Residents of an iconic Italian city have hit out at tourists, blaming them for housing issues, economic strain and the transformation of its historic streets. They claim that overtourism in recent times has seen traditional greengrocers and ironmongers replaced by carbon copy restaurants.
Naples, renowned for its pizza and ancient architecture, has experienced a surge in tourism over recent years. In 2024, it was Italy’s third-most-visited city, with over 14 million tourists. Research shows that most of the visitors come from elsewhere in Europe, as well as America, Australia and Korea. They tend to stay for four or five nights, giving a boost to private tour companies, taxi services, and hospitality firms.
However, as reported by the Telegraph, there is a growing backlash against increasing tourism in Naples. Some landlords are kicking out tenants to turn their apartments into rental properties while cruise ships are bringing pollution to the city.
Anna Fava, an expert on overtourism in Naples, said there is a “process of Disneyfication going on.” She added: “The historic centre is being transformed into a theme park.”
Livia Coletta has lived in Naples all her life. The 79-year-old said: “The historic centre is practically a no-go zone for us Neapolitans, it’s so overcrowded.
“Most of the tourists don’t come to admire the art and architecture of Naples. They drink a Spritz, they eat a pizza, they take a few photos and then they leave.”
The historic 16th century Spanish Quarter, covered with murals of Napoli and Argentina icon Diego Maradona, is now covered with football shirt, scarves and stickers. The shops sell a host of merchandise, including caps, lighters, mugs and energy drinks.
However, Ms Fava says this is “fake”, adding the murals are not a Neapolitan tradition. She explained that although the people of Napoli “love Maradona”, the quarter has been transformed into a place of pilgrimage purely for visitors.
Meanwhile, rent prices in the centre of Napoli have reportedly increased by 40% in the last 10 years. Campaigners are now calling for the authorities to act.
Ms Fava called for a cap on the number of Airbnbs because it’s “free-for-all in Naples”.
Francesco Calicchia, a sociologist and activist who lives in the city, said, “Tourism is killing Naples”. He added that the “historic centre is lost” and “gone”.
A recent Ipsos survey unveiled that 46% of people in Naples consider overtourism to be a problem for the city. Meanwhile, 58 per cent want tighter regulations on property laws.
