A stunning fishing village in was once of the nation's prettiest, but overtourism now has it looking more like "a theme park for foreigners", a Spanish outlet claims.

Calella de Palafrugell is located on the Costa Brava coastline and has become hugely popular among holidaymakers. Visitors are drawn to its whitewashed houses adorned with colourful bougainvillaea, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

However, Pepa Lopez, a senior editor at the news website Trendencias, believes the influx of visitors has "ruined it".

The streets of the picturesque resort, which has previously been hailed as a hidden gem, "are full of visitors and the coves and magical beaches that surround it are overcrowded with umbrellas, towels and people taking selfies," she writes, adding, "And, for that matter, all its surroundings".

"All the peace of the beach of Port Bo has disappeared thanks to tourists eager for sun, good weather and a photo for Instagram in what used to be paradise," she said in comments translated from Spanish.

"The fishermen who used to gather there to fish have long since disappeared."

According to Lopez, it's also impacted local businesses, causing little shops that sold things like handicrafts, fresh fish and local produce to disappear.

Ice-cream parlours and restaurants with overpriced menus have emerged instead, she wrote, as well as holiday homes and souvenir shops, with the price of fresh fish seeing a marked increase.

She claimed that surrounding natural areas, such as the Camino de Ronda, have also been affected, and she blamed tourists for making them "full of rubbish."

Though it would be impossible for Calella de Palafrugell to become ugly, it has lost its "charm", she said, and "without the local authenticity, it has become just another Mediterranean theme park".

Palafrugell City Council has been approached via the contact form on its website.

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Anna from the UK, took to Trip Advisor to gush about her getaway, saying: "I don't normally leave reviews, but Calella de Palafrugell is absolutely heaven on earth.

"Stunning beaches, friendly people, affordable. You cannot ask for anything better," she added.

With its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters, Calella de Palafrugell boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.

The village's origins date back to the 13th century and has been a well-known fishing settlement ever since.