist taxes to ease the pressure. However, an often overlooked but equally affected destination is a beautiful Greek island that has recently been identified by the consumer group Which? as the ‘overtourism capital of Europe.’This island is Zakynthos, also known as Zante, which has long been renowned for its spectacular landscapes and vibrant culture. However, over recent years, the surge of visitors has transformed it into a place where tourists significantly outnumber the locals, especially in the popular resort areas clustered along its southern coast. For many travelers, a holiday in Zakynthos means immersion in a bustling, tourist-centric environment where local businesses, cultural offerings, and even natural attractions are increasingly tailored to visitor demand and pricing.The Tourism Boom and Its Impact on Local LifeThe southern resorts on Zakynthos have grown exponentially, attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond. While tourism brings economic benefits, the rapid influx has led to mounting tensions between the residents and the tourist population. Many locals feel sidelined as shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues primarily cater to tourists, often at prices that put them out of reach for residents. This shift is reshaping the island’s identity from a close-knit community to a commercialized holiday hub.Despite the pressures, Zakynthos remains a jewel in the Mediterranean, with attractions that continue to captivate millions. The island’s famed Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Cove, is regularly listed among the most beautiful beaches worldwide. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters surround a dramatic cove that houses the rusting remains of a smuggler’s ship that ran aground in 1980. This iconic scene has become a magnet for travelers seeking both natural beauty and photographic opportunities, further intensifying visitor numbers.A Land Immortalized by HomerZakynthos’s allure is not only modern but steeped in history and mythology. The island was famously celebrated by the ancient Greek poet Homer, who called it the “Flower of the East” in tribute to its lush vegetation and enchanting scenery. The island’s landscape is impressively varied, offering an array of natural features that range from vivid turquoise seas and hidden coves to fertile plains, steep cliffs, and pine-covered mountains.The northern part of Zakynthos is marked by towering limestone cliffs that plunge into bright turquoise waters below, creating breathtaking vistas for visitors. In contrast, the southern region is home to long stretches of pristine white sandy beaches, such as the expansive Bay of Laganas, which spans several miles. These beaches provide not only idyllic sunbathing and swimming spots but also critical habitats for wildlife.Protecting Endangered WildlifeOne of Zakynthos’s most precious natural treasures is its role as a sanctuary for the loggerhead sea turtle, scientifically known as Caretta caretta. This endangered species uses the island’s beaches as nesting grounds, coming ashore between May and October each year to lay eggs. Due to the turtles’ vulnerable status, several of the island’s beaches are under environmental protection, balancing the needs of tourism with conservation efforts.The presence of these ancient creatures adds another layer of responsibility for the island’s inhabitants and visitors alike. Authorities enforce strict guidelines during the nesting season to minimize disturbance and protect hatchlings, reflecting Zakynthos’s commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity despite tourism pressures.Geography and DemographicsZakynthos covers an area roughly forty kilometers in length and seventeen kilometers in width, with a coastline stretching approximately 154 kilometers. Its proximity to mainland Greece is relatively close, lying just eighteen nautical miles off the coast of the Peloponnese peninsula.The island’s main urban center is the town of Zakynthos itself, locally referred to as “Chora.” This town serves as both the administrative capital and primary port, functioning as the island’s economic and cultural heart. Nearly half of the island’s population resides in Chora, which blends traditional Greek charm with tourist-oriented infrastructure.Striking a Balance Between Tourism and SustainabilityThe designation of Zakynthos as Europe’s overtourism hotspot by Which? brings to light the pressing need to rethink how tourism is managed on the island. While the economic benefits of attracting millions of visitors are undeniable, unchecked growth risks damaging the very qualities that make Zakynthos special.Local authorities, businesses, and residents face the challenge of finding sustainable solutions that protect the environment, preserve local culture, and maintain a high quality of life for the island’s people. Initiatives could include limiting the density of new resorts, promoting off-season tourism, and expanding environmental protections—particularly for vulnerable areas such as nesting beaches.Zakynthos remains a captivating Mediterranean destination with breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, the island’s popularity has reached a tipping point where overtourism threatens its sustainability. The balance between welcoming visitors and safeguarding local life and nature is delicate and crucial.Greece’s European island Zakynthos faces overtourism with visitor numbers soaring to one hundred and fifty times its resident population, challenging its natural beauty and local life. This surge calls for urgent sustainable tourism solutions.As global travelers increasingly seek authentic and responsible experiences, Zakynthos has an opportunity to lead by example in Europe. By embracing sustainable tourism practices, the island can ensure that future generations—both locals and visitors—continue to enjoy its legendary landscapes and unique heritage without compromise.Tags: European island, greece, island tourism, Mediterranean Travel, Navagio Beach, overtourism, sustainable tourism, Tourism news, Travel News, travel trends, Zakynthos
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