Paradise Islands Where Cars Are Banned

Five remote, car-free islands – Hydra (Greece), Holbox (Mexico), Marettimo (Italy), Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands (Turkey), and Lopud (Croatia) – offer vehicle-free tranquility. This guide explains how to reach each by ferry and the distinctive local transport (donkeys and boats in Hydra; golf carts and bikes in Holbox; hiking paths in Marettimo; electric shuttles and bikes in the Princes’ Islands; and walking and limited carts on Lopud) and highlights each island’s unique attractions (Leonard Cohen’s waterfront cottage in Hydra, whale sharks and bioluminescence in Holbox, Sicilian sea caves around Marettimo, Ottoman-era mansions on Büyükada, and the sandy Šunj beach of Lopud). Practical insights include the best seasons, packing tips for a pedestrian holiday, and what to know before you go.

Travelers seeking tranquil retreats increasingly prize traffic-free islands – places where the only vehicles are boats, donkeys or bicycles. This rise in “slow travel” reflects a broader shift toward sustainable tourism, where quiet lanes, clean air and a relaxed pace offer escape from crowded highways. On these islands, historic centers remain unchanged and nature takes center stage. This guide covers five such destinations – Greece’s Hydra, Mexico’s Isla Holbox, Italy’s Marettimo, Turkey’s Princes’ Islands, and Croatia’s Lopud – explaining how to get there, what to see, and how people live without cars. Rich cultural context is woven with practical advice, from seasonal tips to packing lists, all grounded in on-the-ground research and expert insight. Readers will discover why each island banned cars (often to protect heritage or animal welfare) and what alternatives (donkeys, bikes, electric carts) keep daily life flowing. By guiding travelers through boat schedules, local customs and hidden gems, the article aims to make planning these car-free paradise escapes as seamless as strolling a quiet village lane.

