Popularity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality. Some famous destinations aren’t worth a spot on your bucket list, as Icelandair’s commissioned analysis of 30 popular European destinations has shown. Their research aimed to highlight those places that might be worth giving a miss when planning your next holiday.

Using data from TripAdvisor, Numbeo, LightPollutionMap.info, and official tourist sources, each city was evaluated based on five stress factors: tourist density, hotel density, noise, light pollution, and crime rates. Topping the list was Florence in Italy. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence draws in over 5.2 million visitors annually, which equates to roughly 10 tourists arriving every minute, reports Mirror.

With a population of 362,000, this means approximately 15 tourists arrive for every local resident each year. Most visitors are crammed into the city centre, where the majority of Florence’s 2,000 hotels are situated.

Florence has one of the highest tourist and hotel densities in Europe. Coupled with high noise levels and some of the most intense light pollution recorded in this index, the city can feel anything but peaceful.

“Having visited Florence several times, I’ve been struck by the sheer intensity of the crowds”, said Milo, a travel reporter for the Mirror. “If you’re in town, you simply must see arguably the world’s most famous sculpture, Michelangelo’s David, who stands in all his marble-clad splendour in the Accademia Gallery.

“If you fancy a peek at that historically chiselled physique, then make sure you’ve got your elbows at the ready. The area surrounding the iconic statue of David is always teeming with tourists, and attempts to appreciate his magnificence are often hindered by a sea of raised selfie sticks.

“It can be as underwhelming an experience as trying to view the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. Once you’ve navigated your way out of the bustling Accademia, brace yourself for a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, located adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria.

“The gallery is brimming with masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance, having been bequeathed to the Uffizi when the House of Medici became extinct.” He added: “At the top of most visitors’ itinerary is a moment of awe in front of two of Botticelli’s most renowned paintings – Primavera and The Birth of Venus.

“Both are enormous and utterly breathtaking. However, much like with David, securing a spot close enough for a good look can prove challenging.

“After deciding that you’ve had your fill of art for the day, it would be understandable to retreat back to the Piazza della Signoria for a brief respite and reset. Here, you’ll find yourself besieged by street performers, overheated children and, worst of all, mimes.

“While it could be argued that Florence is a city everyone should visit at least once, if you’re open to alternatives, then Lucca presents a fantastic option. This city is roughly a quarter of the size and situated just an hour’s train journey from Florence, closer to the Cinque Terre coastline and Pisa, making the trip from the region’s main airport a doddle.

“If you venture to Lucca, you’ll soon discover it’s far from a second-rate choice. I’ve spent many an afternoon strolling through and around the city atop its immaculately preserved Renaissance-era defensive walls.

“These provide a splendid pathway through Lucca, largely devoid of crowds, save for the odd local or cyclist. Within its medieval heart, you’ll stumble upon attractions such as the Guinigi Tower, the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and the birthplace of famed composer Giacomo Puccini.

“When you’ve had your fill of culture, head over to Piazza dell’Anfiteatro for a bite.

“Despite being central and popular, it retains a charming appeal.

“Indeed, it consistently strikes the perfect balance between lively and tranquil.”