Small Greek islands for car-free holidays
No need to drive, just to dive!
Are you looking for small Greek holiday destinations that are easy to get around? Do you just want to skip driving during your holidays this summer? Perhaps you're interested in planning a more sustainable vacation in Greece.
Discover the best Greek islands where you can travel without a car on Ferryhopper and get ready for your upcoming car-free trip!
Top islands in Greece for car-free vacation
Here are 9 Greek islands where you don't need a car:
- Koufonisia
- Antiparos
- Hydra
- Halki
- Schinoussa
- Agistri
- Donousa
- Gavdos
- Leipsoi
Below, you can read more info about some of these islands to get started and choose the best car-free holiday destination in Greece for you!
Strolling around the port of Hydra
1. Koufonisia
Koufounisia is a group of 2 small islands of inimitable beauty: Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi. The majority of the beaches in Ano Koufonisi are located on the island’s southeast coast and they are accessible on foot within a few minutes from each other. You can actually walk around the whole island in about 3 to 4 hours, so, as you can imagine, a car is not necessary!
Kato Koufonisi is uninhabited and it’s only accessible by boat from Ano Koufonisi. There are no roads, so you need to hike to discover its beautiful beaches.
Tip: check out our blog to discover more amazing beaches in the Greek islands.
The picturesque port of Ano Koufonisi
2. Antiparos
Antiparos is a small island in the Cyclades, located opposite Paros. It’s a charming destination with picturesque alleys and amazing beaches, and it’s ideal to explore without a car.
Antiparos is one of the top islands in Greece that you can fully enjoy with no car. You can discover the island either on foot or by renting a bicycle, which would cost approximately €5 per day. This way you don’t have to depend on the local bus schedule and make your days on the island more flexible and stress-free.
Tip: the campsite of Antiparos is one of the most iconic in the Cyclades. Check out our blog to see the best camping sites in the Aegean islands.
A beautiful blue-domed church in Antiparos
3. Hydra
Hydra is a popular destination for island day trips from Athens. Access to the island is easy with daily ferry routes from the port of Piraeus and regular routes from the ports of eastern Peloponnese. Hydra is a vehicle-free island, so there are no roads, no cars and no motorbikes!
The only 4-wheel vehicle you will see in Hydra is the garbage truck. The best way to explore the island is on foot, as there are many trails and paths. You can also use one of the available water taxis to reach faraway beaches and enjoy the peace.
Tip: visualize and plan your ferry trip on our interactive Map of ferries!
Whitewashed alley in the main town of Hydra
4. Chalki
Are you a strong advocate of the slogan “a car-free life is a carefree mind”? If yes, Chalki, the first eco-friendly Greek island is your next destination. With an area of 28 km2, it is the smallest inhabited island of the Dodecanese.
Thanks to its pocket size, you can easily move on foot and there is no need to drive! Luckily, the same applies to other visitors on the island. That means no honking horns, no traffic jams, and no stress to find a parking space. Sounds good, right? Don't waste any more time then. You can take the ferry to Chalki from Piraeus, book a cabin and enjoy a comfortable trip!
Tip: check out more exciting destinations for sustainable holidays in the Dodecanese!
Pastel houses enclosing the boats at the port of Halki
5. Schinoussa
Schinoussa is a peaceful island in the Small Cyclades. It's only 8.5 km2 in size, and it has 2 main villages and 15 amazing beaches. The best way to get around in Schinoussa is by motorcycle or scooter, as the island mainly has dirt roads that are not suitable for standard vehicles.
There are also numerous hiking trails for the ones who want to discover the island’s hidden beauties. So, if you're searching for small Greek islands with no car for your holidays, Schinoussa won't disappoint!
Tip: if you wish to avoid the crowds, discover the top Greek islands for a quiet vacation.
Exploring Schinoussa on a motorcycle
6. Agistri
Only a short hop from Athens, Agistri, the green island of the Saronic Gulf, is well-known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Thanks to its short distances, you can walk around, rent a bike or a scooter and fully explore the island. In just a few minutes from the port of Skala, you can reach many beaches on foot and forget for a while the parking anxiety.
Tip: some beaches are quite secluded. For extra shade, we suggest you bring an umbrella with you.
Magnificent sunset in Agistri
7. Donoussa
Little Donousa is a great choice if you want to avoid crowds, even in August. You can explore its wonderful beaches and villages by following the network of marked hiking trails that covers a significant part of the island. Keep in mind that you will not find any car rentals here, so be ready to follow the local way of life and leave your car at home.
Tip: the hiking trails form the island's network of Paths of Cultural Interest with a total length of 9.2 km.
Fishing boat at the port of Donoussa
8. Gavdos
Gavdos is an excellent choice for those seeking isolation and relaxation away from the crowds. The lifestyle here is carefree and bringing your car is not necessary. You can explore the island on foot or by bike, or you can follow the paths that connect its beaches.
Tip: Trypiti, Europe's southernmost point, can be reached by hiking for about an hour or by boat.
The “chair of Gavdos” at the beach of Trypiti
9. Leipsoi
On this small Dodecanese island, all you'll need is your good mood. Luckily, the distances are short enough in Leipsoi, so you can easily get around on a motorcycle. Blue waters, small picturesque taverns, and incredible hospitality are just a few of the things that entice visitors to come here.
Tip: the island's road network is only 14 km long, and if you get tired of walking, there are frequent bus services to the beaches.
A secluded beach in Leipsoi
Wanna give some of these car-free holiday destinations in Greece a try? Traveling without a car certainly gives you this true relaxation you've been craving for! So, choose your favorite small island, book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper and enjoy your trip!
