The Greek Islands, renowned for their stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offer a captivating array of experiences for travelers. From the iconic whitewashed buildings of Santorini to the historic ruins of Crete and the lively atmosphere of Mykonos, each island has its unique charm. However, navigating these beautiful destinations with a wheelchair requires careful planning. This guide provides detailed information on accessible hotels, attractions, transportation, and amenities across four major Greek islands: Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes. Whether you’re seeking luxurious accommodations, historical sites, or beachside relaxation, this guide aims to help you enjoy the best of the Greek Islands with ease and comfort. For those looking for organized tour, consider Care Under the Sun which offers tours to Greece and the Greek Islands. 

1. Santorini

Santorini, known for its breathtaking caldera views and stunning sunsets, offers a mix of classic Greek architecture and modern luxury. The island is famous for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and volcanic landscapes. Accessibility can be challenging due to the cobblestone streets and steep paths, but there are several accommodations and attractions that cater to wheelchair users.

Attractions

  • Fira Town: The island’s capital offers stunning views, shops, and restaurants. Cobblestone streets with some ramps; assistance may be needed.
  • Oia Village: Famous for its sunsets, white-washed buildings, and blue domes. Mixed terrain with cobblestones and steps; some accessible areas.
  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site: A well-preserved ancient Minoan city. Wheelchair-accessible pathways and ramps.

Tour

  • Santorini Easy Access Tours: Customized accessible tours of the caldera, wineries, and archaeological sites. Smooth and wide pathways, minimal barriers. The tour uses wheelchair-accessible vans.

Restaurants

  • Mylos Bar Restaurant: Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Smooth, level entry with ramp access. Accessible restrooms.
  • Argo Restaurant: Seafood and local dishes. Ramp access and spacious seating. Accessible restrooms.

Hotels

  • Canaves Oia Suites: King-size and adjustable beds available upon request. Roll-in showers with fold-down seats and grab bars. Pool with hoist, accessible pathways, and terraces.
  • Celestia Grand Villas: King-size and customizable bed heights. Roll-in showers with hand-held showerheads and grab bars. Accessible terraces, ramps, and pool hoists.

Transportation

Pathway Makeup

  • Predominantly cobblestone streets in Fira and Oia; many areas have ramps, but some paths are steep.

2. Crete

Crete, the largest Greek island, combines rich history with diverse landscapes. It offers a range of experiences from ancient archaeological sites to charming old towns and beautiful beaches. While some areas have cobblestones and uneven surfaces, many tourist spots are accessible, making it a great destination for wheelchair users.

Attractions

  • Knossos Palace: An ancient Minoan palace and one of Crete’s most famous archaeological sites. Partially accessible with ramps and some uneven terrain.
  • Chania Old Town: A charming old town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Cobblestone streets with some accessible pathways and ramps.
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Home to a vast collection of Minoan artifacts. Fully accessible with elevators and wide pathways. 

Tour

  • Crete Accessible Tours: Visits to Knossos Palace, Chania Old Town, and local vineyards where there are paved and well-maintained paths. The tour uses adapted minibuses with ramps.

Restaurants

  • Avli Restaurant: Traditional Cretan food. Wide entry with ramps. Accessible restrooms and seating.
  • Peskesi: Farm-to-table Cretan cuisine. Ramp access and spacious dining areas. Accessible restrooms.

Hotels

  • Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa: King-size and lowered beds for easy transfer. Roll-in showers with hand-held showerheads and grab bars. Pool hoists, accessible dining areas, and ramps.
  • Capsis Astoria Heraklion: King-size and adjustable bed heights. Roll-in showers with grab bars. Accessible rooms and public areas.

Transportation

Pathway Makeup

  • Mix of cobblestone and smooth pathways in major tourist areas; accessible beaches with boardwalks. Some traditional areas have cobblestones.

3. Mykonos

Mykonos is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, picturesque beaches, and iconic windmills. The island’s charm lies in its mix of traditional Cycladic architecture and modern amenities. Accessibility can vary, with newer developments being more accommodating compared to the older, cobblestoned areas.

