Are you tired of cars and everything that comes with them, like noise, pollution, traffic? If so, consider vacationing in one of these spectacular destinations around the world that are off-limits to motor vehicles. You could spend time on a picturesque island in Greece, a storybook setting in Michigan, or a scenic stretch of coastline in Australia without a car.
Hydra Island, Greece
Visiting Hydra is like stepping back in time. There are no cars or motorcycles as they aren’t permitted. Instead, on this incredibly quiet, picturesque island, you’ll get around by boat, donkey, or your own two feet. While there aren’t a ton of things to do, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a more authentic experience, with few foreign tourists, and most conversations overheard spoken in Greek. Enjoy gazing at the fabulous horseshoe-shaped harbor, one of the most scenic in the country, and watching the donkeys trod past while enjoying a cocktail or dining on Greek yogurt piled high with fresh fruit and honey. The island is also famous for its glorious sunsets and turquoise waters, with its coastal paths a wonderful place to enjoy peaceful strolls while soaking up the scenery.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
On storybook Mackinac Island, you can take a Victorian escape to a time without cars, traveling by horse and buggy across the 2,400-acre isle that’s home to a population of just 500. Hop aboard a carriage tour to enjoy awe-inspiring views and quaint Victorian architecture while hearing about the island’s history. At Fort Mackinac, you’ll find one of the only completely original Revolutionary War forts, while historic Mackinac Park is home to five buildings from the original downtown. Just a few of the other activity options on the island include garden tours, The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, biking, horseback riding, golf, tennis, swimming and spa treatments. After a day of fun, relax at the 1887 Grand Hotel boasting the longest front porch in the world at an impressive 660 feet long.
Fire Island, New York
Frequent visitors to Fire Island, a 32-mile-long narrow stretch of the unspoiled barrier island that forms part of the Fire Island Seashore, often refer to it as their “happy place,” and it truly is the summer getaway of dreams. Located on Long Island’s south shore, it’s home to beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets that can rival any in the world, picturesque parks and free-roaming deer that are nearly as friendly as your own four-legged friends. As there are no cars on the island, everyone transports everything by wagon, meaning those classic Radio Flyers you might remember from childhood, while locals and visitors get around by bike or on foot. There are no chain stores, but there are a number of outstanding restaurants, bars with great happy hours and happening nightlife too.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The Alps most famous peak is situated near the beautiful, car-free village of Zermatt, towering over the border between Switzerland and Italy at nearly 15,000 feet high. One of Europe’s most beautiful mountain towns, it’s said to be the most photographed mountain in the world. The town itself is a quintessential Alpine village encircled by a multitude of towering peaks that reach heights of more than 13,000 feet. It’s especially enchanting in the winter, with it all aglow against the icy backdrop of the mountains. Of course, it’s world-famous for premier Alpine skiing, and visitors can also enjoy world-class health spas, fine restaurants, charming cobblestone streets, horse-drawn sleighs, and even a hopping nightlife.
Venice, Italy
Venice is considered one of the best cities in Italy, and one of the primary reasons for that is that locals and visitors get around by gliding across the city’s famous canals. This Italian city boasts an urban landscape that’s so spectacular, even a massive number of tourists can’t detract from its beauty. The hidden bridges, cobblestone alleyways, and of course the legendary canals, are ideal for getting lost in, especially with a partner. Venice is Europe’s largest urban car-free area and boasts some 400 bridges linking the 118 small islands on which it is built.
Sark, Channel Islands, Guernsey
This tiny, 2.1-square-mile car-free Island located in the Channel Islands can be reached with a less than an hour ferry ride from Guernsey. There is no airport, so the ferry or a private boat is the only way to get there. Once on the island, you can get around on a bicycle, foot, or horse-drawn carriage. Sark’s rugged beauty has been in the spotlight more often in recent years due to its dark skies status, meaning it’s one of the best spots on Earth for stargazing, due to the extremely low level of light pollution. Despite its small size, the island has had a dramatic history that includes everything from the Romans to the Black Death, and a Nazi invasion in 1940. It’s also a great place to watch the many bottlenose dolphins that leap just offshore, and there’s even an underground cavern that can be explored.
Rottnest Island, Australia
Just a little over 11 miles from Perth’s coastline, Rottnest Island is a slice of paradise with picture-postcard beaches, bays that are ideal for swimming, surfing, diving, and snorkeling, with over 130 different species of tropical fish as well as shipwrecks to be explored. As there are no cars on the island, biking is a great way to experience its nooks and crannies, and there are a number of tours are available too, including wildlife tours, natural and cultural history tours or even quokka tours. Quokkas, a marsupial that looks a bit like a rat but is as big as a house cat, also call the island home. Near the center of the island are World War II remnants that include an impressive 9.2-inch gun. For a big thrill, skydiving is available too, and with the brilliant blue waters rivaling even that of the Great Barrier Reef, the panoramic bird’s eye view you’ll get while soaring through the air is absolutely breathtaking.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
This picturesque island that’s just a 20-minute ferry ride from Southport, North Carolina feels as if its world’s away, with 14 miles of uncrowded, pristine stretches of sand. It’s the perfect place to forget about your worries, enjoy lounging in the sun, or take part in all sorts of outdoor adventures and recreational activities like golfing on a seaside course, paddling hidden creeks in a kayak or surfing, paddle boarding or sailing in the surrounding waters. Deep-sea fishing is outstanding too. The car-free roads are perfect for biking and walking too. The island’s eateries offer a range of dining experiences, from romantic fine dining to a casual, barefoot dinner by the water.
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Located in the Caribbean Sea 45 miles off the coast of Nicaragua, Little Corn Island is an ideal getaway if you’re hoping to totally disconnect from the modern world – in fact, even electricity here is scarce. There’s really no need for power when you’re surrounded by spectacular nature, with jungles to explore, pristine beaches and crystal clear warm waters home to dolphins, sea turtles, colorful exotic fish and magnificent coral formations – all without the sounds and smells of automobiles. After a day of play, head to one of the thatched roof open-air cafes where you can enjoy relaxing with a tropical beverage. If you’ve worked up an appetite, there are a handful of mom and pop eateries and daily fresh-caught lobster. While there are no cars, the island is just 1.1-square-miles, so it’s easy to get around on foot.
