The extreme popularity of some cities among tourists has turned them into “total madhouses” overrun by crowds, according to a travel expert.

Among the holiday hotspots where millions of tourists go every year are the Italian lagoon, Venice, and Croatia’s Dubrovnik.

While they remain beautiful, travel tour operator expert Rob Burley argued the huge waves of visitors can end up ruining the experience there not just for locals but also for holidaymakers.

He told Express.co.uk: “I’ve tried to enjoy a peaceful gondola ride down the Grand Canal, only to feel like I’m in a traffic jam! Dubrovnik’s gorgeous old town basically turns into a conveyor belt of tourists during the high season. Once you’ve braved the crowds, the magic just isn’t there.”

People in search of an alternative destination that can offer them both outstanding beaches and beautiful sights should look no further than the Croatian city of Rovinj, Mr Burley said. 

The founder of GP Traveller explained: “Nestled on the sparkling Adriatic Sea, this charming town is like all the beauty of the Italian and Dalmatian coasts rolled into one, minus the giant crowds. I’m talking quaint cobblestone streets, a little harbour dotted with colourful fishing boats, and those gorgeous rustic houses that look like something straight out of a fairytale.

“When I visited Rovinj last summer, I was able to wander through the medieval old town and really soak in the scenery without having to wrestle through hordes of other travellers.

“It was such a peaceful, relaxing experience – no jostling for space to take photos or craning my neck trying to see over a sea of selfie sticks! The whole vibe there is just so laid back and Mediterranean.” 

The expert described the locals as “friendly” and the natural beauties surrounding Rovinj as “lush forests perfect for hiking and tucked-away vineyards and olive groves”.

Compared to the “crazy crowds” he encountered elsewhere, including in Dubrovnik, this city “seemed like a dream” to Mr Burley.

Rovinj, less than a four-hour drive from Venice, is located on the northern part of the placid Adriatic Sea. 

The town, where the official languages are both Italian and Croatian, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters.

Home to some 12,000 people, Rovinj is not just a resort city but also an active fishing port with a stunning small harbour packed with boats.

Among the most must-see areas are the old town, where Italian and Croatian architectural styles come together, the Church of St Euphemia and its bell tower – of which tourists can brave its 192 creaky steps – and Valdaliso Beach, a 1640 feet long beach offering a stunning view of the old town, only a 10-minute drive away.