20 Cities In the World Where There Are No Cars
Wherever you go, you will find numerous cars in the vicinity. We use our cars to commute to work, to drop off the kids at school and to get to our holiday destination. The highways are congested with cars, and we wish our car were the only one on the road. I often wonder what the world was like when there were no cars. How did people travel long distances and was the road invented first or the car? Today, most people could not imagine a world without cars, and some own several cars. In the bigger cities where public transport is abundant, residents do not need to own a car but are surrounded by other car owners, nonetheless. How would the world look without cars, and how would people function?
Some people, in certain places in the world, do not have to imagine it since it is their reality. We have found twenty places in the world where cars are non-existent. How is that possible and for what reason? Well, we will explore those places and find out the reason for the omittance of cars and how people live without this precious commodity, which most people take for granted. Some of the places featured on our list are islands while the other places are famous cities. Exploring these cities will feel like traveling back in time and living in a world where there was no internet and mobile phones.
FIRE ISLAND, NEW YORK
If you are heading down to Fire Island for a vacation, you are going to have to park away from this south shore of Long Island in New York since cars are not allowed.
While it may not have parking bays, this island offers parks, beaches, restaurants and communities that are mostly populated during the warmer periods of the year. If you would like to tour the island, you can opt for riding a bike or walking.
Either of those activities will help you to get a workout on your vacation. The atmosphere is laid-back and charming, which will help to distract you from not being in a car.
HYDRA, GREECE
Travelers seeking to find a stunning European destination can head out to Hydra in Greece. The scenery is picturesque, and the Aegean sea will make you feel as though you are in paradise. As lovely as the town looks, it has its drawbacks.
You can forget about driving your car through town as wheeled vehicles are not permitted. No cars or scooters can be used on the road, leaving the cobbled streets reserved for pedestrians and donkeys. The town is known for its coastal hiking paths, blue waters and preserved architecture.
FES EL-BALI, MOROCCO
This city looks like a place that Aladdin would fly through on his magic carpet. Known as the Old Fez, Fes el-Bali is filled with medieval streets that cater to pedestrians. The city is one of the largest contiguous car-free urban areas in the world.
Cars cannot enter the alleyways and streets since these are narrow, which leaves the road open to donkeys, pedestrians, and cart traffic.
You do not have to worry about being bored in the city as the 9400 streets are filled with shops, mosques, stalls, schools and cart merchants.
SUPAI, ARIZONA
When you visit the Grand Canyon, make sure to avoid a town called Supai if you are traveling in your car. Supai is a census-designated place in Coconino County, Arizona, which is within the Grand Canyon.
In 2010, the town had a population of 208 individuals. Supai is the only town in the U.S. where mail is carried out by mules. Supai is 8 miles from the nearest road and is car-free. If you wish to enter the city, you can do so by walking, a helicopter or a mule. If you visit this small town, you may be fortunate to run into one of the 208 residents.
LINDOS, GREECE
The population of this small town in Greece back in 2011 was 1087. The town is known for its fishing, archeological sites and is a former municipality on the island of Rhodes. The municipal unit has an area of 69000 square miles. Lindos is located in a large bay and faces the fishing village and resort of Charaki.
The reason for this town not having cars has nothing to do with pollution or preservation of the roads. Lindos cannot accommodate cars because its roads are too narrow. Tourists who want to explore this city have to go on foot.
LA CUMBRECITA, ARGENTINA.
Those looking to explore small cities in the Southern Hemisphere can visit Lea Cumbrecita. The town is small but picturesque and is located in the Calamuchita Valley.
Although the town is small, the authorities did not thwart drivers from getting into their cars because of the limited and narrow roads; instead, the town has a pedestrian-only policy.
If you are searching for an eco-tourism spot, then La Cumbreciata is perfect for you. Tourists visit the town to camp, hike in the forest trails and marvel at the magnificent waterfalls.
LAMU, KENYA
When you are in the mood to visit Africa and do not want the burden of traveling by car, you can visit Lamu. This place was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Lamu is an island in Kenya, which is car-free.