Hotels

  • Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa: King-size and customizable bed heights. Roll-in showers with non-slip floors and grab bars. Beach wheelchair available, accessible pools, and spa services.
  • Myconian Ambassador Hotel: King-size and lowered beds for easy transfer. Roll-in showers with grab bars. Accessible rooms and public areas.

Attractions

  • Mykonos Town: Known for its vibrant nightlife, shops, and iconic windmills. Cobblestone streets; newer areas have ramps and smoother pathways.
  • Delos Island: An uninhabited island with significant archaeological ruins. Limited accessibility; uneven terrain and steps.
  • Paradise Beach: A popular beach known for its parties and water sports. Accessible pathways and beach wheelchairs available.

Tour

  • Mykonos Island Tours: Scenic island drives, Delos archaeological site, and Mykonos town exploration. Pathways are primarily cobblestone; assistance may be required in some areas. The tour uses accessible coaches with lift systems.

Restaurants

  • Koursaros: Seafood and local delicacies. Accessible entry and dining area. Accessible toilets.
  • M-eating: Modern Greek cuisine. Ramp access and spacious dining areas. Accessible restrooms.

Transportation

Pathway Makeup

  • Cobblestone streets in the old town; newer areas have smoother paths and ramps. Many traditional areas have cobblestone paths and stairs.

Rhodes

Attractions

  • Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes): A lush valley known for its large population of Jersey Tiger Moths. The main paths are accessible, with slight inclines in some areas. Assistance may be required in steeper sections.
  • Aquarium of Rhodes: A popular attraction showcasing Mediterranean marine life. The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators, making it a great indoor option.
  • Kallithea Springs: A historic spa known for its healing waters, now a popular tourist attraction. The main areas are accessible, including the gardens and central courtyard. Accessible restrooms are available on-site.
  • Beaches: Beaches near the Elysium Resort & Spa and Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort provide accessible pathways, shaded areas, and beach wheelchairs.

Hotels

  • Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas: A 5-star resort on the beautiful Kalathos Beach, offering luxurious amenities and services. The resort is highly accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms designed with wheelchair users in mind. Accessible rooms include roll-in showers with seats and grab bars, low beds, and wide doorways. The resort offers an accessible beach with paved paths and special beach wheelchairs. Accessible sunbeds are available, and there is easy access to shaded areas. The hotel’s pools have ramped entries, and pool lifts are available to assist wheelchair users.
  • Elysium Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort with stunning sea views, ideal for relaxation and recreation. The Elysium Resort is committed to accessibility with adapted rooms, accessible public areas, and clear, wide pathways. The rooms have roll-in showers with grab bars, shower chairs, and low beds designed for easy transfers. The hotel provides access to an accessible beach with beach wheelchairs and smooth pathways leading to the water. There are also accessible changing rooms and restrooms near the beach area. The pools are equipped with lifts, and there are accessible changing facilities close by.
  • Mitsis Grand Hotel Beach Hotel: A seafront hotel offering a blend of luxury and traditional Greek hospitality. The Mitsis Grand Hotel offers a range of accessible facilities including ramps, elevators, and specially adapted rooms. Accessible rooms feature roll-in showers with seating and grab bars, wide doorways, and low beds for easy transfers. The hotel’s beach area is accessible with paved pathways leading directly to the shore. Beach wheelchairs and accessible sunbeds are available upon request. The hotel’s pools include lifts and ramped entries to facilitate easy access for wheelchair users.

