The last thing you’d imagine an overcrowded island would be looking for is even more tourists flocking to its streets. But for one European holiday spot, that’s exactly the mission.
Malta has officially been ranked Europe’s most overcrowded island for 2026, according to a study by BookRetreats.
Visit the bijou island today, and it’s easy to see for yourself: visitors are up by one-fifth year on year, and locals are currently outnumbered seven to one by tourists.
Despite this, though, the government in Malta is keen to attract even more visitors.
The mainland island is just 316 square kilometres – a fifth of the size of London – yet it welcomes more than 38,700 overnight stays per square kilometre, the highest tourist density of any island on the continent.
British visitors make up the largest proportion – and the numbers show no signs of abating, as the Maltese government has stated their aim to grow annual arrivals to 4.5 million by 2034.
It’s easy to understand why Malta, sometimes known as the ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’, is so popular – with golden beaches, rooftop bars, vibrant nightlife and Aperol spritzes for as little as €6 (£5.20).
Malta boasts a rich history to explore and plenty of sights to enjoy.
The small island country is also home to neolithic temples, an impressive coastline – and cheap alcohol.
The capital, Valletta, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and was named the best city in the world in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
The location boasts ornate Baroque architecture and visitors can grab a beer within Valletta’s fortress walls for around €4.29 (£3.73), according to cost of living website Numbeo.
As for wine, it’s possible to find a bottle for around €7 from a local supermarket, working out at just £6.
But there’s more to the island than just the capital, Valletta. For those wanting to dodge the crowds in Malta, two travel agents earlier this year recommended plenty of lesser-known spots to explore.
Melanie Landricombe, a TUI retail travel agent, said: ‘Malta has everything from sunshine and food to culture and brilliant value.’
‘You can relax on beaches like Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay, explore historic cities such as Valletta and Mdina, or spend long evenings eating fresh seafood in St Julian’s.
Europe’s most overcrowded islands
1. Malta (mainland)
2. Lanzarote, Spain
3. Ibiza and Formentera, Spain
4. Tenerife, Spain
5. Gran Canaria, Spain
6. Corfu, Greece
7. Zakynthos, Greece
8. Mallorca, Spain
9. Madeira, Portugal
10. Dodecanese Islands, Greece (Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Rhodes)
11. Menorca, Spain
12. Fuerteventura, Spain
13. Cyclades Islands, Greece (Andros, Santorini, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos)
14. Gozo and Comino, Malta
15. Lefkada, Greece
‘I love it so much I even got married on the tiny Maltese island of Gozo in 2009.’
Melanie added: ‘Gozo is Malta’s sleepy sister island and it’s absolutely magical. It’s only 20 minutes by ferry from the north of Malta and it feels like stepping into another world. It’s smaller, quieter and full of history and after more than 50 visits, I still love it every single time.’
Her recommended Gozo day trip highlights include Ramla Bay, with its unique red‑golden sand and clear water, and Victoria’s Citadel, the ancient hilltop fort with views across the whole island.
Plus, she advises a visit to Ta’ Pinu Shrine and the Rotunda, two of Gozo’s most breathtaking churches, and Comino and the Blue Lagoon, the tiny island between Malta and Gozo where the turquoise water feels almost tropical.
Credit: Daily Mail
