Archive · 3 Sep 2025
Car-Free Destinations: Exploring the World Without Automobiles
Some places around the world don't allow cars!
This is because they want to protect the environment, keep things peaceful, or preserve their culture.
In these places, people use different ways to get around, like walking, riding bikes, taking boats, or even using donkeys!
These car-free zones let people slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience life in a new way.
They are also good for the environment by reducing pollution.
Several destinations worldwide are car-free, promoting sustainable tourism.
Zermatt, Switzerland, uses electric transport and horse-drawn carriages.
Venice, Italy, has been car-free for centuries, relying on canals and walking.
Lamu, Kenya, uses traditional modes of transport like donkeys.
Ghent, Belgium, has a car-free city center, promoting cycling.
Matheran, India, is Asia's only automobile-free hill station, accessible on foot.
- Who
- Tourists and residents
- What
- Exploring car-free destinations around the world.
- When
- Ongoing
- Where
- Zermatt (Switzerland), Venice (Italy), Lamu (Kenya), Ghent (Belgium), Hydra Island (Greece), Sark (Channel Islands), Islas Cies (Spain), Matheran (India).
- Why
- For environmental reasons, to preserve culture, and to offer a different travel experience.
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- Uses electric taxis, buses, bikes, and horse-drawn carriages.
- Venice, Italy
- Known as the 'City of Canals'; transportation includes boats and walking.
- Lamu, Kenya
- Uses donkeys and dhows for transportation.
- Ghent, Belgium
- City center car-free since 2017; cyclist-friendly zone.
- Hydra Island, Greece
- Bans all wheeled vehicles, with donkeys as a primary mode of transport.
- Sark, Channel Islands
- Only tractors, bicycles, and horse-drawn vehicles are permitted.
- Islas Cies, Spain
- Allows approximately 1800 tourists daily, accessible by boat.
- Matheran, India
- Asia's only automobile-free hill station; accessible by foot, horseback, or rickshaw.