TOP 10 car-free places on the planet

What are the benefits of car-free city life? Peace and tranquility, less pollution and more physical activity, preserved nature. Today we live in a hectic world, and there are not so many places left on our planet that are located far from modern life.

10. Fire Island, New York, USA

The beautiful Fire Island in New York is one of the best places in the United States to visit during the summer. On the island you can see firsthand the best beaches in the country, untouched desert and other historical sights. In addition, the Island of Fire is a car-free area. Despite the fact that this land is considered part of New York, it will not be possible to catch the bustle of the capital.

You can only move around the island on foot or by bike, and you can get to its shores by ferry or water taxi. Such conditions allowed to keep the island from debris and road transport.

Service and emergency vehicles are allowed to enter the island only in cases of emergency. The extraordinary beauty of Fire Island attracts many tourists every year. Local attractions and wildlife, canoeing and boating, hiking, can be enjoyed here on Fire Island.

9. Fez el-Bali, Morocco

The medieval city of Fes el Bali is the world's largest traffic-free area. A World Heritage Site, the city is famous for its ancient monuments and narrow streets: there are 9,400 steep, narrow passages on its territory. It is these streets that limit the use of vehicles.

The only possible way to see the city is by walking or cycling. But in some areas, the walkway is less than 2 feet wide, so cycling is not always possible either.

8. Lamu Island, Kenya

Lamu Island is one of the most interesting sights in Eastern Europe. Its territory is located in the coastal zone and is part of the Lamu archipelago. Instead of cars, donkeys are the main transport on the island, and you can only get to its lands by boat.

You can explore the beautiful area of the island on foot or by bike, immersed in peace and quiet without cars or annoying signals. Lamu is a junction of the ancient Arab route and one of the centers of Swahili civilization. In addition to exploring the milestones in history, you can also enjoy boating and jet skiing or snorkeling here.

7. La Cumbresita, Argentina

La Cumbresita is a small beautiful village located in the province of Rio Negro. Its territory is exclusively a pedestrian zone, and the entry of cars here is strictly prohibited. The village is famous for its alpine atmosphere, which can only be enjoyed by walking through its courtyards. For tourist walks, a 30-kilometer asphalt road has been laid through the settlement.

La Cumbresita has strict eco-tourism policy rules: you must leave your car at the entrance, and the main tourist activities in the village are hiking and camping.

6. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a small village located in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 1620 meters. In order to prevent pollution of the mountain air, cars are prohibited here. The only way to get to the village is on the famous Glacier Express, during which you can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, gorges, valleys and bridges.

You can get to know the life of the village by walking along its cobbled streets. The main attraction of Zermatt is an excellent view of the majestic Matterhorn mountain. In addition to walking and exploring the local beauty, you can go skiing and snowboarding here.

5. Hydra Island, Greece

Part of Greece, the very quiet and beautiful island of Hydra is located in the waters of the Aegean Sea. The main rule in force is the absence of any vehicles. This not only prevents air pollution, but also preserves the natural beauty of the island.

In order to explore the surroundings, you can choose a horse, donkey or water taxi. Walking along the coastal paths of the island of Hydra, you can spend time and enjoy the famous views of the inviting pink sunset and turquoise waves of the sea.

4. Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA

On the territory of Mackinaw Island it is also prohibited to travel by car: this ban came into force in 1898; and you can get to one of the most popular summer resorts in the country by small plane or boat. The exclusive right of movement is granted only to emergency vehicles and company vehicles.

You can explore the island by horse, bike or on foot. Free from car wheels, Mackinac Island presents itself to tourists at its best, showcasing its natural beauty.

3. Sark, Normandy, France

Sark is a small island in the Channel Islands. There are no roads or airlines to the island, and the only way to get to its shores is by water transport. And on the very territory of Sark, you can only move on horse-drawn carts, tractors or bicycles.

The island has a population of 600 people, most of whom, like tourists, ride bicycles or carts, while people with disabilities can use motorized bicycles.

2. Gieturn, Netherlands

In the Netherlands, in the province of Overijssel, there is a small and quiet village of Gieturn. The second name - "Dutch Venice" - the village received a reason: like the famous city, the banks of the village are connected by bridges thrown over the canals. Gieturn is absolutely free of roads and cars.

The village is surrounded by the extensive De Veriben-Wieden National Park, and the village itself is also home to many trees. The lack of cars and the presence of a large amount of vegetation keep the local air clean and fresh.

2620 people live on the territory of Gieturn. The most memorable view of the village is the noiseless electric boat in front of the colorful house. You can hire a boat or rent a bicycle to explore the local area.

1. Venice, Italy

This ancient city is divided by 150 canals into 117 small islands, the shores of which are connected by small bridges. Venice is the largest area in Europe not flooded with cars, and canals serve as the main transport route in the city. Tourists can see Venice by walking along its streets or sailing on boats.

For residents, the main mode of public transport is water taxis; and for tourists are the famous gondolas, of which there are 350 units on the water surface of the city. A gondola ride through the Grand Canal, the largest waterway in Venice, is the main goal of tourists coming to the city.