Malta, the most densely populated island in Europe, is welcoming more tourists without facing over-tourism protests. The local tourism board aims to boost visitor numbers to 4.5 million by 2035, tripling the tourism sector’s economic contribution.
With an area of 316 km², Malta is significantly smaller than London and has a population of around 575,000, with about a third being foreign residents. The island already has a tourist-resident ratio of approximately seven to one.
A study conducted by BookRetreats.com revealed that Malta’s mainland is the most overcrowded island in Europe due to its small size. Despite Mallorca attracting the most visitors, Malta remains the most densely populated island. British tourists form the largest visitor group, drawn by the island’s mild winter climate and English proficiency.
Valletta, the capital, and Mdina, with its medieval charm, are popular tourist spots. The island’s northern beaches, known for their clear blue waters, also attract visitors.
Efforts to manage overcrowding include capping tourist numbers at popular sites like the Blue Lagoon on Comino. While Gozo and Comino are also crowded, they have lower tourism density compared to Malta’s mainland.
Spanish and Greek islands, along with Madeira in Portugal, also feature prominently on the list of overcrowded destinations.