The only modes of transport that are allowed on the narrow streets are bicycle and donkey carts. Walking is encouraged to prevent congestion. The architecture of Lamu is a blend of Swahili, Persian, Indian, Arabic and European building style. Tourist stated that the old town of Lamu is beautiful.
GIETHOORN, NETHERLAND
Amsterdam is the most popular city in the Netherlands, which is a favorite tourist destination in the country. When you travel 55 miles northeast of Amsterdam, you will arrive at a town called Giethoorn.
The town is referred to as the Dutch Venice as it boasts 180 bridges that arch over the town’s canal. Tourists wanting to explore this town will have to make use of boats to travel the canals and on foot to explore the rest of the town.
You will not find cars or roads if you visit this hidden treasure.
PHU QUOC, VIETNAM
Otherwise known as Koh Tral, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam. The island has a total area of 222 square miles and a population of approximately 103000. Agriculture, fishing, and tourism drive the economy on the island. The town achieved fast economic growth due to the tourism boost.
Although the town has more than 100,000 residents and many tourists every year, it is car-free, and residents and tourists respect the regulation. Those who want to get around the city can walk or use a boat. The scenery is interesting, so tourists will not get tired of walking.
ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
While exploring the peak of Switzerland, you can look down to see a small town called Zermatt. The town is situated beneath some of the highest peaks in Switzerland including Matterhorn. The town is charming, and visitors and locals can use the mountains for skiing, as well as winter sports.
The town does not allow anybody to drive a car, which provides a pollution-free environment. The main reason authorities banned cars is that car pollution could obscure the view of Zermatt and Matterhorn. Although you cannot drive your car around this small town, its magnificent views will have you occupied.
SARK, UNITED KINGDOM
Sark is part of the English Channel Islands but is off the coast of Normandy, France. Although the island is small, it has numerous landscapes. The authorities banned cars, and the only vehicles allowed on the island are tractors.
Tourists who wish to explore this beautiful island can use horse and carriage, walking or cycling. Most of the people who visit the island take advantage of the hiking trails, which are a great past time.
The funny part of the vehicle law the authorities implemented is that the island ambulance is hooked to a tractor. The island is a designated Dark Sky Community, making it a delight for stargazers.
VENICE, ITALY
Italy is a popular country that most Westerners visit, especially Venice.
Tourists who were hoping to do sight-seeing from a car can forget about that since the winding, narrow streets of Venice would not provide an ambiance of romance if cars were permitted.
To ensure tourists submerge themselves in the local culture, authorities had provided Vaporetto waterbuses to transport the locals and tourists around the island of Venice and to nearby islands such as Lido and Murano. For those who want to travel Venice’s famous canals, can do so via gondola.
MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN
The island is located in Lake Huron. What is so special about Mackinac Island? These days, Mackinac Island is a popular summer resort in Michigan, which attracts history fans, nature lovers, and families. To preserve the roads and prevent air pollution, the local government banned all motorized vehicles in 1898.
Tourists and locals who want to get around the island have a choice amongst walking, biking or horse-drawn carriages. Due to the banning of vehicles and implementation of bikes and horse-drawn carriages, the island has an amazing vintage ambiance. Mackinac Island is a great get-away destination from your house and car.
PAQUETA, BRAZIL
Paqueta is an island off the coast of Brazil. The island was home to Tamoio Indian tribe. When the French invaded the island, the Tamoio Indian Tribe were wiped out. The conflict marked a revolution on the island from the hunting and gathering, previously known for, to an island that farms.
The streets of the island are filled with cobblestone and do not cater to vehicles. Although the island is beautiful, cars are not permitted. Since the road is devoid of cars and filled with cobblestone, it makes the town look old and gives it a charming feel.
CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO, ITALY
This Italian town is situated on a hill. Although it is not as well known as Assisi or Sienna, the unbelievable topography the town offers make it a huge attraction for tourists. The town is situated on a mountain high above a canyon and has a single footbridge in and out of town.
The authorities do not allow cars on the bridge, yet the walk does not deter tourists from visiting this magnificent, hidden gem. Tourists who choose to visit Civita di Bagnoregio are exposed to magnificent scenery.
