A trip to Italy in 2025 might not be the brightest idea

Italy’s summer 2025 tourism boom could disrupt your travel plans, with record-breaking crowds expected. The country is preparing for unprecedented arrivals, driven by a major religious event held every 25 years. Italy’s National Tourist Research Institute predicts 35 million visitors in 2025—nearly triple the 13 million seen in 2024—potentially overwhelming iconic destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany.

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The year marks a Jubilee Year, also known as the Holy Year – a momentous occasion for Catholic worshippers who flock to Rome and Vatican City to seek forgiveness for their sins, says a Condé Nast Traveller report. During this time, Rome becomes a “focal point” for Catholic faith and traditions, the report adds. Held once every 25 years, the upcoming Jubilee Year will commence on Christmas Eve 2024 and conclude on January 6, 2026. Pilgrims will have a unique chance to walk through the Holy Doors of four papal basilicas—St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and Saint Mary Major—which are opened solely for this sacred occasion.


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If you plan to visit Italy in 2025, meticulous preparation will be crucial to managing the crowds and making the most of your trip during this historic occasion.

Europe's overtourism troubles

In 2024, overtourism became a pressing issue across popular European destinations, sparking widespread actions to manage the influx of visitors. Barcelona took drastic measures by removing a bus route to Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell from tourist maps, while Italy's Lake Como considered entry fees, and Amsterdam introduced a strict one-in, one-out policy for hotels. In Spain's Canary Islands, residents threatened hunger strikes, and Santorini banned construction to address climate-induced water shortages, which also led to a significant decline in local wine production. Amid mounting frustrations, locals in Barcelona protested with "Go Home" banners, and its mayor proposed banning Airbnb by 2028.

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By mid-2024, efforts to curb overtourism intensified. Greece announced restrictions on cruise ships for its islands starting in 2025, and France’s Bréhat Island reinstated morning quotas. Florence faced outrage after a tourist’s misconduct at a historic site, prompting calls for stricter enforcement against unruly visitors. As cities like Venice successfully implemented entry fees, discussions on tourist caps gained traction across Europe, mirroring Japan’s approach at Mount Fuji. These measures reflect a growing commitment to preserving cultural heritage and mitigating the environmental and social impacts of excessive tourism.