A stunning holiday hotspot has been branded ‘destroyed’ by overtourism after footage showed huge crowds packed into the once-idyllic beauty spot.
The video shows tourists crammed around Balos Lagoon in Crete, Greece, with huge numbers arriving by boat and barely any space to move around.
Yasmin El Moutaouahidi, who shared the footage on TikTok, captured the surreal scenes during a visit to the famous lagoon, as reported by What’s The Jam.
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Instead of the picture-perfect paradise visitors might expect, the clip shows masses of holidaymakers gathered along the shoreline and around the narrow ferry landing.
The footage has highlighted growing concerns over the sheer number of tourists descending on Balos during peak season.
Balos is one of Crete’s most famous natural attractions and is part of the protected Natura 2000 network.
The lagoon can receive around 4,000 to 5,000 visitors a day during peak season, according to local authorities.
Now, officials in the Municipality of Kissamos are considering tighter controls, including an online booking system and limits on visitor numbers, in an attempt to protect the fragile site from overcrowding.
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Yasmin’s footage has sparked a wave of reactions online, with viewers debating whether Balos has become a victim of its own popularity.
One person said: “[We] went there in september 2014 before tiktok and insta. it was like 50 people. loved it.”
Another user added: “The destruction of a beautiful place.”
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One person commented: “They have destroyed the most beautiful place! All for profit….”
Another person said: “What a nightmare.”
One user said: “Come on, it’s a magical place…it makes no difference if you share this joy with 1000 others, it’s still the same…imagine if Real Madrid wins the championship and not 1 person comes out on the streets…the joy is the same!!!!”
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