The Best Greek Islands to Visit Without a Car

Although some of the larger Greek Islands are best explored by car, there are plenty of smaller idyllic islands in Greece where a car just isn't necessary. Plus, renting a car adds an extra expense to your holiday. It also means you have to think about things like parking, insurance, driving on unfamiliar roads or a different side of the road altogether. Skip the car and you'll skip the stress! Exploring the Greek Islands without a car also allows you to experience the island from a different perspective - wandering on foot through the beautiful landscapes and travelling like a local on public transport.

Need some inspiration? Here's our pick of the best Greek Islands to visit without a car…

Hydra

Let’s kick things off with an island that doesn’t even allow motorised vehicles. Hydra is a car-free island. The main modes of transportation here are donkeys, water taxis and your own two feet. With no cars and no proper roads, a holiday in Hydra is like stepping back in time. 

Its small size makes it easy to explore on foot. Wander through the beautiful backstreets, stumbling across churches and stopping off in traditional tavernas for a bite to eat, discover secluded swimming spots to cool off from the Mediterranean heat or take a scenic stroll along the coastal path to the fishing village of Kamini. For something a little more adventurous, there are also hiking routes offering picture-perfect views.

Getting there: You can get a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Hydra in around 1 hour 42 minutes although the fastest ferries take 1 hour 20 minutes. The route is operated by Alpha Lines, Hellenic Seaways and Magic Sea Ferries.

Koufonisia

Part of the Small Cyclades, Koufonisia remains relatively unknown. Its small size makes it one of the best Greek Islands to visit without a car. Plus, trips to Koufonisia are all about swimming in crystal-clear waters, relaxing on unspoiled bays and wandering through picture-perfect streets so a car definitely isn't needed.

Koufonisia actually consists of two islands; Ano Koufonisia which is the main and inhabited island and the uninhabited Kako Koufonisia which you can take a boat trip to. It’s a quiet place, offering a huge contrast to other Cyclades Islands such as Mykonos and Santorini – although they are within easy reach for when you’re after a buzz.

Chora is the island’s main village. Its just as photogenic as its neighbours with whitewashed streets lined with souvenir shops and Greek tavernas - and the best part is, you can walk it all on foot. The beaches are also within walking distance although you can get a taxi boat if you’re feeling lazy.

Getting there: Ferries from Athens to Koufonisia take just over 5 hours and are operated by Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets. You can also get a ferry to Koufonisia from Naxos in just over half an hour, Santorini in 1 hour 50 minutes, and Mykonos in about 1 and a half hours.

Halki

Not only are holidays in Halki (also known as Chalki) perfect for those seeking a slice of authentic Greek life, but they’re also ideal for those not wanting to rent a car. Halki is a small yet charming island situated in the Dodecanese, just a short ferry ride from Rhodes. Unlike Rhodes however, Halki manages to skip the tourist crowds and is much more suited to those in search of some peace and quiet. You can also discover other Greek Islands that are perfect for a peaceful escape here.

Halki's port is one of the island’s highlights and the only ‘town’ on the island with beautiful architecture and boats bobbing along the water's edge. Days here are all about relaxation. Walk or get a boat to Halki’s beaches – a mix of soft sands and pebbles, all with beautiful turquoise waters. There also a few sights you can saunter to such as the Monastery of Agios Ioannis and the church of Agios Nikolaos before tucking into Greek delicacies in a local taverna.

Getting there: Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries operate ferries from Rhodes to Halki in just over an hour on the fastest routes. You can also get a ferry from Kos to Halki in about 2 hours.

Agistri

Part of the Saronic Islands, Agistri is just a short sail away from Athens, making it a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital. Its small size means a car is not necessary and you can easily explore the island by foot. Plus, ferries will take you to Skala where pretty much all of the island’s (little) action takes place with a selection of shops, tavernas and places to stay.

Agistri is very laid-back, with activities focused around its natural beauty. Spend your days lounging on unspoiled beaches, swimming in clear waters or taking a scenic stroll along one of the many walking paths that lead you through lush landscapes. Or, if you fancy resting your legs, you can also rent a bike. In the summer months, there are also buses connecting the villages.