Table of Contents

1. Hydra, Greece: The Aegean’s Timeless Jewel

2. Isla Holbox, Mexico: Caribbean Bohemia Without Engines

3. Marettimo, Italy: Sicily’s Hidden Car-Free Secret

4. Princes’ Islands, Turkey: Istanbul’s Tranquil Archipelago

5. Lopud, Croatia: Dubrovnik’s Peaceful Neighbor

6. Comparison: Which Car-Free Island Is Right for You?

7. Practical Planning – Car-Free Island Travel Essentials

8. FAQ – Car-Free Islands

9. Final Thoughts: Embracing the Slow Island Life

9.1. Tourist destinations

9.2. Unusual places

9.3. Travel tips

9.4. Tourist attractions

9.5. Popular destinations

9.6. Interesting facts

9.7. Summer destinations

9.8. History destinations

9.9. Party destinations

9.10. Winter destinations

9.11. Adventure travel

9.12. Culture & Heritage

9.13. Beaches & Islands

9.14. Adventure travel

9.15. Backpacking & Budget

9.16. Hidden Gems

9.17. People & Lifestyles

Hydra, Greece: The Aegean’s Timeless Jewel

Overview: Nestled in the Saronic Gulf near Athens, Hydra remains famously motor-free. The entire island, especially Hydra Town, is a designated traditional settlement, preserving its 18th-19th century stone architecture. In the 1950s the community formally banned cars and even bicycles to maintain that heritage. Today the harbor’s whitewashed mansions and spine of pine-dotted hills feel frozen in time. Cruise ships dot the deep-blue harbor, but once ashore one hears only waves, clinking glasses and hoofbeats on cobbles. Even UNESCO dubbed Hydra among the best-preserved Aegean islands, noting its intact mansion-lined lanes (UNESCO records identify Hydra Town as a traditional settlement).
Historical Note: In Hydra’s 19th-century “golden age,” it was a naval powerhouse of independent Greece. Its rich shipowners built opulent stone villas around the harbour that now host cafés and galleries. Legendary poet Leonard Cohen made Hydra his home in the 1960s; visitors can still sit at the garden bench where Cohen would compose.
Getting There: Hydra has no airport. Visitors fly into Athens and then sail. From Piraeus port the high-speed hydrofoil takes about 90 minutes to Hydra (standard ferries ~2 hours). Boats run several times daily year-round, with more service in summer. (For example, Liberty Lines and Hellenic Seaways offer frequent daytime ferries.) The trip costs roughly €30–€40 round-trip as of 2025. Once docked in Hydra Town’s port, luggage is offloaded by porters onto waiting longcase wooden carts (they can carry over 200 kg each).
Getting Around: On Hydra the only accepted transport is on hoof or by water. At the harbor, one finds a fleet of sturdy donkeys, mules and horses for hire. Local stables own hundreds of them, raised and kept on the island; National Geographic reports “nearly 1,000 horses and mules” live here. Visitors pay a small fee to send a pack animal up the steep alleyways (roughly €5 for a load), or can hire a donkey taxi for a short ride. Beyond donkeys, foot and boat define movement: Hydra has a few water taxis (moshopolo) to remote beaches, but most sites—monasteries, baths, churches—are best reached on foot along well-worn stone footpaths.
What to Do: Hydra Town’s maze of alleys leads from the harbor inland. Climb the steep Hilltop Path (turn left at the port’s north end) for panoramic views of the harbor and mainland. Visit the Historical Archives Museum or a centuries-old City Hall Museum housed in Greek mansion. The waterfront is lined with cafés and tavernas – try local lobster pasta at the Orloff Renaissance Hotel (the island’s oldest, circa 1798). For nature, take a sunlit swim at secluded beaches: ride a water taxi to Agios Nikolaos or hike to Camelia Bay. A year-round “holy cave” church rests halfway up Mount Eros; paths share views of the Peloponnese. Hydra’s artsy reputation endures – galleries often display works by descendants of old shipping families.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) brings high sun and the island’s busiest crowds. Spring (May) and early fall (Sept) are ideal: wildflowers bloom on hillside paths, waters are still warm for swimming, and visitors beat the peak. Winters are mild but quiet – many businesses close January–February, though the island never fully shuts down. In any season, Hydra’s windless harbor and sunny climate make it a comfortable escape.
Where to Stay & Eat: Hydra has no large hotels, only family-run guesthouses and a handful of boutique inns. Many properties sit above the harbor on the flats; look for pensioni with terrace views. Book early in summer. Dining is concentrated along the waterfront – don’t miss local seafood and simple Greek fare at sunset. Insider Tip: The bakery by Hydra Town Hall opens early; pick up fresh bread and cheese to picnic by the old harbour once cars are set aside.
Practical Tips for Hydra: Pack light. With no cars or carts for tourists, expect to carry your own bag up slopes or pay a donkey handler to do so (they cost only a few euros). Bring sturdy walking shoes for cobbles. Gelato and fresh lemonade keep you cool under the Aegean sun. Credit cards are accepted widely, but small cash is handy for donkey rides and village groceries (note: few ATMs).

