Overtourism is a growing phenomenon that our own research indicates affects almost 100 destinations around the world so far, but there are few places in Europe where the problem is so clearly visible as Cinque Terre, on Italy's resplendent Ligurian coast.

In 2026, Cinque Terre is widely considered overcrowded, particularly during the peak season from May to September. This UNESCO World Heritage site, consisting of five tiny fishing villages, has become a victim of its own beauty and social media fame. On typical summer days, the narrow streets of Vernazza and Manarola can feel like a "crowded concert hall," with thousands of day-trippers arriving by train and cruise ship. The popular SVA (Blue Trail) hiking path often experiences human traffic jams, leading authorities to implement timed entry for specific sections like the Via dell'Amore. While the Italian government has debated capping daily visitor numbers for years, no official hard limit exists yet. To experience the "real" Cinque Terre, travelers are advised to stay overnight—the villages regain their quiet, authentic magic after 6:00 PM once the last trains and boats depart. Visiting in the shoulder months of April or October can also provide a more breathing room, though even then, quiet moments are becoming increasingly rare.