Getting Around Accessible Greece in a Wheelchair

A view of Santorini, one of the most popular islands to visit in Greece. You can see the stacked white houses and churches on the edge of the cliff with the blue sea below.

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Looking to explore accessible Greece in a wheelchair? You’re in the right place!

Greece is a dream destination with stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and charming whitewashed towns.

While some streets can be narrow, cobblestoned, or steep, traveling Greece with limited mobility is absolutely possible — with the right planning.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about wheelchair accessible Greece, from navigating ferries, cruises, and rental cars to the best destinations, attractions, and accessible beaches.

At the end, check out our FAQ on the most accessible Greek islands and tips for wheelchair travelers.

Whether you’re visiting Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, or the Peloponnese, you’ll find practical tips to make your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

Let’s get rolling!

Plan Your Trip with My Favorite Resources

🔹Best accommodation site: Booking.com
🔹Best flight deals: Daily Drop Pro
🔹Book an accessible tour: Viator
🔹Easily stay connected: Airalo

*This post was written by Kristin Secor, my friend and fellow accessible travel advocate. It has since been updated with additional information.

An alley in accessible Greece with a narrow, flat road flanked by yellow buildings. There is a motorbike in the front left of the image with a taverns sign above, and an arch of colorful, hanging flowers and plants.

Is Greece Wheelchair Accessible?

I’m not going to lie, there are challenges when visiting Greece as a wheelchair user due to the uneven terrain.

However, if Greece is on your bucket list, there are ways to visit and experience this country as a wheelchair user. It will take more planning and possibly a larger budget, but it is possible.

My goal is to give you an idea of what you can experience when traveling Greece with limited mobility, and some tips for visiting.

Keep reading for what you need to know!

How to Visit Accessible Greece in a Wheelchair

There are a couple of ways you can visit Greece as a wheelchair user.

🛳️ Accessible Cruises in Greece

A huge white cruise ship docked beside a dry island in Greece with mountains. the sky and sea are both clear and bright blue. Taking a cruise is a great way to get see Greece as a wheelchair user.

My suggestion to get the most out of your trip to wheelchair accessible Greece is to consider doing a cruise. Taking a cruise will remove the stress of finding accessible lodging, transportation and restaurants.

No matter what cruise line you prefer, all the major lines have Greek itineraries.

I cruised with Princess Cruises as they had the itinerary that appealed to me the most at the time. We stopped in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu.

Tender Ports

Most of the time, tender ports present challenges for people with mobility issues. These are ports where the ship anchors offshore and you must take a smaller boat to get to port.

When choosing the right cruise for you, make sure to look for tender ports. There are some ships that have a “roll on” tender system, but they are few and far between.

In addition, there are always weight restrictions even with this system. If your mobility device weighs more than 100 lbs., you may not be able to tender at all.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Holland America cruise line claims to have this type of system on all but one of their ships (not on the Volendam). If you’re a manual wheelchair user, it would open up more options for you.

🚗 Wheelchair–Friendly Rental Cars in Greece

Our small white rental car beside a large, single tree overlooking the mountains in the Peloponnese region, with no one else around. Renting a car is a great way to experience Greece with limited mobility.

Renting a car is another great option, as you have more control over your itinerary.

When we rented a car for our 2 week Peloponnese road trip, I was able to plan my itinerary, so it worked with my pain, fatigue and limited mobility.

Renting a car in Greece provides you with added flexibility, in choosing what places to visit, stay and what activities to see/do.

That means you can choose places that you know are wheelchair friendly, like the accessible beaches in Kalamata.

A man in an electric wheelchair getting onto a ramp in an adapted vehicle in a parking lot beside a large bush with pink flowers. You can rent an adapted van when visiting accessible Greece.

You can also rent accessible vehicles in Greece, making your trip much more comfortable!

Several rental companies, especially in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, offer adapted vehicles with ramps, lifts, and secure seating for wheelchair users.

If you plan to explore beyond the cities, ensure the vehicle suits Greece’s varied terrain, and check whether accessible parking is available at your destinations.

✅HELPFUL TIP: It’s best to book in advance, as wheelchair friendly rentals can be limited, particularly on the islands.