Isla Holbox, Mexico: Caribbean Bohemia Without Engines

Overview: Off Mexico’s Yucatán coast, Isla Holbox stretches 34 km (26 miles) in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. A low, sandy island of palms and mangroves, Holbox has deliberately stayed small. Until the 1990s it was accessible only by weekly boat; even now the only land approach is via a 2-hour ferry from Chiquilá. Flamingos and pelicans greet arrivals wading in the shallow lagoon. Unlike Cancún’s paved chaos, Holbox has no paved roads at all – all streets are sand and grass. Residents use bicycles or golf carts for transport, while most hotels provide free cruisers. A Washington Post feature notes locals rejected hotels over 40 feet tall, keeping the skyline low.
Getting There: Fly into Cancún, then travel 2 hours south to Chiquilá on the mainland. From Chiquilá, frequent ferries (every 30–60 min) carry passengers the 20-minute crossing (approx $8 round-trip). Parking for drivers is available in Chiquilá for a few dollars a day; once on Holbox, don’t expect rental cars. Upon disembarking, dozens of golf carts line the wooden pier. It’s customary to negotiate a flat rate to your hotel, usually around $3–5 for the short ride along sandy Calle Tiburón Ballena (Main Street). Many travelers simply pedal or walk from here – Holbox Town (the only settlement) is only a 10-minute stroll from the dock.
Getting Around: On Holbox, the main “traffic” consists of bicycles, ATVs, and a handful of open-air golf carts. There are no cars, trucks or buses. The few golf cart taxi services will shuttle between distant beach areas for a moderate fee, but most visitors find it peaceful to walk or bike everywhere. The island’s dirt lanes are flat, often bordered by storm-felled logs to mark paths. (Insider Tip: keep an eye out for local fishermen’s canoes, which dot the lagoon at dawn.) The lack of pavement means heavy rains can flood some streets in summer – plan outdoor activities in the morning and don’t worry about a little sand on your shoes.
What to Do: Holbox is famed for its wildlife and laid-back vibe. In summer (Jun–Aug), whale sharks gather offshore feeding on plankton. Seasonal tours (snorkeling on safe boats) allow respectful observation from a distance. You can also boat to nearby Isla Pajaros, a nesting sanctuary for frigatebirds and flamingoes. In town, stroll brightly-painted Calle Tiburón Ballena past beachside palapa restaurants and boutique shops selling handmade huipiles. At dusk the whole community gathers on the long wooden pier to watch the sunset (it’s normal to walk on the pier in bare feet). If the moon is out, venture to a quiet beach and look down at the shoreline — bioluminescent plankton will glow with each footstep. Other highlights include renting a kayak to glide through mangroves or enjoying fresh ceviche at a seaside palapa.
Best Time to Visit: November–April is dry season (warm and mostly clear skies); this is peak season when Cancun crowds spill over to nearby islands, so expect Holbox to feel busy December–March. May and early summer can be hot and rainy, but bring fewer tourists and allow vibrant flora. Whale shark tours run June–August (strictly regulated). Avoid September–October if hurricane risk concerns you, though Holbox is rarely hit directly.
Where to Stay & Eat: Holbox offers a range of beachy boutique hotels and rustic cabanas. Most are nestled in the main village or directly on the sand with hammocks. Advance booking is wise for December. Dining is a highlight: the island has over 50 restaurants and bars. Local specialties include wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood cocktails, and traditional Yucatecan fare (try panuchos and cochinita pibil). Street food stands serve chocolate-onion ice cream and pinchos. Tip: many restaurants close in the afternoon; plan early dinner (or late lunch) to sample multiple spots.
Practical Tips for Holbox: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent for dawn/dusk. Water and electricity can be unreliable (solar power is common), so carry a power bank. Holbox is flat, but pack bug spray and a hat for sun protection. There are ATMs in town, but little else beyond tourism infrastructure – no banks or pharmacy on the island. Plan any charter tours (bioluminescence, fishing, birding) in advance, as slots fill up on busy days.

