Best Greek Islands for Travelers with Disabilities
Introduction
Generally, the landscape of Greece (both mainland and islands) is not friendly for the disabled or people with kinetic problems. The country is hilly and mountainous, even the islands. Many settlements were perched on the slopes of a hill for protection against enemies in Medieval times. The term acropolis means “the highest spot in the town,” as this is where the castles and temples were constructed. Many modern towns are built around the ancient acropolis, like Athens, on the slopes of hills like most Choras in Cyclades islands, or on the edge of cliffs, like the caldera villages of Santorini. This landscape is certainly not convenient for disabled travel in Greece.
Usually, larger islands are better for travelers with reduced mobility, as more accessibility facilities are generally available. Some of the largest islands in Greece are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Lesvos, Samos, Zante, and Syros. Some of the best beaches on the Greek islands are equipped with a SEATRAC service, offering independent sea access for people with reduced mobility. There are several wheelchair-friendly accommodation options in Greece. On the Greek islands, you can stay at an all-inclusive hotel with ramps, wheelchair-friendly toilets, and step-free access to the communal areas. For more privacy and comfort, you can also find private villas with enhanced accessibility amenities.
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Best wheelchair-friendly Greek islands
There are around 227 inhabited islands in Greece, and a staggering number of islands are more accessible to people with disabilities. These are Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Kythnos, and Syros. Find more information about accommodation, activities, and beaches on the Greek islands below.
Corfu
The island of Corfu is one of the best destinations in the world for people with disabilities. Corfu is a cosmopolitan destination with a diverse culture and amazing accessible beaches. The island has seen significant developments in the past years regarding making the island accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Hotels, beach bars, and restaurants have introduced accessibility features, and you can find many wheelchair-accessible resorts and luxury villas on the island. More than 20 beaches offer floating wheelchairs and a seasonal independent sea access service. As for cultural activities on the beautiful Ionian island, don’t miss out on the fully accessible palace of Mon Repos and the old town of Corfu, which is 80% accessible and features preferred route signs for people with disabilities.
Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and its bustling towns are great for visitors with disabilities. From impressive seaside resorts with wheelchair access and step-free jacuzzis to remote mountainous villages perfect for relaxation away from crowds, Crete is a paradise for travelers with disabilities. The best accessible accommodation options are in Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno, as well as the surrounding towns and villages. Particularly in Rethymno, the “Rethymno for All” project has made the city more accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, introducing wheelchair ramps in major monuments, disabled parking spots, and wider streets.
As for accessible beaches in Crete, there are at least seven beaches all over the island using the SEATRAC independent access system, plus many more equipped with floating wheelchairs.
Syros
Syros is a distinct island in the Cyclades, offering wheelchair users many seaside and cultural activities options. The island is the perfect blend of Cycladic culture and cosmopolitan influences. In the past ten years, it has become a great destination for people with disabilities despite its intricate architecture and narrow uphill alleys. There are plenty of accommodation options for wheelchair users. Many large and small hotels offer wheelchair-friendly rooms and vacation amenities.
SEATRAC machines exist for independent sea access at four beaches: Vari, Agathopes, Voulgari, and Galissas. You can also find floating wheelchairs at most major beaches. Getting around the coast on foot is also relatively easy as there are ramps, handrails at the promenades, and designated parking spots for people with disabilities. Since last summer, visitors can also explore the Ano Syros area and witness the island’s medieval past. The island offers visitors wheelchairs and state-of-the-art elevators that help wheelchair users to the medieval town step-free.
Rhodes
Rhodes Island is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese island chain located in southeastern Aegean Sea where its beautiful blue green waters reflect a tropical paradise. The island features 35 beaches and many cultural and historical attractions. The island is 12 miles off Turkey’s Anatolian coast. The island straddles the sea-lanes linking Egypt, Southern Europe and the Holy Land. Rhodes Town bears witness to that long history. The ancient city features a classical stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The “old” city is a walled town with medieval buildings and streets harking back to the days of the Crusades.
Greek law requires all taxis in Greece, not just on Rhodes Island, to be 5-passenger sedan vehicles that allow one driver to carry four passengers. This typically accommodates travelers who use manual wheelchairs. Taxicabs have curb heights, which makes it possible to transfer most passengers from their wheelchairs to cars quickly. Cruise ship passengers who use motorized scooters are encouraged to rent manual wheelchairs on the island to enjoy exploring all the island has to offer. Advance notification of passengers needing wheelchair assistance is requested, as drivers must request permission to drive onto the dock and certain sites around the island.
Kythnos
Located in the western Cyclades, Kythnos is one of the lesser-known islands in the group. While both Greeks and foreign tourists visit, you can expect fewer crowds and more authentic island life here than on, for example, Mykonos or Santorini. It also has the bonus of being a relatively short ferry ride from Athens. Visit in July or August to experience nightlife and mingle with other tourists. Going in spring and fall is also lovely, as the interior of this island is just as pretty as its coastline. The villages on the island, including the main town, Messaria or Hora, feature flat squares and village centers, which are relatively easy to get around. Unfortunately, though, the Katafyki cave in Dryopida and the medieval castle at Oria are inaccessible with a wheelchair.
Useful tips in Greece for people with disabilities
Yes, most ferries sailing from mainland Greece to the islands offer standard accessibility amenities for people with disabilities. Most large ferry companies in Greece provide wheelchair-accessible cabins, ramps, lifts, and boarding assistance. You can easily catch a ferry from the mainland ports to the Ionian Islands, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and other destinations throughout the year. Smaller vessels operating between islands are not always suitable for people with reduced mobility due to restricted space.
Do some research before booking your holidays on the Greek islands. Here are some useful info and tips for people with disabilities planning a trip in Greece:
- Find more information about ferry travel in Greece. Learn about on-board ferry amenities, accessibility features, and travel regulations for travelers with disabilities.
- The best time for people with disabilities to visit the Greek islands is mid-June to October. If you wish to avoid the crowds, you can visit one of the larger islands off-season.
- If you require assistance with boarding and getting around the ferry, please inform the ferry company at least 48 hours in advance.
- Getting around the Greek islands is not always easy for wheelchair users. Public transport is not perfectly developed, so your best option is to have your vehicle.
- Bear in mind that during the winter months, some accessibility services, such as sea access equipment and wheelchair-friendly resorts, may be unavailable.
- Passengers with disabilities can also travel with service animals on board ferries in Greece. Service animals travel free of charge, but it is advisable to let the company know before the day of traveling. Animals such as guide dogs must stay on a leash and have adequate documentation to freely accompany you on board instead of staying in a carrier or ferry kennel.
