Mass tourism protests and rising visitor taxes are reshaping Europe’s travel map, with growing resistance to overcrowding in popular holiday spots.
Last summer saw anti-tourism demonstrations erupt across Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, while authorities in Venice and Amsterdam introduced new tourist charges. Now, British holidaymakers are bracing for mass protests in the Canary Islands this weekend.
Thousands of locals are expected to march on Sunday under the banner: “The Canary Islands has a limit,” demanding action against overtourism.
But while some destinations are overwhelmed, others remain untouched by the crowds.
Teleorman, a remote county in southern Romania, has just been named the least visited place in Europe. The region, which borders Bulgaria, logged just 20 overnight stays per 1,000 residents in 2023, according to a new report by consumer group Which?.
In stark contrast, the Greek island of Zante, with a population of 40,000, recorded over six million overnight stays—about 150 per resident.
To put it in perspective, visitors to Teleorman are about as rare as winning £50 on the lottery.
The findings come as Romania faces a pivotal presidential election, described as a battle between pro-Western and anti-Western ideologies. Experts have called it the country’s most critical vote since the fall of communism.
While Teleorman lacks the grandeur of Bucharest, its charm lies in the unspoiled nature and historic sites.
The county, one of the poorest in Romania, features fields of wild poppies and little sign of commercial tourism.
Alexandria, the regional capital, boasts cathedrals, museums, and a 5,000-seat football stadium. The surrounding rivers and valleys offer ideal settings for fishing and nature walks.
True to its name—Teleorman roughly translates to “wild forest”—the area is rich in green spaces.
Vedea Forest Park is a popular destination for hiking, while the southern Danube Valley is known for its scenic ponds and waterways that flow into the Danube River.
The region also bears the marks of a turbulent past, including the Saint Ioan Valahul Monastery near Poiana village, which was recently restored. A local monk now guides visitors through its historical significance.
Another key landmark is the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Church, built between 1902 and 1904. Known for its four-tower design in the shape of a cross, the church was last restored with community help in the 1930s.
With its quiet charm and deep-rooted history, Teleorman stands in contrast to Europe’s bustling tourist hubs.
Romania experiences hot summers, with temperatures reaching up to 44.5°C in August. For most travellers, the ideal time to visit is from May to early June or September to early October, when temperatures hover around 25°C. January is typically the coldest month, with lows of -4°C.
Getting There: Travellers from the UK can fly directly to Bucharest from London Stansted or Luton via Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Return flights in October are currently available from around £62, according to Google Flights. Teleorman is about 90 minutes by car from Bucharest, though public transport is limited and there are no direct trains.
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