A picturesque Croatian city has been named Europe’s most tourist-heavy destination, with visitor numbers vastly outnumbering its local population. New research from DiscoverCars.com has revealed that Dubrovnik attracts more tourists per resident than anywhere else in Europe, underlining the growing impact of overtourism in smaller destinations.

Famed for its well-preserved medieval walls, terracotta rooftops and dramatic Adriatic views, Dubrovnik has long been a favourite among travellers. Its global profile surged further after it was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, drawing fans from around the world eager to explore the real-life setting of King’s Landing.

Aleksandrs Buraks, head of growth at Discover Cars said: “Our ranking of the cities that attract the most and least tourists compared to local residents is a fantastic source of inspiration for any upcoming holidays.

“Although it’s important to say, just because a city has fewer tourists doesn’t mean it will be a quieter trip – on the contrary, the cities that have the highest number of locals compared to visitors are some of the biggest in the world! Istanbul and London both have more than 9 million residents.”

However, the research highlights the challenges that come with such popularity. While major capitals may attract higher overall visitor numbers, smaller cities like Dubrovnik can feel significantly more crowded due to their limited size and infrastructure.

During peak summer months, the city’s narrow streets and historic Old Town can become heavily congested, with large volumes of cruise ship passengers and day-trippers adding to the pressure.

This has led to concerns in recent years about the sustainability of tourism and its impact on local residents.

Despite this, Dubrovnik continues to be one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations, offering a mix of history, culture and natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to landmarks such as the city walls, which provide panoramic views of the coastline, as well as nearby islands and beaches along the Dalmatian coast.

The study also points out that travellers can still enjoy a more relaxed experience by venturing beyond the city centre. Hiring a car, for example, allows visitors to explore quieter areas such as the Pelješac peninsula, known for its vineyards, or lesser-known coastal towns nearby.

Experts say the findings serve as a reminder that the perception of a “busy” destination is not always linked to total visitor numbers, but rather how those numbers compare to the size of the local population.

As travel demand continues to rise, Dubrovnik stands out as a clear example of how global popularity can transform a small city, bringing both economic benefits and significant challenges in equal measure.