For years, the world has been striving for sustainable, eco-friendly tourism, driven by the ever-increasing pollution levels.
Studies from the International Council on Clean Transportation estimate that transport emissions could reach 9 giga-tons by 2025, decades earlier than initially expected. A 2024 study revealed that the number of cars worldwide had surged to 1.475 billion, averaging one car per 5.5 people or 182 vehicles per 1,000 individuals. A report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that same year stated that an average passenger car emits 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ annually—a figure that becomes staggering when multiplied by the number of cars on the road.
Additionally, a report from Bernstein, a private wealth management firm, predicted that the number of cars in use could double by 2040, raising significant concerns about environmental impact.
While the outlook may seem alarming, there are solutions, which we are already seeing in the widening shift towards electric vehicles. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that one in four new car sales in 2025 will be electric, with eco-friendly vehicles making up 40% of the market by 2030.
Until that vision becomes reality, travellers seeking pollution-free escapes can explore car-free destinations to enjoy a peaceful, environmentally-conscious getaway. To help, we’ve curated this exclusive list:
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is the largest car-free village in Switzerland, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience natural beauty up close. Here, you can marvel at the majestic Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters, with its pyramid-like peak overlooking a breathtaking valley. The village is home to some of Europe’s most famous ski slopes, but it’s a destination worth visiting in every season. In summer, hikers can enjoy 400 kilometers of scenic trails, offering stunning views.
How to Get to Zermatt
After arriving at Geneva or Zurich Airport, you can take a train to Zermatt, which is well-connected to Switzerland’s rail network. If you choose to drive, remember that you must drive, be sure to park your car in Täsch and then take a train to the car-free village.
Hotels in Zermatt
While Zermatt may not have global hotel chains, it offers exceptional accommodations for a peaceful and luxurious stay. If you’re looking for a traditional yet upscale hotel, consider booking a room or suite at Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, located in a quiet area despite being in the city centre. The hotel offers panoramic mountain views, including the Matterhorn.
Restaurants in Zermatt
Exploring Zermatt will surely work up an appetite! Despite being a seculded destination, you'll find a selection of well regarded restaurants including one Michelin-star restaurant Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni, serving locally inspired dishes in an elegant setting.
2. Giethoorn, Netherlands
The picturesque village of Giethoorn in the Netherlands feels like a dream come true, and the best part? It’s completely car-free. In fact, no roads were built for cars, so locals and visitors travel by bicycle, boat, or on foot. With wooden bridges connecting small islands, Giethoorn offers tranquility and seclusion, perfect for strolling past charming farmhouses with thatched roofs or crossing scenic canals. At Weerribben-Wieden National Park, nature lovers can explore wetlands, reed beds, and wildlife habitats home to otters, black terns, great cormorants, and white herons. Whether you choose to walk, kayak, or take a boat tour, you’ll be surrounded by pure nature, free from engine noise and pollution.
How to Get to Giethoorn
To reach Giethoorn, take a train or bus. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in April, May, June, or September, and plan your trip on weekdays. Despite its secluded location, Giethoorn is just over an hour from Amsterdam, making it a convenient escape from the bustling capital.
Hotels in Giethoorn
For a cozy stay, book a holiday home at Oasis Giethoorn, featuring a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a terrace overlooking the river. If you prefer a relaxing retreat, consider B&B Giethoorn, where you can enjoy garden or river views and continental, vegetarian, or gluten-free meals.
Restaurants in Giethoorn
For highly rated dining, visit De Pergola, located in the heart of the village. With indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy coffee and apple pie or choose from fresh meat and fish dishes prepared by the chef.
3. Tunø Island, Denmark
Tunø is a historic Danish island spanning 3.5 km, perfect for travellers seeking unique destinations. You can explore on foot, by bicycle, scooter, or even tractor taxis — the island’s only mode of transport. Tunø’s green hills rise above sandy and rocky beaches, offering stunning views for hikers and birdwatchers. One of the island’s highlights is Tunø Church, a 14th-century spiritual site and lighthouse, surrounded by mulberry and apple trees.
How to Get to Tunø
To reach Tunø, take a ferry from Hou, located on the Odder coast of the Jutland Peninsula. The one-hour journey offers spectacular views of seals and other marine life.
Hotels in Tunø
For an authentic island experience, stay at Mejeriet Tunø, a seaside hotel just 200 meters from the beach and harbour. It’s ideal for water sports, hiking, and cycling. The hotel features Scandinavian-style rooms, an outdoor restaurant with ocean views, and live music events, comedy shows, and sunrise yoga sessions.
