The latest victim of overtourism has been named: a stunning natural cave in the Croatian city of Pula, which has been forced to close to all visitors due to overcrowding and environmental damage.

Golubova Cave – found at Galebove stijene (Seagull’s rocks) – is part of the Natura 2000 network, a European initiative for the conservation of habitats and species. Classified as a “partially submerged marine cave,” it provides shelter for various legally protected bat species and Mediterranean monk seals, one of the world’s most endangered marine species.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among locals: “Oh, come on, what nonsense,” said Vera to Dnevnik Nova TV, while Branislav said: “It’s good. Nature should take back what belongs to it because it was a complete disaster there.”

Authorities stated that excessive crowds, uncontrolled visits and habitat destruction forced them to act immediately.

“There were illegal lights installed, people were entering with torches, kayaks, swimmers, divers… These are not just undesirable activities; they are completely prohibited in any cave in Croatia,” warned Sandro Dujmović from Natura Histrica.

Among the caves, numerous challenges are high levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, which have made the waters unsafe for swimming, and the overcrowding of kayaks has led to accidents, disputes among users and damage to the natural shoreline.

Golubova Cave’s and each area’s growing popularity can be attributed to a surge of interest on social media.

Pula’s mayor, Filip Zoričić, confirmed that the entire space, including Valovine Beach and the nearby forest, will be protected: “There will be designated entrances, parking areas, and waste disposal points,” he explained.

The cave will be strictly monitored, with a floating barrier marking the entrance. Those who ignore the restrictions and enter the cave face fines.

“For individuals, the fine for violating nature protection laws is €132 [£110], while for legal entities, it can go up to €26,000 [£22,000],” said Silvia Buttignoni, director of Natura Histrica.

Authorities will evaluate visitor behaviour this summer before deciding on further measures. They have warned that if deemed necessary, the cave may be permanently sealed off.

Tourists have taken to Reddit to discuss the issue, with one writing: “Sad because of overtourism, we locals can’t show our children the cave. What’s worse, most of those tourists only came to take pictures for their Instagram…and then at least 2-3 of them fall and break themselves every season.”

Another wrote: “At the end of the cave there is a gravel area… And idiots started entering en masse with inflatable boats and kayaks and littering on that little beach.”

Golubova Cave is the latest victim of overtourism in Croatia after Dubrovnik was forced to take significant steps to manage tourism levels and preserve the quality of life for residents.

Meanwhile, the iconic Zlatni Rat, also known as Golden Horn Beach in Bol is at risk of becoming completely unrecognisable due to tourism, unregulated boat anchoring and nearby construction work, as well as climate forces.