Italy remains one of the world’s most popular summer destinations, yet this year’s peak tourist season is once again bringing the intense pressures of overtourism sharply into focus.
Read also: Venice: New mayor proposes daily entry fee of up to €50 to curb tourist numbers
Italy buckling under tourist pressure: viral scenes from Rome, Lake Como and Cinque Terre
Videos going viral on social media are capturing the reality at some of the country’s most iconic destinations: suffocatingly packed streets in Rome, ferry queues stretching hundreds of metres at Lake Como, and overcrowded train platforms in the picturesque Cinque Terre.
With European school summer holidays now in full swing, Italian authorities are bracing for an even greater surge in visitor numbers in the weeks ahead — and the kind of gridlocked alleyways recently seen in Positano.
Emergency measures in Rome
One video that racked up hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok captures a sea of tourists struggling to move through the streets of the Italian capital. “Rome in July isn’t for the weak,” wrote the content creator, describing the ordeal of navigating the heat and the crush of people.
@gemzylou92 Rome in July isn’t for the weak #trevifountain #italy ♬ Saxophones getting louder – Sped Up – AntonioVivald
The scene at the famous Trevi Fountain is no different. Despite authorities imposing a cap of 400 visitors at a time and a €2 entry fee for tourists, visitors are still battling to raise their phones above the crowd for a photo. Reports of mounting rubbish and a surge in pickpocketing activity at busy hotspots are also on the rise.
@gr1travel the Rome crowds really are no joke, especially in the summer heat. Instagram vs reality #expectationvsreality #rome #italiansummer #traveltiktok #colosseum ♬ original sound – william springfield
Hours-long waits for a ferry at Lake Como
Chaos is also reigning at Lake Como, one of northern Italy’s most glamorous destinations. Videos show scenes of overwhelming congestion, with hundreds of travellers waiting hours for a ferry while equally large crowds disembark at the same time. “They weren’t exaggerating about how packed Italy is in July,” one traveller remarked, with many resorting to buses or lesser-known stops to avoid the wait.
@ariiahhhhmm they were not kidding about how crowded Italy is in july 🥲 #italy #lakecomo #therestoomanypeople #sendhelp ♬ original sound – M
Even Cinque Terre can’t escape the crowds
The situation is no better at the stunning Cinque Terre — the five colourful coastal villages that rank among Italy’s most photographed destinations.
One tourist who had hoped to enjoy peaceful beaches and charming narrow streets instead found herself confronted with jam-packed train platforms and queues at virtually every point of interest.
“I thought I had escaped the crowds… turns out everyone had the same idea,” she wrote on TikTok.
Beach caps and Europe-wide divisions
In an effort to stem the tide, several Italian beaches have introduced strict daily visitor limits. At the famous La Pelosa beach in Sardinia — one of Europe’s most beautiful — available spots are already fully booked through to September, while similar reservation systems are in place at Cala Goloritzé and Tuerredda.
Yet the problem of overtourism extends well beyond Italy’s borders. In destinations such as Barcelona, Majorca and Venice, local residents are rising up and demanding action on cruise ships, short-term rentals and the sheer volume of visitors. As they point out, unchecked tourist growth is driving up housing costs, straining infrastructure and eroding quality of life.
@isalys.off 🇬🇧 English Venice in peak season? Beautiful on camera… exhausting in reality. Paid entry on some dates. No benches. Sitting on steps can lead to a fine. Restaurants are often the only place to take a break. Endless crowds, graffiti, heat, unpleasant smells… and sometimes even from the canals. Come in spring or autumn instead. #Venice #Italy #TravelTok #Overtourism #meme ♬ september on crack ft. a recorder (Earth, Wind & Fire – September) – frickin weeb
Despite the backlash, Italy remains a top-tier tourist magnet. Only this year, the dream of an Italian holiday comes for many with endless queues, suffocating crowds — and a great deal of patience.
