10 Awesome places in the world where cars are forbidden!
By: Yenni

Hydra, Saronic Islands, Greece

Motorized transportation is forbidden on Hydra. Getting around the town center on foot is easy enough, but for going elsewhere the only options are by donkey or boat taxi, both of which congregate at the center of the port. For the boat taxis, there's a sign (in Greek only) listing fixed fares for popular destinations, ranging from €9 for the short hop to Kamini to €120 for a circuit around the whole island.

Venice, Italy

Venice, a world's pedestrian city, is easily walkable, and the absence of cars makes this a particularly pleasant experience. However, walking and standing all day can also be exhausting, so it is best to pace yourself. The Rialtine islands - the 'main' part of Venice - are small enough to walk from one end to the other in about an hour.

Sark Island

Sark is car-free, but as it's only around two square miles in size walking around isn't much of a problem. Tractors are allowed on the island, so they are employed with trailers attached sometimes to haul some visitors up the hill from the quay.

Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States

In keeping with the island's pre-20th-century flavor, no personal motor vehicles are allowed on Mackinac Island. The primary methods of transportation are via bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, saddle horses and by foot. Most of the historic and cultural sights on Mackinac lie within 1 mile of the ferry docks, so getting around is easy. There are electric scooters for persons with disabilities available and adult strollers.

Many visitors take the Mackinac Island Carriage Tour official tour of the town and Mackinac Island State Park. Two or three team horse hitchs carry Island visitors to visit Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac and the Surrey Hills carriage museum in the Island's interior.

Lamu Island, Kenya

There's no need for transport (other than boats), as everything is a stone's throw away, and the windy pathways are only just wide enough to walk down. However, there are things that must be noted. Donkeys are the primary form of heavy transport on the island, and they are allowed to go to the bathroom wherever they want. Unfortunately, this also tends to be where you want to walk. As such, think twice about bringing expensive shoes, as it is very likely that at some point you will accidentally step in something you wish you hadn't LOL!

Helgoland - Germany

Helgoland is a small German island in the North Sea. It's a somewhat popular destination for one-day ship cruises. A feature of the island is the total absence of car traffic, which makes it a safe and quiet location.

Mount Athos - Greece

The monasteries on Mount Athos can be reached only by ferry, either from Ouranoupoli (for west coast monasteries) or from Ierrisos for those on the east coast. Many visitors arrive at the port of Dafni (Daphne), from where they continue by bus to the "capital" Karyes. Smaller boats, people carriers and taxis ferry pilgrims from monastery to monastery. There are also sightseeing boats that do tours around the peninsula without landing; these require no permits, and are the only option for women who want to get a glimpse of Mount Athos.

It is possible to walk from monastery to monastery. The longest walk is from Agia Anna to The Great Lavra (six to seven hours). Many of the original footpaths are still clear but from time to time it will be necessary to walk on the roads.

Orta San Giulio - Italy

Orta San Giulio is well known for the nearby Sacro Monte, which is a site of pilgrimage and worship and, like the town itself and the island, is a popular destination for fairly small-scale tourism. In 2003, the Sacro Monte of Orta was inserted by UNESCO in the World Heritage List; and cars are forbidden so be prepare for a long walk!

Russell Island, Michigan -USA

Car free resort community accessible only by boat; only bikes and golf carts are allowed on the island.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Be aware that if you inadvertently drive your car into Zermatt, you will be fined 100CHF on the spot. The Swiss German policemen will not accept an excuse that you didn't see the sign (he will show you a photocopy of a photo of the sign and tell you that he is only doing his job). If you have never been to Zermatt before and are not a skier or walker and are not aware that it is a car free zone, it is easy to miss the sign.