Marettimo, Italy: Sicily’s Hidden Car-Free Secret

Overview: In the Tyrrhenian Sea off Sicily, the Egadi archipelago’s Marettimo is the wildest and least developed of the three major Egadi Islands. A steep, pine-cloaked mountain rises abruptly from deep blue waters, and its only village is perched in a sheltered cove. Marettimo has no hotels or big resorts – only family-run B&Bs and agriturismi (the official Italian tourism site notes there are “no hotels… only rooms in residents’ homes”). The island’s isolation is partly self-imposed: a protected marine area surrounds it, and visitor numbers remain low. The narrow main street through Marettimo village is unpaved, and local policy has ensured the island stays car-free. Indeed, as one guide notes: “Marettimo is a car-free island with only one small paved road. A few electric carts crisscross around Scalo Nuovo… walking is the primary mode of transport”.
Getting There: The only way to reach Marettimo is by boat from Trapani (west Sicily). High-speed hydrofoils from Trapani take about 1–1.5 hours; conventional ferries are slower but run year-round. Ferryhopper reports 5–8 daily crossings in high season (and service even in winter). Tickets start around €17–€20 one-way. From Trapani’s modern port take either the Liberty Lines catamaran or Siremar ferry; check schedules carefully (more options May–Oct). There is no airport or car dock – visitors arrive at Marettimo’s tiny Scalo Nuovo harbor and simply walk ashore.
Getting Around: Once off the boat, everything is on foot (or donkey in village). Marettimo’s summit is over 600 m high, but the main walking trails are well-marked from the harbor and village. The only paved road is the short spine of Via Roma; only six small electric golf-cart shuttles run between the port and Scalo Nuovo area for disabled guests. In practice, visitors explore by hiking the scenic footpaths or taking small fishing boats for coastal tours of the 400+ grotte (sea caves) around the island. This is truly “off the beaten path”: expect rugged terrain and few crowds.
What to Do: Hiking is the main draw. Trails fan out from the village (Case Romane and Castello di Punta Troia are popular). The 3–4 hour hike up Punta Troia rewards with sweeping panoramas and a ruined Saracen watchtower. Another trail leads to Cala Bianca (a turquoise bay with white pebbles). Due to Marettimo’s cliffs, many pristine coves are only sea-accessible; boat excursions launch daily from Scalo Nuovo to sights like Grotta del Cammello (Camel Grotto) and the Bombard Castle ruins. Snorkelers and divers will relish the clear waters and marine reserve. In town, the tiny port plaza has a café and a few family taverns – try local couscous (the Egadi islands have a North African culinary influence) or grilled catch-of-the-day.
Best Time to Visit: May–June and September are ideal: wildflowers and pine-scented breezes versus the heat of high summer. July–August are warmest but can get windy. Winters are quiet (many restaurants close) and cooler, but swimming is bracing. There’s little in the way of nightlife or shopping in any season, so come for nature, not parties.
Where to Stay & Eat: Rooms-in-residence (case vacanza) dot the hillside above Scalo Nuovo. The most convenient options are clustered in Case Romane and on Monte Falcone. Expect simple comforts and home cooking. Dining is limited but authentic: help yourself to home-baked bread and fresh mozzarella at family-run trattorias. Water is desalinated, so drink bottled.
Practical Tips for Marettimo: Good hiking shoes and mosquito repellent are essential. The village has only small markets; bring sunscreen, snacks or specialty sunscreen. Ferries have modest bathrooms but no cabins; prepare to sit in open-air lounges. There are no ATMs on Marettimo – get cash in Trapani.

