Carloforte town is small and easily covered on foot. The town centre, harbour, and main piazza are all within a few minutes' walk of each other.
To reach the island's beaches — particularly the good ones on the west coast such as La Bobba and Girin — you'll need a car, scooter, or bicycle. All three can be hired in Carloforte. The island roads are narrow and winding; a scooter or bicycle suits the terrain better than a car for most purposes.