Tourists Crowd Italian Destinations as Summer Season Begins

Large crowds of tourists have gathered in several Italian destinations as the summer season starts. In Positano, visitors fill narrow streets and block paths while taking photos. Similar scenes appear on train platforms in Cinque Terre and around fountains in Rome.

Local residents have described the situation as difficult. One resident wrote on Facebook that citizens must lock themselves inside their homes. Another resident, Antonio Attianese, said mayors and administrators on the Amalfi Coast have not issued orders to manage the crowds.

Rome, travelers report that visiting the Trevi Fountain requires waiting in long lines. m. to avoid the largest groups. Footage from May shows people competing for space at the fountain and other landmarks. The same pattern appears in other European cities.

In Barcelona, residents have held protests and used water guns during demonstrations against tourism. Andreu Martínez said the actions aim to return the city to its residents and address rising rents linked to short-term rentals.

Italy reported roughly 185 million total visitors in 2025, an increase of 9 percent from 2024. The country remains one of the most visited in the world. Travelers note that popular sites now require advance reservations and can involve crowded ferries and beaches.

Some visitors say they found quieter areas by leaving main streets. One TikTok user described walking down a side street and entering a local square that felt more like everyday life. Tourism brings commerce to these areas, though the current volume has produced visible congestion.