Malta, Europe’s most crowded island, is aiming to boost tourism despite the lack of protests against over-tourism. The local tourism board is actively seeking to attract more visitors, aiming to triple the tourism sector’s economic contribution by increasing visitor numbers from just over four million last year to 4.5 million by 2035.
With a land area of 316 km², Malta is a fraction of the size of London, housing a population of approximately 575,000, with about a third being foreign residents. This results in a ratio of approximately seven tourists per resident, indicating that locals are outnumbered.
A recent study conducted by BookRetreats.com identified Malta as the most overcrowded island in Europe based on tourism density measurements. Despite Mallorca (Majorca) having the highest number of visitors among the studied islands, Malta’s mainland took the top spot due to its small size. British tourists constitute a significant portion of visitors, drawn by the island’s appeal as a winter sun destination and its English-speaking population.
Valletta, the capital, and the ancient city of Mdina are popular attractions for tourists due to their historical architecture and charm. Malta is also renowned for its picturesque beaches, particularly in the north, with crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxation.
Efforts to manage overcrowding include measures such as limiting daily visitors to the Blue Lagoon on Comino to protect the environment. While Malta’s islands of Gozo and Comino are also crowded, they have lower tourism density compared to the mainland.
The study highlighted Spanish islands like Lanzarote, Ibiza, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, along with Greek islands such as Corfu and Zakynthos, as other overcrowded destinations. The Portuguese island of Madeira also made the top ten list, known for its popularity among British tourists seeking winter sun destinations.
