For many of us, holidays are about slowing down. Stepping away from the noise, the schedule, and the commute. But there’s nothing quite like visiting a destination where cars themselves take a back seat.

Car-free destinations offer a refreshing change of pace. With no traffic noise and fewer crowds, you can soak up the scenery, walk from place to place, and enjoy a simpler kind of travel experience. Many are small enough to explore entirely on foot, or by hiring a bike or local boat.

Here are some of the most inviting locations where you can switch off the engine and switch on your senses.

1. Hydra, Greece

Just 90 minutes from Athens by ferry, Hydra is a picture-perfect island with no cars allowed. Donkeys and water taxis do the heavy lifting here, while visitors enjoy the slow rhythm of whitewashed lanes, harbour cafés and hidden coves.

2. La Graciosa, Canary Islands

Europe’s newest officially recognised island; La Graciosa sits just north of Lanzarote. There are no paved roads, only sandy tracks, and the island is home to just a few hundred residents. Explore on foot or by bike, with wide beaches and clear waters all around.

3. Venice, Italy

While technically a city of islands, Venice remains one of the world’s most famous car-free destinations. Its entire historic centre is pedestrian-only, connected by canals and vaporettos (water buses). Exploring here means getting pleasantly lost and discovering something new at every turn.

4. Ile de Porquerolles, France

Off the coast of southern France near Toulon, Porquerolles is a protected nature reserve where cars are restricted, and bikes rule the roads. Think white-sand beaches, shaded pine forests and traffic-free cycling routes.

5. Rottnest Island, Australia

Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest is a car-free island known for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and famously photogenic quokkas. Hire a bike and follow the coastal trails to secluded bays and snorkeling spots.

6. Inis Oírr, Ireland

The smallest of the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast, Inis Oírr offers a rugged, windswept beauty and a traditional Gaelic-speaking community. Explore the coastline, visit shipwrecks, and enjoy the peace of a place largely unchanged by time.

7. Texel, The Netherlands

Part of the Dutch Wadden Islands, Texel is popular with cyclists and nature lovers. While cars are allowed, many visitors opt for two wheels instead. Its network of cycle paths, bird reserves, and dune landscapes make it ideal for a no-car escape.

Car-free travel encourages a different rhythm. Without traffic, there is more time to connect with surroundings, explore local culture, and enjoy peaceful landscapes.

For these types of trips, travel insurance is still important. Ferry delays, missed connections, or medical needs in remote areas can cause disruption, but with the right cover you can relax and embrace the slower pace.