The most beautiful places without cars: destinations to discover slowly

Every day, millions of cars crowd our streets and highways, shaping the rhythm of our lives, as well as our relationship with the environment. What if, for once, we chose to stop, leave the keys at home , and rely solely on our own feet, a scenic train, or a slow ferry? Traveling without a car isn't just a different way of getting around: it's an invitation to slow down , breathe, and rediscover the silence and beauty that too often go unnoticed through the window.
From walkable art cities to seaside villages , from countryside landscapes to mountains accessible by train, car-free destinations offer authentic experiences, where time seems to stretch and the quality of the journey matters more than speed . Not just city breaks, then, but also nature and open spaces: here we recommend the most beautiful places to discover without a car and savor at a leisurely pace.
Orta San Giulio, PiedmontNestled on the shores of Lake Orta , Orta San Giulio is one of the most charming places in Italy to visit without a car , awarded the Touring Club's Orange Flag. Easily reached by train from Milan, it's an ideal destination for those traveling without a car, seeking silence and authenticity. Between shady alleys leading to the Sacro Monte , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and waterfront squares like Piazza Motta , time seems to slow down.
A few minutes away by boat, the Island of San Giulio houses the Romanesque Basilica and the Via del Silenzio , where ancient villas and engraved sayings accompany the walk in a suspended and contemplative atmosphere.
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Let's now travel to the heart of the Aosta Valley , where a special place exists: Chamois , the only car-free municipality in Italy. Since 1955, people have walked, cycled, or ridden on horseback, immersed in a silence broken only by the ringing of church bells and the wind blowing through the woods. That's because, that year, a municipal referendum was held in which the population voted to ban motorized vehicles in the town. The goal was to preserve the tranquility, safety, and quality of life in a village located at 1,800 meters above sea level, accessible only by cable car or trails.
It can be reached by cable car from Buisson , then by train to Châtillon/Saint-Vincent, or on foot along an ancient mule track. Seven small villages built of stone and wood, pastures and streams create a landscape suspended in time. Among the must-see places: the panoramic Point Sublime , the evocative Lake Lod and, in winter, slopes ideal for children .
Codera, LombardyIn Lombardy, however, we find the village of Codera, reachable from the valley floor only via a scenic mule track , partly stepped, which offers splendid views of Lake Mezzòla, a walk of about two hours. At 824 meters above sea level, the village appears suspended in time, with small squares and alleys lined with ancient houses built from local granite, "sanfedelino." All around, cultivated terraces and dry stone walls define the landscape. Don't miss the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its isolated bell tower, the oratory, the Ethnographic Museum, the old school, the washhouses, and the stone fountains, testimony to a simple and authentic life.
Alicudi, SicilyAlicudi , the wildest of the Aeolian Islands, is a volcanic cone untouched by roads . Here, the only traffic comes from donkeys, patiently carrying luggage along lava stone mule tracks . Forget the car: you can only get around on foot , conquering every vertical meter, from the port to the houses clinging to the mountain.
The effort of the climb, however, offers an incomparable reward: absolute silence, interrupted only by the wind and the sea, and breathtaking views. Alicudi therefore offers an intense experience that teaches you to slow down and rediscover a primordial connection with nature, one step at a time, under the Sicilian sun.
Monte Isola, LombardyIn the heart of Lake Iseo , on Monte Isola, cars are a thing of the past ; the only vehicles are the residents' few scooters and the small, limited-capacity minivans that discreetly navigate the village's narrow streets. Strolling along the cobbled streets, past colorful houses and flower-filled balconies, is a unique experience, an invitation to observe every detail and listen to the slow pace of island life .
From the piers of small ports to the summits offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains, every step offers postcard-perfect vistas. Far from traffic and noise, Monte Isola is a haven of serenity where you can move at your leisure .
Copenhagen, DenmarkImagine a European capital where the fastest means of transportation isn't the car, but the bicycle . This place is Copenhagen , the city that has transformed sustainability into a captivating lifestyle . Here, giving up the car isn't a compromise, but the key to an authentic experience. Pedal like a local along perfect bike paths, discovering Nordic design hidden in quiet alleys.
Explore the compact historic center on foot , from Nyhavn to Strøget , or hop on an efficient water bus to admire the skyline from the water. Copenhagen invites you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy every corner without rushing, proving that true luxury is being able to move without having to worry about parking!
Susak Island, CroatiaNot far from Italy, there's an island in the Adriatic where time stands still and cars are prohibited . We're in Susak , where the only means of transportation is your feet, threading dusty paths through vineyards and reed beds. The island, with its two small villages connected by a stone staircase, is best explored slowly, discovering hidden coves and breathtaking views.
Strolling through quiet alleys and sunny squares , you realize that every corner offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and the nearby islands, and the rhythm of the island invites you to slow down, breathe and listen to the sounds of nature.