This pretty destination has become increasingly popular, but locals have had enough of tourism 'taking over' their island.

Capri is located just off the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Tourists often take a day trip to the island from spots like Sorrento, which becomes bustling with holidaymakers in summer. The island of Capri proposed a barrier of buoys to stop boats from sailing too close to shore and prevent damage to its cove-filled coastline. 

Plans for a perimeter of 40 buoys 100m offshore for 3.7 miles around the Italian island’s western coast were put forward by the local council in July 2024, reports The Independent.

The mayor of Anacapri, Franco Cerrotta, said that the barrier would also protect children in swimming areas from dangerous encounters with boats.

This comes after other tourist hotspots have experienced overtourism issues from cruise ship boats which have led to huge amounts of tourists visiting in a single day.

Places such as Dubrovnik, Venice and Barcelona have become swamped with tourists due to the issue.

In Venice, until 2021 when limitations were put in place, 44,000 cruise passengers used to arrive, accounting for more than one third of visitors. 

Cruise ships would dwarf the city’s famous landmarks, towering over the delicately laid out squares and bridges, reports say.

Capri is one of many European hotspots cracking down on overtourism. 

The island is home to many beautiful coastal spots, such as the famous I Faraglioni, which is Capri’s most iconic site.

These three towering rock formations jut out from the Mediterranean Sea just off the island’s coast.

It’s a must-see spot for many visitors, along with Giardini di Augusto, a popular viewpoint on the island.

One visitor said: “Wonderful beautifully landscaped garden, with beautiful views over the sea and the cliffs of the sea. Definitely worth visiting if you are at Capri, very nice in the evening just before closing hours.”