Are you planning your summer holidays and looking to visit some Greek islands without worrying about a car? Did you even know that it’s possible to explore an entire island and have a well-rounded experience there without a vehicle? Maybe you don’t have your own means of transport, or perhaps you just don’t feel like driving while on vacation. Well, either way – here are three fantastic car-free islands you can enjoy without the constant sounds of cars and motorcycles on the road. There’s a unique calm to the island streets when they are filled with pedestrians instead of traffic.
 

Hydra

One of the car-free islands that you will definitely need to add to your list is the world-famous island of Hydra. It’s well-known for a reason. Hydra is one of the islands closest to Athens, in the Argo-Saronic group. You’re not allowed to bring cars or motorbikes here, so travel around the island is only permitted on foot, by cycling, or by boat/water taxi. That’s why there aren’t any conventional ships with garages arriving on the island. There are only smaller, high-speed ships available.

To book ferry tickets from the port of Piraeus to Hydra, you can use the Ferryscanner website. Simply choose the dates that suit you, add your personal details, and finalize your reservation online quickly and easily. If you already have a user account, it will speed up and simplify the entire process even further.
 

Spetses

The island of Spetses is also located in the Argo-Saronic island group, not far from Athens. While visiting Spetses you will notice some vehicles here, although a smaller amount than any other typical Greek island. Here the only people who are allowed to have a car on the island are permanent residents of Spetses, resident owners, and permanent tenants, as well as public employees of the island. So, when you are visiting Spetses keep in mind that there are taxi and bus options available but don’t expect to bring a personal vehicle to get around.
 

Koufonisia

One of Greece’s car-free islands located in a different island group is Koufonisa. This tiny island is located in the Cyclades, and more specifically to the Small Cyclades. This is a group of islands that you can enjoy without a car as these places are easy to get around and see on foot. In Koufonisia you can enjoy the deep blue sea and all the beaches either by walking or simply using water taxis and boats. As you will notice it is what all the people on the island do every day. Try it and you’ll have an unforgettable experience – without ever regretting not having your car with you.

Many people choose Koufonisia either for a multi-day holiday (you will find many dream spots on the island) or for one-day/single-day holidays from one of the larger surrounding islands in the Cyclades. Island hopping is quite advantageous both in terms of time and cost. To search and book your ferry trip to Koufonisia and/or any other ferry destination, even to prepare an Island Hopping trip (making a stopover in Koufonisia) use Ferryscanner: ferry bookings easily, quickly, online, from wherever you are.
 

Do I need a car to visit the Greek islands?

Short answer: No! Just because we recommend some Greek islands for a car-free holiday, does not mean that all other ferry destinations in Greece require having a car. Although some islands are larger so it can be more convenient or faster to have a vehicle – it’s not necessary. Each island has unique offerings that you can discover either by walking, running, cycling, skating, or using the local public transport system. Solutions exist, as long as you are with good friends and in a good mood. With or without a car, we hope you have a wonderful experience on whichever Greek island you find yourself.