Restaurants in Tunø
If you’re staying at Mejeriet Tunø, you’ll enjoy handmade dishes crafted from local ingredients. The menu includes Danish specialties, such as sandwiches, omelettes with Tunø potatoes, and gourmet burgers. For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood and premium meats, served in a peaceful indoor setting or an outdoor terrace with ocean views.
4. Trogir, Croatia
In 1997, the old town of Trogir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its medieval architecture and a blend of Romanesque and Baroque influences. This charming coastal town features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and meticulously preserved landmarks. One of the most striking attractions is St. Lawrence Cathedral, built in the 13th century, with a 45-metre-high bell tower, three naves, and a stone-carved entrance adorned with intricate sculptures.
How to Get to Trogir
You can reach Trogir via Split Airport or Zadar Airport, located 130 km away. From there, take a bus, taxi, or ferry to the town. Since Trogir’s old town is situated on a small island spanning just one square kilometre, its narrow streets are car-free, making walking the best way to explore.
Hotels in Trogir
For a memorable stay, book a room at Bellevue Trogir, located 100 meters from the sea and 50 meters from the bridge leading to the UNESCO-listed old town. The hotel offers stunning views of the historic centre and the Adriatic Sea, along with peaceful accommodations ideal for business travellers seeking a quiet retreat. Since the hotel is centrally located, guests can easily explore the town’s summer cultural festival, featuring concerts, tenor competitions, museum exhibitions, and artistic performances.
Restaurants in Trogir
While exploring Trogir’s old town, stop by Franka, a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant specialising in seafood, the restaurant blends culinary passion with modern touches, redefining dining experiences in the city. For authentic Dalmatian cuisine, visit nearby cafés and restaurants — you won’t regret it.
5. Porquerolles Island, France
A 10-minute boat ride from the French Riviera’s Côte d’Azur takes you to Porquerolles Island, a nature and history lover’s paradise in the Îles d’Hyères archipelago. Here, visitors can explore pristine sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and lush greenery by walking or cycling along scenic trails.
How to Get to Porquerolles
Visitors can reach Porquerolles by small boats departing from several mainland locations, including Hyères, Toulon, La Londe, La Seyne, Sanary, Bandol, and Saint-Tropez. For a less crowded experience, visit in spring or early autumn, as summer attracts a large of visitors daily.
Hotels in Porquerolles
For an authentic island experience, stay at Résidence Les Mèdes, located 400 meters from La Courtade Beach. This peaceful retreat offers comfortable rooms, a garden, a terrace, and an elegant restaurant. Guests can enjoy swimming, hiking, or cycling, with easy access to the harbour, where boats arrive from across Europe. For a different experience, book a stay at Hotel Le Porquerollais, a favourite among island visitors. The hotel is close to major attractions, including Cap d’Arme Lighthouse, the harbour, and Le Moulin du Bonheur, as well as restaurants like Café Rosso, known for Italian cuisine.
Restaurants in Porquerolles
In Porquerolles’ main village, Villa Sainte-Anne welcomes guests in a cozy, colourful setting, offering Mediterranean dishes perfect for families and friends. For French gourmet cuisine, visit Hotel Le Porquerollais’ restaurant, where culinary creativity shines—be sure to reserve your table in advance!
6. Pontevedra, Spain
Located an hour’s drive from Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra became a car-free city in 1999, thanks to a government initiative that created 1,600 free parking spaces around its perimeter. Visitors can explore the old town on foot in just 25 minutes, admiring historic stone buildings, including Santa María Basilica, built in Gothic style. At Pontevedra Museum, guests can view ancient Celtic coins and modern paintings, before relaxing at Plaza de la Herrería, a tree-lined square surrounded by cafés and restaurants.
How to Get to Pontevedra
To reach Pontevedra, fly into Vigo Airport, located 30 km away, then take a taxi to the city.
Hotels in Pontevedra
For a historic stay, book a room at Parador de Pontevedra, a 14th-century mansion in the heart of the old town. The hotel, built from local stone, features lush gardens, a spacious terrace, and antique interiors.
Restaurants in Pontevedra
After a long day of sightseeing, dine at Taberna Zentola, located in the city centre, offering a wide selection of tapas and seafood dishes made with local ingredients. For a bold culinary experience, visit Gerardo de Lena, where traditional flavours meet modern creativity. Signature dishes include Coquilles Saint-Jacques with pickled lemon zest and smoked salicornia with soy sauce, alongside Galician-style hake.