Princes’ Islands, Turkey: Istanbul’s Tranquil Archipelago

Overview: Just off Istanbul’s coast in the Sea of Marmara lies the Princes’ Islands (Turkish Adalar). The archipelago comprises nine islands, four of which – Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada – are inhabited. (The smaller islets are uninhabited or off-limits.) From Ottoman times through the 20th century these islands were popular retreats for wealthy Istanbulites. Until 2020, quaint horse-drawn phaetons (faytons) clattered along their narrow lanes. However, a severe glanders outbreak in late 2019 killed over 100 horses, prompting authorities to ban horse carriages permanently in Feb 2020. By summer 2020 the mayor’s office introduced 60 new electric mini-buses (13-seaters, 25 km/h) to replace them. The result is now a bicycle-and-shuttle environment: each island relies on foot, bike or these licensed electric vehicles (EV taxis). No private cars are allowed.
Getting There: Ferries are the only access. From Istanbul’s European side one can catch Şehir Hatları ferries at Kabataş or Eminönü (as well as lines from Kadıköy on the Asian side) that run hourly to the islands. The ride to Büyükada takes about 90 minutes (less from Kadıköy). Note: private car ferries do not go – the islands have no car docks. An Istanbulkart is used for boarding: one-way fares on the city ferry cost about ₺12 (roughly $0.60) for visitors; local residents with an Adakart pay only ₺3.50. There are also sea-taxi (ibes) services (municipal speedboats) for more flexible schedules at higher cost. Once on Büyükada’s iskele (pier), passengers disembark where rows of park-owned electric shuttles await.
Island-by-Island: – Büyükada (Big Island): the largest (5.4 km²) and busiest. Its village has historic wooden mansions and a famous Greek Orthodox monastery (Aya Yorgi) perched on a hill. Bicycle rentals and horses were once everywhere, but now EV minibuses shuttle visitors uphill for about ₺30 one-way. Must-dos: climb to Aya Nikola Church (the island’s summit) and tour the shrines or enjoy a seaside fish tavern. Büyükada demands a full day to appreciate. – Heybeliada: slightly smaller, known for olive groves and a Naval High School. It has a couple of sandy coves; Ottoman-era wooden homes line its main village. – Burgazada and Kınalıada: quieter spots with fewer sights; Kınalıada is closest and most urban (some beaches); Burgazada has a monastery and pretty forest trails. (Island-hopping is possible: ferries call at each island in turn.)
What to Do: All islands share a leisurely mood: rent a bike or join a small group electric cart tour to circle the main villages at ~10 km/h. In summer, rental prices are modest (bikes for ~₺50/day). Explore hidden gems: visit Prinkipo’s abandoned Greek orphanage (Asia’s largest wooden building), or the Aya Triada (Trinity) Church. Sample meyhane fare (fish with raki) at seaside tables. For relaxation, there are a few family-friendly beaches (Büyükada’s Yörükali Beach is free, others run by clubs). Don’t miss sunset ferries to watch Istanbul’s skyline from the sea.
Historical Note: The name “Princes’ Islands” dates to Byzantine times: during that empire, the islands were used as places of exile for royalty and nobles. Later Ottoman elites built wooden summer homes here. The result is an eclectic heritage of churches, mosques, and colonial-style houses.
Best Time to Visit: Summer brings tourists but still far fewer than Istanbul proper. Spring (April–May) offers moderate weather and blossoming trees. Winters are cold and many small shops close, though local residents still live year-round. By constitution, no cars means narrow, often shaded streets – early spring can still feel chilly under cloud cover.
Where to Stay & Eat: Accommodations are limited but expanding (especially on Büyükada). Charming Ottoman cottages have been converted to boutique hotels on the hillside. Budget travelers also find pensions near the harbor. Dining on the islands is mostly fish grills and simple cafés – try the grilled sea bream or shrimp casserole. Büyükada has the most options (including an old Italian patisserie on Halikarnas street).
Accessibility: Each island features flat pedestrian paths, but note: Heybeliada and Burgazada have rolling hills (access on wheels can be tricky). Büyükada’s Aya Nikola hill is steep – electric shuttle or cable car (seasonal) are ways to reach it. In 2021, the municipality introduced a special card for residents with disabilities, allowing limited e-car access. Wheelchair rentals exist at Büyükada port. (All piers have ramps, but old cobbles in villages can be uneven.)
Practical Tips for Princes’ Islands: Book ferries in advance on weekends (especially summer). Daily schedules are on the Şehir Hatları or Dentur websites. Bring local fare: though there are markets, ingredients can be pricey. If you want to see multiple islands in one day, an early departure to Büyükada followed by a late-ferry to Burgazada or Heybeliada can work; however, expect at least two days for a relaxed visit.

