These car-free zones offer a refreshing escape from modern life’s hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to sustainably reconnect with nature, history, and each other.
Exploring these destinations promises unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking calm and adventure, embracing sustainable travel practices.
Here are the top 8 car-free international destinations for you to visit
Venice, Italy
Venice, popular for its canals, stunning architecture, and rich history, offers a unique car-free experience with water taxis, gondolas, and vaporettos (water buses) navigating its waterways.
Must-visit highlights include St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza, known for their architectural beauty and historical significance. The Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest Grand Canal, provides picturesque views. Nearby islands Murano and Burano are famous for glass-blowing and brightly colored houses, respectively.
Mackinac Island, USA
Located in Lake Huron, Michigan, Mackinac Island is a charming, car-free destination since 1898. Horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and footpaths create a nostalgic and relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights include Mackinac Island State Park, which covers over 80% of the island with trails and natural beauty, and Historic Fort Mackinac, offering insights into the island’s military past. The Grand Hotel, famous for its grand porch, the longest in the world, adds historical significance to the island.
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Giethoorn, Netherlands
Often called the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is a charming village where canals take the place of roads. Visitors can explore the area by whisper boat, bicycle, or on foot along its quaint paths and bridges.
Highlights include scenic boat tours, the extensive wetlands of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, and local museums like Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus that showcase the village’s history. This picturesque destination offers a peaceful retreat with serene waterways and traditional thatched-roof houses.
Røros, Norway
Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Norway, is renowned for its well-preserved wooden buildings and rich mining history, offering a glimpse into 17th and 18th-century life.
Highlights include Røros Church, a significant historical landmark dating back to 1784, and the Smelthytta Museum, which details the town’s copper mining heritage. Visitors can enjoy activities like dog sledding and the traditional Rørosmartnan market in winter.
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Hydra Island, Greece
Hydra Island, in the Saronic Gulf, bans cars and motorcycles, relying on donkeys, water taxis, and walking for transport, enhancing its charm. Hydra Town features well-preserved architecture and a vibrant arts scene.
The island’s beaches, including Vlychos and Agios Nikolaos, are accessible by boat or foot. Additionally, numerous hiking trails provide breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea.
Pitcairn Island
Pitcairn Island, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, is home to around 50 descendants of the Bounty mutineers. The island, devoid of cars, relies on ATVs and boats for transportation.
Key attractions include Bounty Bay, where the remains of the HMS Bounty are located, and Adamstown, the sole settlement offering insights into island life. Additionally, the rugged terrain provides excellent hiking opportunities and pristine natural beauty.
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La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue, part of the Seychelles archipelago, is a tropical paradise where bicycles and ox-carts are the primary modes of transport. The island boasts stunning beaches, including Anse Source d’Argent, famous for its granite boulders and clear waters.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the Veuve Nature Reserve, home to the rare Seychelles paradise flycatcher. Visitors can also admire the traditional Creole architecture in the charming local homes and buildings.
Lamu Island, Kenya
Lamu Island, part of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago, is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rich Swahili culture and historical charm. The narrow streets of Lamu Town, designed for donkeys and pedestrians, showcase well-preserved Swahili architecture and vibrant markets.
Visitors can relax at Shela Beach with its pristine sands and tranquil atmosphere. The Lamu Museum offers deep insights into the island’s fascinating history and culture.