💡Did you know we offer accessible small group tours?
👉Check out our available tours here!

A view of the seaside restaurants in Mykonos. The ground is a flat cobblestone and there are wood tables with green cloths set up along the waterfront. You can see the cute white buildings of the town in the distance.

Top Wheelchair Accessible Destinations in Greece

When you think of Greece, Athens likely comes to mind, as it is home to the Acropolis!

You might also consider the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but Greece has so much more to offer.

On my trip, I had the opportunity to visit islands I hadn’t really heard of before full of beauty and charm.

In this section, I’ll share the places I visited, how to get around, and accessible things to see and do, all from my experience of cruising through Greece.

1. Athens for Wheelchair Travelers

A view of the arched wall of the theatre from atop the Acropolis. The sprawling city of Athens is behind stretching all the way to the sea.

Most ships dock in Athens and, thankfully, there are several companies that offer accessible tours of the city. Unfortunately, those tours tend to be pricey.

Athens does have accessible taxis so it may be cheaper to arrange a taxi for a day vs paying for an official tour.

The downside is that you won’t have a guide to tell you all about the ancient history associated with Athens.

If you explore on your own without a tour, be aware that the sidewalks in Athens are uneven, bumpy and less than desirable. Traffic is also very busy.

Transportation in Athens is very accessible.

Buses and trolleys are equipped with ramps for easier boarding and most of Athens’ metro stations have working elevators. This makes it easier to visit the famous landmarks in Athens!

Acropolis

One of the most iconic sites in Athens is the Acropolis and at one time this site was nowhere near accessible. Luckily, times have changed!

Wheelchair users can now visit the Acropolis via an accessible elevator located at the northwest side of the Acropolis. There is a ramp from the ticket booth that leads to the lift, but it does have some inclines and declines.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Admission is free for those with disabilities. It’s best to call in advance to book the elevator and inform staff of your visit. Contact info: +30 210 3214172 or +30 210 9238470.

Once at the top, there are new accessible paths that lead to most of the famous sites and temples.

➡️Book this 5 star accessible Athens Half Day Tour here!

National Archeological Museum

This is one of the best museums in the city, with the most comprehensive collection of ancient sculptures and Greek artifacts in the world!

♿Plus, it has great accessibility.

✅Ramped northside entrance on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
✅All levels are accessible with ramps & elevators
✅Accessible restroom in basement
✅Wheelchairs available for use
✅Services for people with vision or hearing loss

✅HELPFUL TIP: Admission is free for disabled people and one companion.

Square of Monastiraki

Monastiraki Square is a lively, flat area filled with souvenir shops and outdoor restaurants, making it a great spot to shop and enjoy traditional Greek food.

There may be street performers, and local artisans set up, and you’ll have excellent views of the Acropolis.

The square is well-connected by public transport, making it an easy stop on your Athens itinerary.

♿Accessible Beaches in Athens

Recently, Greece has developed a SEATRAC sea ramp that allows wheelchair users independent access to the sea. It is a wooden ramp with an attached chair where you can control the entry into the water yourself.

However, you do need to be able to transfer into the chair yourself.

➡️Piraeus Freattyda: offers a SEATRAC sea ramp, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms, change rooms & showers.

There are 4 other beaches within a 12 – 20 minute drive from Athens, all with different accessible facilities. Here is a quick list:

♿Other Accessible Beaches
➡️Palaio Faliro Mpatis
➡️Piraeus Votsalakia
➡️Palaio Faliro Edem
➡️Alimos Kalamaki

2. Santorini for Wheelchair Users

A view of Santorini, a beautiful island in Greece with white buildings decorated with pink flowers hugging the side of the cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea at dusk.

Although beautiful, this island also poses one of the biggest challenges to wheelchair users as walkways are narrow, cobbled and often contain steps.

Cruise ships almost always tender into this port, so that poses its own challenges.

Make sure to check which part of the island you will be tendering to… there are two different tender drop off points. At the main tender port, it will require you to take a cable car to the top of the cliff.

There are lifts (I believe on the left side) to take you up the stairs and to the cable car. I heard that you will have to step into the cable car and transfer from your wheelchair to the seat of the car yourself but cannot verify this.