Lopud, Croatia: Dubrovnik’s Peaceful Neighbor

Overview: In Croatia’s Elaphiti (Škoji) islands off Dubrovnik, Lopud is a small forested isle known for tranquil beaches. Like its neighbor Koločep, Lopud is car-free. The island’s 3.9 km² area and 270+ residents are served only by footpaths and a few electric utility carts. As one local guide notes: “There are no cars on this island whatsoever. You’ll find a few tractors, electric bikes, small golf cars and even buggies. But no cars”. Lopud’s main attraction is Šunj, a long shallow sandy bay (rare on the typically rocky Dalmatian coast). Pine trees fringe the golden shore, creating a natural beach club. Behind the main village are monastery ruins and gentle hill walks through Mediterranean macchia.
Getting There: From Dubrovnik’s Gruž harbor, Jadrolinija ferries run hourly to Lopud year-round. The 55-minute ride (about 8 km) costs roughly HRK46 (~€6) round-trip. (In summer, extra boats are added on weekends.) There is no alternative pier – disembark at Lopud’s Sunj harbor. Carry your gear about 100 m from the boat to the passenger lounge. Speedboat taxi services also connect Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti, cutting time to ~15 min but at higher cost.
Getting Around: On Lopud, walking is the rule. The island has just one car road (for occasional tractors and emergency vehicles). From the harbor you can stroll 20 minutes through pine groves to reach Šunj beach. The remainder of Lopud’s paths wind gently through olive groves and seaview cliffs – most interconnect across the narrow isthmus, so loop hikes of 2–3 hours are possible. For those with limited mobility, a few small electric shuttle carts operate between the port and beach area in high season.
What to Do: Šunj beach dominates Lopud’s appeal – the shallow waters are safe for children and ideal for wading (the lagoon can be ankle-deep hundreds of meters out). On the far western end of the beach, a 13th-century Franciscan monastery (recently restored) overlooks the cove – a short hike up steps rewards with views of Lopud’s eastern cliffs. History buffs can explore Lopud’s small medieval castle ruins (Kaštel) above the village. The village itself has shaded tavernas selling grilled fish and local wines. Sea kayaking around the coast is a popular activity; boat tours include stops at secret coves (keep an eye out for seals or dolphins on calm days).
Best Time to Visit: Like other Adriatic islands, summer (July–Aug) sees the most visitors and warmest sea. May–June and September are pleasant and less crowded. The sea stays warm through September. Winters are quiet; Lopud’s ferry service continues but restaurants will close off-season (only the monastery and a few shops remain). Spring blossoms perfume the island in April–May.
Practical Tips for Lopud: Bring cash (kuna) as some small places do not take cards. There are no ATMs on Lopud. Sun protection is key – shade is limited away from beaches. For elderly or disabled travelers: note that Lopud’s only road can allow limited golf-cart taxi service (island law permits small carts on its single road). Otherwise, wheelchair access is mainly beachfront (the monastery has a ramp to its small café).

Comparison: Which Car-Free Island Is Right for You?

Island	Country	Transport Mode	Best For	Budget	Accessibility
Hydra	Greece	Donkeys, mules, water taxis, walking	Art lovers, literary history (Leonard Cohen fans), swimmers	$$$ (moderate/high)	Moderate (steep paths, no vehicles)
Holbox	Mexico	Golf carts, bicycles, boats	Wildlife seekers (whale sharks), beachgoers	$$ (moderate)	Good (flat, carts available)
Marettimo	Italy	Walking, hiking, small boats	Hikers, divers, solitude seekers	$$ (moderate)	Limited (steep trails)
Princes’ Is.	Turkey	Electric minibuses, bicycles, on-foot	History buffs, day-trippers	$ (budget-friendly)	Good (electric carts for elderly; ferries wheelchair accessible)
Lopud	Croatia	Walking, limited golf carts	Relaxed beach vacation, families	$$	Good (flat around Šunj; carts on road)

By Travel Style: Couples or culture travelers may prefer Hydra or Büyükada (scenic towns, sites). Adventure or nature lovers will enjoy Marettimo’s hiking or Holbox’s wildlife. Families with kids often choose Lopud for its sandy beach and shallow lagoon, or Heybeliada for quiet beaches.
By Budget: Turkish ferries and lodging tend to be cheapest (“$”); Holbox and Marettimo are moderate; Hydra and Lopud are pricier by European standards (“$$$” stands for upscale in the table).
By Accessibility: Holbox and Lopud have fairly smooth, level terrain (great for strollers or wheelchairs on the beach). Princes’ Islands allow specially permitted vehicles for those with mobility issues, and ferries are step-free. Hydra and Marettimo involve steep paths and uneven cobbles – those should be fit or use donkey cabs for help.

Insider Tip: Carry an “Adakart” (free for residents) or Istanbulkart to pay lower ferry fares to the Princes’ Islands. On Lopud, tidepool wading shoes make the beach more fun, as sea urchins can lurk near rocks.

