Capri Struggles with Overtourism and Housing Crisis

Capri, Italy Faces Overcrowding Issues Due to Tourism Boom

The picturesque Mediterranean island of Capri, known for its stunning blue seas and breathtaking views, is facing a crisis as it struggles to cope with the influx of tourists flooding its narrow alleys and beaches.

With as many as 16,000 tourists a day descending on the island during peak season, the 12,900 residents of Capri are feeling the strain. The island, once a playground for emperors during the Roman empire, is now a popular destination for visitors from around the world, leading to overcrowding and housing shortages.

Local residents are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to live on the island, as more homes are being converted into holiday rentals to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Essential workers, such as teachers and medics, are forced to commute from the mainland due to the lack of affordable housing on Capri.

In an effort to address the issue, Capri has doubled its visitors’ fee and is encouraging tourists to visit during the off-peak winter months. However, the fee increase is unlikely to deter visitors eager to capture the island’s beauty for their social media pages.

While some Italian cities have implemented measures to limit tourist numbers, such as entrance fees and restrictions on holiday rentals, Capri has yet to see any significant protests over the issue. The island’s mayor, Marino Lembo, believes that tourism has brought wealth to Capri, despite the challenges it presents.

As the tourism industry continues to boom across Europe following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, destinations like Capri are grappling with the impact of mass travel on their communities. With no easy solutions in sight, the future of Capri as a sustainable tourist destination remains uncertain.

Overall, the story highlights the delicate balance between economic prosperity and the preservation of local communities in popular tourist destinations like Capri.