Car-free Islands

We recently spent time on Rottnest Island in Australia. We loved the fact that no cars were allowed on the island, ensuring a laid-back vibe. Can you suggest similar car-free tourist destinations we could visit, especially islands? - Miranda Els
 
There are a number of vehicle-free islands around the globe, the closest to South Africa being Lamu Island in Kenya. This preserved Swahili island settlement has become a glamorous holiday resort. There are no roads, so people move around by foot or boat, and donkeys are used to transport goods. A little futher away is the island of La Digue in Seychelles, where people get around by bicycle or ox-cart. On the Greek Islands, motorised transport is banned in beautiful Hydra. The main port town is big enough to stroll around and you can catch a boat to the rest of the island. In Asia, the best-known car-free destination is probably Ko Phi Phi, which lies off the coast of Phuket in Thailand. There are no vehicles and transport is by foot. Goods are transported by bicycle. In Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands provide great diving destinations without any motorised transport. The same goes for the Gili Islands in Indonesia. You can rent bicycles to get around when you are not diving or relaxing in one of the many beachfront cafes. In Hong Kong, you can visit Cheung Chau Island for a car-free environment, while Galangyi island near Xiamen in China even bicycles are banned. Other car-free destinations around the globe include Little Corn Island in Nicaragua, Kadavu island in Fiji, Caye Caulker in Belize and Paquetá Island off Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Options in the United States inlcuded Monhegan Island in Maine, Governor's Island in New York, Catalina Island near Los Angeles and Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Finally, there is the most famous car-free destination of all, Venice. Besides the bus station square, transport around this amazing Italian city is by foot or by water taxi. (17 June 2012)