Practical Planning – Car-Free Island Travel Essentials

Visiting pedestrian-only islands requires some special planning. Here are key tips organized by theme:

Packing Light: With no cars to load luggage, bring as little as possible. Aim for backpacks or small roller bags. Many hotels in these islands will help you carry a suitcase to your room, but heavy trunks are burdensome. (At Hydra and Lopud, porters/ donkeys carry luggage for a small fee if needed.) Packing Tip: Use compressible dry bags for beach days and moisture-prone gear.
Footwear & Clothing: Always pack sturdy walking shoes (sandals for beach steps, sneakers for rocky trails). Narrow streets and docks mean flip-flops plus rubber-soled shoes for hiking. Loose, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats are a must in summer. On islands with nighttime chill (Hydra, Princes’), include a light sweater. Sun Safety: All islands offer little shade along their coasts; sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen are critical.
Luggage Transport: Expect to carry bags from ferry to hotel. On arrival, look for local helpers (common in Greece and Croatia) or use bicycles with trailers (available in some ports). On Holbox, kiosks near the dock charge a few pesos to strap luggage to a golf cart. On Princes’ Islands, your hotel might meet you with a cart for an extra fee. Always organize where to leave your bag well before docking to avoid rush.
Staying Connected: Cell service varies. Hydra and Lopud have reliable 4G, but Holbox and Marettimo can have very spotty signal. Download maps and essential info ahead of time. Carry power banks: charging outlets in rooms or ferries may be limited (one major hotel on Lopud has only 4 sockets for guests).
Money & Supplies: Many small shops only take cash. At Lopud and Marettimo, stock up in the last port city (Dubrovnik or Trapani). Hydra and Princes’ Islands have banks, but they may charge withdrawal fees on international cards. Carry water bottles (tap water is drinkable in Croatia/Turkey but often purchased in Greece/Mexico).
Luggage Logistics: If you visit multiple car-free islands on one trip (e.g. ferry-hopping from Dubrovnik), plan your open-jaw flights or position your baggage so you don’t have to backtrack. For example, fly into Dubrovnik and out of Dubrovnik, handling Lopud en route; combine Hydra with Athens; etc.
Local Customs: Respect each island’s vibe. On these islands, life moves at island time. Service in tavernas may be slow but friendly. Speak softly on evening walks; these communities value quiet life. Tipping is appreciated but not expected (a few coins on a donkey ride in Hydra, or rounding up ferry fare).

Planning Note: Check ferry schedules carefully! Many islands have only a few evening return ferries. For example, ferry service to Hydra and Lopud can stop around 6–7 PM in winter. Always confirm last departure times to avoid an unexpected overnight stay.

FAQ – Car-Free Islands

Q: Are there any cars on Hydra? No. Hydra has legally banned all motor vehicles and even bicycles since the 1950s. Only donkeys, mules, or horses carry passengers and goods, with water taxis serving some secluded beaches.

Q: What replaced horse carriages on the Princes’ Islands? After a 2019 glanders outbreak killed hundreds of horses, Istanbul permanently prohibited horse-drawn phaetons on the islands. As of summer 2020, the municipality introduced about 60 new battery-powered electric minibuses (13-seat open shuttles) to serve as the only authorized vehicles.

Q: Why were horses banned on Istanbul’s islands? An outbreak of equine glanders in late 2019 (a highly contagious disease) killed dozens of carriage horses in just a few months. Concern for animal welfare led Istanbul’s authorities to stop horse rides and replace them with electric vehicles in early 2020.

Q: Can you rent golf carts on Holbox? Yes. Upon arrival at Holbox’s ferry dock, numerous golf carts are available to whisk visitors to hotels. Additionally, several rental kiosks on the island let you rent a golf cart or bicycle by the day. Most hotels also lend beach cruiser bikes for free.

Q: How do you get to these car-free islands? All of them require boat travel. For Hydra, take a hydrofoil or ferry from Athens (90 min from Piraeus). Holbox is reached by ferry (20 min) from Chiquilá, Mexico. Marettimo ferries run daily from Trapani, Sicily (1–1.5 hr). The Princes’ Islands are reachable by hourly commuter ferries from Istanbul’s ports. Lopud is served by frequent Jadrolinija ferries from Dubrovnik’s Gruž harbor (55 min, ∼€6 round-trip).