Corfu

Attractions

Exploring Corfu offers both opportunities and challenges for wheelchair users. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key attractions:

  • Corfu Town (Kérkyra): The Spianada Square is flat and offers a good starting point for exploring. Many shops and cafes have accessible entrances. The Old Town’s narrow, cobblestone streets can be difficult to navigate, especially in wet conditions. Many buildings have steps, and not all are equipped with ramps. Accessible toilets are limited. Stick to the main squares and pedestrianized streets for the best experience.
  • Achilleion Palace: The main entrance is accessible via a ramp, and the first floor can be explored by wheelchair users. The palace has accessible toilets. The gardens surrounding the palace are on a steep slope, and parts are inaccessible. The upper floors of the palace are not wheelchair-accessible due to the absence of an elevator. Spend time in the accessible areas of the palace and enjoy the views from the first-floor balcony.
  • Paleokastritsa: The main beach area has accessible pathways and offers beach wheelchairs. Several restaurants in the area are accessible and offer stunning views. The monastery is located on a hill with steep, uneven paths, which are not wheelchair-friendly. The beaches may have pebbly sections that require assistance to navigate. Focus on the beach areas and nearby accessible viewpoints.
  • Liston Promenade: This flat, accessible promenade in Corfu Town is lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants, most of which are wheelchair-friendly. Some older buildings along the promenade have steps at the entrance, though many establishments have installed ramps. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing and people-watching.
  • Corfu Archaeological Museum: The museum is mostly accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets. The exhibits are on one level, allowing easy access. Some display cases are at a height that may require assistance for detailed viewing. Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

Beaches

Corfu’s beaches are famous for their beauty, but not all are fully accessible. Here’s a detailed look at the more accessible beaches:

  • Glyfada Beach: Accessible paths lead to the beach, and beach wheelchairs are available. The sandy beach is relatively flat, and some nearby hotels offer accessible facilities. The entrance to the beach may require assistance over a short section of uneven ground. Contact local services in advance to reserve a beach wheelchair.
  • Dassia Beach: Accessible walkways and calm waters make Dassia a good option for swimming. The beach has several nearby cafes and restaurants with accessible entrances and toilets. The beach has some pebbly sections that might be challenging for independent wheelchair users. Choose a spot near one of the accessible cafes for easy access to facilities.
  • Ipsos Beach: The long promenade is accessible, offering plenty of restaurants and shops that cater to wheelchair users. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request. The beach itself is pebbly, which can make accessing the water difficult without assistance. Spend time on the promenade and enjoy the views while sampling local cuisine.

Transportation

Accommodations

  • Mayor Mon Repos Palace Art Hotel: Rooms are equipped with either double or twin beds. Beds are at an appropriate height for wheelchair transfer. The rooms feature roll-in showers with grab bars and a shower seat. The hotel has a lift, ramps, and accessible public toilets. The restaurant and pool area are accessible. Some pathways around the hotel have slight inclines, and the older parts of the building have narrow doorways.
  • Aeolos Beach Resort: The resort offers rooms with king-size beds. Bathrooms include roll-in showers with grab bars and a fold-down seat. Accessible pools with pool lifts, ramps throughout the resort, and beach wheelchairs available upon request. Restaurants, bars, and common areas are accessible. The resort is on a slope, so certain areas might require assistance. Some pathways are steep, and shuttle service within the resort may be necessary.
  • MarBella Corfu: These rooms feature either queen or twin beds, with the option for an extra bed if needed. Bathrooms have roll-in showers with handheld showerheads and grab bars. The resort offers beach access with an amphibious wheelchair, accessible toilets in common areas, and several restaurants with accessible seating. While the main areas are accessible, some parts of the resort have steps or steep inclines that may require assistance.

Restaurants and Dining

  • La Famiglia: Located in Corfu Town, La Famiglia offers a flat entrance and spacious interior, with accessible outdoor seating. The restaurant has an accessible toilet. The surrounding streets are cobblestoned, which might require careful navigation.
  • The Venetian Well: This fine dining restaurant in Corfu Town is accessible and offers a unique dining experience in a picturesque square. The entrance is flat, and seating is available both indoors and outdoors. The approach to the restaurant involves navigating narrow streets that may be challenging for some.
  • Avli: Located in Kinopiastes village, Avli is a traditional Greek taverna with an accessible entrance, wide doorways, and outdoor seating. Accessible toilets are available. The village has some uneven pathways, but the restaurant area is flat and easy to access.

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