For most of us, cars are a big part of everyday life. On vacation, getting away from them can be the key to truly slowing down. Without the hum of engines or the pressure of traffic, it becomes easier to find a quiet pace and feel more connected to the world around you.
While it can sometimes be hard to imagine, there are still islands where cars are absent and modern noise fades into the background. Time stretches, senses sharpen, and nature takes center stage. These car-free islands offer a rare kind of escape filled with simplicity and stillness. Here are seven of the best to help you slow down and soak it all in.
Island of Colors
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Set off the north coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a small, car-free island known for its relaxed rhythm and vibrant personality. Just a mile wide, it’s easy to explore on foot, by bicycle, or by golf buggy. Colorful murals brighten the streets, while surrounding nature reserves shelter flamingos, pelicans, sea turtles, crocodiles, and seasonal whale sharks. Boat excursions reveal lagoons, mangroves, and nearby islets, with opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife spotting. After dark, bioluminescent waters glow, and the freshwater Yalahau Cenote offers a refreshing swim.
Best time: Late November to February for dry, sunny weather. Whale sharks and flamingos appear from mid-May to mid-September. Avoid early spring to skip spring break crowds.
Coral Kaleidoscope
Hamilton Island, Australia
The largest of the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island pairs car-free living with refined comfort in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Free island shuttles and buggy rentals make getting around easy, while pristine beaches and luxury resorts set the scene. Snorkeling and diving reveal vibrant coral gardens, and scenic helicopter or seaplane flights deliver unforgettable views of the reef below. Nearby Australian icons like Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef showcase the Whitsundays at their most spectacular.
Best time: Year-round, with whale sightings from July to September. Jellyfish may appear between January and March.
Untamed Wilderness
Fox Island, Alaska
Remote and rugged, Fox Island sits in Alaska’s Resurrection Bay and offers a rare, car-free wilderness escape. Accessible only by boat, the island is home to the eco-friendly Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. Wildlife encounters are part of daily life here, with sea lions, puffins, bald eagles, and humpback whales often spotted nearby. Explore by sea kayak, hike through forested trails, or cruise past glaciers. Evenings bring quiet moments in the oceanfront sauna or around beach campfires, surrounded by raw Alaskan beauty.
Best time: Late May to September
Tropical Unwind
Gili Meno Island, Indonesia
The quietest of Indonesia’s Gili Islands, Gili Meno is entirely free of motorized transport and ideal for a barefoot escape. The island is small enough to walk or cycle, with white-sand beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that encourages doing very little at all. Offshore coral reefs make snorkeling easy, while dive trips lead to sites like the Nest, an underwater art installation of life-size figures. With no nightlife to speak of, days here unfold slowly, shaped by sea breezes and sunsets.
Best time: April to November. Rainy season runs from December to March.
Barefoot Paradise
La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue is one of the Seychelles’ most beloved islands, known for its granite boulders, palm-fringed beaches, and absence of cars. Bicycles are the primary way to get around, connecting powder-soft beaches like Anse Source d’Argent with small villages and nature reserves. And if you don’t feel like cycling, you can also go by ox-drawn cart. The island’s relaxed rhythm, clear waters, and dramatic landscapes make it ideal for travelers seeking tropical beauty without modern distractions.
Best time: April to May and October to November for calm seas and excellent visibility.
Aegean Elegance
Hydra, Greece
Just a short ferry ride from Athens, the Greek island of Hydra is famously car-free, with transport limited to walking, bicycles, boats, and donkeys. Stone mansions rise above a picturesque harbor, while footpaths lead to hidden coves and sea-facing tavernas. Life here happens at an unhurried pace, shaped by swims in clear Aegean waters, sunset dinners by the port, and quiet coastal walks. Hydra’s charm lies in its simplicity and refined, timeless atmosphere.
Best time: May to June and September to October for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Turtle Haven
Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, Tortuguero sits on a car-free sandbar along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This lush destination is best known for its sea turtle nesting season, when guided tours offer the chance to witness green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles coming ashore. A network of canals, rivers, and rainforest trails invites exploration by boat or kayak, with frequent sightings of monkeys, colorful birds, and other wildlife. Nature defines every moment here.
Best time: July to October for green and hawksbill turtle nesting; February to April for leatherbacks. Expect rain throughout the year.
Where Can I Vacation on a Car Free Island?
Car-free islands remind us how relaxing travel can be without the noise of modern life. Whether it’s walking sandy paths, gliding across clear water by boat, or exploring landscapes surrounded by nature, these destinations invite you to slow down and be fully present. Without traffic or timetables, the days feel longer, quieter, and more meaningful.
Designing a journey to places like these requires thoughtful planning, from seamless transfers to choosing the right island for your travel style and the best time to visit. Our experts at Enchanting Travels craft personalized, car-free island experiences that balance tranquility with discovery, handling every detail so you can simply arrive and unwind. When peace, quiet, and a true sense of escape are what you’re seeking, we’ll help you find the island that feels like it was made just for you.
This content was inspired by an article in “Be Enchanted,” our bi-annual magazine covering the world of travel. To view the original article and discover more stories from around the world, you can find a digital copy here.