Q: Are car-free islands wheelchair accessible? It varies. Holbox and Lopud are relatively flat around their beaches and have beach wheelchairs or ramps in some areas. Princes’ Islands provide some permitted electric vehicles and wheelchair ramps at the piers, and Büyükada has accessible rental options. Hydra and Marettimo are mostly hilly and cobbled: access is limited. Notably, Istanbul exempts disabled residents on the Princes’ Islands from vehicle bans (they may use private e-cars), improving access.

Q: Which car-free island is best for families? Many families love Lopud for its shallow Šunj beach and calm waters, safe for children. Hydra can appeal to families seeking history and gentle hikes (kids enjoy donkey rides). Holbox’s wildlife tours and bioluminescence are family favorites in summer.

Q: Can you see multiple Princes’ Islands in one day? Possibly two, but Büyükada alone needs a full day. A typical daytrip will focus on Büyükada and perhaps Burgazada (reachable by ferry), returning by the last boat. Visiting all four in one day is ambitious; many prefer to stay overnight on an island if time permits.

Q: Are there hotels on car-free islands? Yes – though scale varies. Hydra has boutique inns (mansion-turned-hotel) and pensions. Holbox has dozens of beach hotels and palapas. Lopud and Büyükada have small hotels and guesthouses. Marettimo has no hotels – only family-run B&B rooms. Always book ahead, especially in summer.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Slow Island Life

Each of these five destinations offers a chance to slow down and reconnect with place in a way modern cities seldom allow. Without the din of engines, visitors notice simple pleasures: bells of village churches at dusk, the click of a golf cart on sand, the scent of pine forests, or waves lapping gently at sunset. By integrating thorough planning details – ferry timings, local transport tips, seasonal advice – with rich cultural context (Leonard Cohen’s Hydra, Ottoman mansions on Büyükada, Maya traditions on Holbox), this guide aims to be more than a travelogue. It is an invitation to understanding how and why humans choose to reshape their mobility for heritage and ecology, and how travelers can respectfully join that legacy. Equipped with these insights, readers can confidently chart a route through Greece, Mexico, Italy, Turkey, and Croatia – experiencing the unique tranquility of life car-free.

Written & reviewed by

Travel S Helper Editorial Team

The Travel S Helper Editorial Team creates destination guides and travel features focused on practical planning, cultural context, and accuracy. We research using official sources (tourism boards, government sites, and attraction operators where available) and update articles when access details change.
Last verified: 2026

In this country, you can end up in jail for a burger

Thassos Island - Floating Forest

German Fairytale Cities

Amazing Places Small Number Of People Can Visit

Restricted Realms: World’s Most Extraordinary and Off-Limits Places

The-Best-Preserved-Ancient-Cities-Protected-By-Impressive-Walls

Paradise Islands Where Cars Are Banned

Hydra, Greece: The Aegean’s Timeless Jewel

Isla Holbox, Mexico: Caribbean Bohemia Without Engines

Marettimo, Italy: Sicily’s Hidden Car-Free Secret

Princes’ Islands, Turkey: Istanbul’s Tranquil Archipelago

Lopud, Croatia: Dubrovnik’s Peaceful Neighbor

Comparison: Which Car-Free Island Is Right for You?

Practical Planning – Car-Free Island Travel Essentials

FAQ – Car-Free Islands

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Slow Island Life

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Best Preserved Ancient Cities: Timeless Walled Cities

10 Wonderful Cities In Europe That Tourists Overlook

Exploring the Secrets of Ancient Alexandria

Top 10 Must-See Places in France

Top 10 – Europe Party Cities

Venice, the pearl of Adriatic sea

Tourist destinations

Unusual places

Travel tips

Tourist attractions

Popular destinations

Interesting facts

Summer destinations

History destinations

Party destinations

Winter destinations

Adventure travel

Culture & Heritage

Beaches & Islands

Adventure travel

Backpacking & Budget

Hidden Gems

People & Lifestyles