New research revealed which destinations have proved the most popular for online searches in the last year
READ MORE: Flight attendant reveals shocking amount she earns by only working 16 days a month - and people can't believe it

High season equals big crowds...which can often mean the reality of a summer holiday is elbows at dawn for sun loungers, queueing at tourist sights and trying to find a patch of sand on the beach that hasn't already been snaffled.

What can you do about it? Turn your back on the most popular destinations and head for places that the madding crowds aren't targeting this summer.

Research by luxury yacht charter company 212 Yachts has identified the destinations that have had the biggest spikes in travel interest for summer 2025 - and those that appear to be slipping under the radar.

What tops the list? Puglia in Italy is the place deemed most likely to suffer from over-tourism during this summer's busiest months.

In Italy's heel, the region is firmly on the low-cost airline map - with connections to both Brindisi and Bari - plus there's delicious food, stunning cities, and beautiful countryside and coastal spots.

While it's grown in popularity in recent decades, it's only recently become a genuine rival to other Mediterranean favourites, such as the Greek, Italian and Balearic islands - and there's been a huge 631 per cent increase in online searches for it this year.

Saving a trip for shoulder season is likely a wise move - and the same goes for the four other destinations that make 212 Yachts' list of most searched for holiday hotspots.

Puglia is divine - but everyone else thinks so too, with searches for the Italian region up by 631 per cent, according to luxe brand 212 Yachts (The beach at Polignano)

Swap? Italy's Cinque Terre, the dramatic stretch of coast at the tail-end of the Italian Riviera, is a safer bet for tourists who don't want to battle crowds this summer

Croatia's sunniest island, Hvar, has also seen a spike in searches according to the research, which compared monthly global search volume from the past 12 months.

The pretty island, beloved of yachters, is up on last year by 182 per cent. Meanwhile, a Greek idyll - that often comes with premium prices - also finds itself on the 'risk of over-tourism' list.

Searches for Santorini, famous for its blue domed churches, have increased by 83 per cent, while Spanish summer city break destinations Barcelona and San Sebastian have each seen a spike of 50 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.

An expert from the brand, said: 'We’re seeing the same thing every year - people book their dream destination only to arrive and find it packed, overpriced, or increasingly restricted.

'Over-tourism isn’t just frustrating for travellers - it’s also a major concern for local communities and the environment. This year, it’s worth looking at lesser-known options that offer just as much beauty without the chaos.'

Where should you swap the most-searched for destinations for in a bid to share your holiday with less tourists?

The brand says the Cinque Terre region of Italy is a great pick. This dramatic stretch of the Ligurian coast sits at the tail-end of the Italian Riviera, tucked away between Genoa and Pisa.

Cinque Terre (translated as The Five Lands) describes the five fishing villages clinging to a 15-mile stretch of craggy hillside above the Ligurian Sea.

Santorini also makes the top five when it comes to search spikes - with the research suggesting the Greek Island could be at risk from over-tourism this summer

Ibiza is proving less popular this summer - so could be a great pick for those wanting to see the White Isle when its a little less busy (Pictured: Cala d’Hort beach in Sant Josep)

And tourist taxes have seen search for Venice spiral down, meaning it's likely to be less popular this summer

Surprisingly, Ibiza is on the least searched for list - the White Isle was searched for 56 per cent less than the previous year.

And three other destinations that have long been on the tourist map also fared less well for search, says the luxury yacht brand.

City break destination Venice could also see less crowds this summer. Down 46 per cent, the Italian lagoon metropolis has introduced new visitor taxes and tourist caps, which has put off many who may have planned to visit.