Getting there: You can get a ferry from Athens to Agistri in around 1 hour 35 minutes, a service operated by 
Saronic Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins.

Spetses

Cars are actually banned on Spetses so you don’t even need to think about whether to hire one or not. Instead, you can get around by bus, bicycle, water taxi or horse-drawn carriage. Just like Hydra, the lack of cars and busy traffic jams give it that old-world charm. The atmosphere is laid-back and serene with days here mainly spent exploring Spetses' stunning natural beauty made up of lush pine forests and picturesque coves.

Whilst you’re in Spetses, the Old Port is a must. Filled with tavernas and bars, it’s the perfect spot for a sunset stroll. If you fancy an adventure, make sure you climb to Prophet Elias too. The highest point on the island offers the most stunning views of Spetses.

Getting there: Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Spetses take around 2 hours. You can also get a ferry from Hydra to Spetses in as little as 30 minutes.

Donoussa

Just like Koufonisia, Donoussa is one of the Cyclades Islands that manages to stay off the tourist track – perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful escape. Due to Donoussa’s small size, it’s one of the best Greek Islands to visit without a car. Just step off the ferry and start exploring!

Stavros is the main village on the island and where the ferries dock. Just a short stroll and you’ll find a handful of tavernas, shops and hotels although there’s not too much going on. After all, holidays to Donoussa are more about outdoor adventures and soaking up the stunning scenery. You can beach hop – either by foot or by boat – or go hiking amongst the stunning landscapes.

Getting there: Small Cyclades Lines operate ferries from Naxos to Donoussa. The journey takes about 3 hours 45 minutes or just over 1 hour on the fastest routes.

Folegandros

Folegandros is also located in the Cyclades and is also one of the best Greek Islands to visit without a car. It's the perfect destination if you're looking for an island with breathtaking scenery that's also easy to explore.

In comparison to its neighbouring islands, Folegandros is relatively quiet. With it being small, you can easily explore it on foot, although there are buses connecting the beaches should you need them. You can also rent an quad if you fancy a little more freedom, although it’s not necessary.

Chora is the main town and where you’ll find most of the island’s amenities. It's a place that still manages to retain its traditional charm. When you’re not exploring its authentic streets, check out Folegandros' postcard-perfect beaches or embark on a scenic hike through the stunning landscapes. Although there aren't really many sights to see, the Church of the Panagia is not to be missed.

Getting there: Ferries to Folegandros from Athens take around 4 hours 35 minutes. However, you can get a ferry from Santorini to Folegandros in as little as 45 minutes, with services operated by SeaJets and Cyclades Fast Ferries.

Antiparos

Just a short ferry ride from Paros, Antiparos is a great choice for a car-free holiday. You can easily explore it on foot but there’s also a great bus service or bicycles to rent should you need them. Although the island is only accessible by boat, it’s a popular spot with day trippers, so it can get very busy here especially in the summer months. Visit in the off-season for less crowds and lower temperatures. Need convincing? Discover why you should visit the Greek Islands in the off season here.

Chora is the main town on the island. The streets are as picture-perfect as they come with whitewashed buildings draped with vibrant bougainvillea. Traditional tavernas line the cobblestone streets drawing you in with their delicious Greek menus and friendly hospitality. When you’re not exploring the town, head to the beach. The coastline here is stunning with the clearest waters and the softest sands. Whilst you’re in Antiparos, you also can't miss a trip to the Cave of Antiparos where you can see the magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, and the Venetian Castle of Antiparos – both of which are easy to explore without a car!

Getting there: Ferries from Paros range between 7 minutes to 30 minutes, with Antiparos Ferries offering regular sailings throughout the year. Blue Star Ferries and Seajets operate ferries from Athens to Paros in as little as 2 hours 45 minutes.

So, there you have it – some of the best Greek Islands to visit without a car. Whether you fancy exploring the Cyclades, Dodecanese or the Saronic Gulf, there are so many islands that you can explore by foot or public transport. Discover our ferry routes to the Greek Islands and start planning your perfect car-free holiday!