When I contacted the company regarding accessibility, they simply informed me that the cable cars were wheelchair accessible.

Accessible Tours

If you really want to see this island and can tender (or use a roll–on tender) then I highly recommend that you splurge and book an accessible tour.

An accessible tour will save you a lot of stress and help you make the most of your time here.

Here are a couple of popular excursion companies that offer accessible tours with links:

🔹Sage Travel: Santorini Accessible Shore Excursions
🔹Disabled Accessible Travel: Wheelchair Accessible Santorini
🔹Karavas Travel: Accessible Santorini Private Tour

I have not used these companies for this tour so I cannot comment on whether one is better than the other.

➡️Book this top rated Accessible Santorini Private Tour!

Blue Domed Church

If you’ve seen a picture of Santorini, chances are it features the iconic blue–domed church… it’s practically a symbol of the island.

Most accessible tours include a visit to this famous spot.

When I visited, I had more mobility, so my friends and I decided to explore on our own. We spent the entire day searching for this church! Santorini’s winding alleys are confusing and it’s easy to lose your way!

It was an adventure, but also a reminder of why booking a tour can be a great idea!

Archeological Museum of Santorini

Housing a variety of ancient Greek artifacts, this accessible museum will take you back in time. Learn about Greek mythology and ancient societies as you wander through its exhibits.

Scenic Views

Your accessible tour will take you to all the best places on the island to take amazing pictures. Almost any part of this island is Instagram worthy!

Watch the Sunset

Whether you’re on the cruise ship leaving port or on Santorini itself, make sure you catch the incredible sunsets that this island is known for. It’s the perfect activity for slow travelers too!

When I visited, I watched the sunset from the town of Oia… it truly was a magical experience.

♿Accessible Beaches in Santorini

There are 2 accessible beaches here, both with SEATRAC sea ramps.

➡️Santorini Kamari: accessible parking, restrooms, change rooms & showers
➡️Santorini Perissa: no accessible facilities

3. Mykonos for Wheelchair Travelers

An overview of Mykonos, an accessible Greece island to visit. The white town sits along the curved sandy beach and reaches a point that juts into the turquoise water. You can see mountains in the distance.

Known for its beautiful beaches and iconic windmills, Mykonos is a fantastic place to spend the day.

Whether your cruise ship docks at the New Port in Tourlos or tenders passengers to the Old Port will depend on your cruise line.

✅HELPFUL TIP: During summer, there is a €20 per person arrival fee for cruise passengers to address over tourism.

The walk or roll into town is fairly flat. However, the town itself has large, mostly flat cobblestones, along with some narrow alleyways and occasional steps, similar to many of the towns in Malta.

This is another port where booking an accessible tour may be a good idea, as a few companies—including those offering tours in Santorini—provide options for wheelchair users.

During my visit, we walked to the windmills, enjoyed a meal at an accessible outdoor restaurant, and spent time at the beach. It was a lovely and relaxing day!

A single white windmill with thatched roof with the sun setting behind creating an orange glow to the sky and the windmill.

The Windmills

Mykonos’ windmills can be seen from the port! They sit up high on a hill and are stately ambassadors of the island’s history, one even date to 1700.

When they were in use, they used wind to grind down wheat and barley, which was then sold at local markets.

There is a sandy area immediately surrounding the windmills, but there are also accessible viewing areas so you can capture them in action!

👉Join this small group Mykonos Tour for Cruise Passengers!

♿Accessible Beaches in Mykonos

There are 3 accessible beaches in Mykonos, all with SEATRAC sea ramps.

➡️Mykonos Kaminaki: accessible change room
➡️Mykonos Kalafatis: accessible change room
➡️Mykonos Kalo Livadi: no accessible facilities

Apparently, the beach at Agia Anna also has a special system with a chair on the ramp that will take people with disabilities into the water. Of course, you would need to be able to transfer into the chair.

4. Rhodes Accessible Attractions

An overview of the accessible Greek island of Rhodes. The curved beach is lined with beach umbrellas looking onto the gorgeous blue water. There are a few white buildings on the right side.

Cruise ships dock at Rhodes, which makes for easy exploring.

Just like the island of Sifnos, Rhodes an unexpectedly beautiful island. However, like pretty much all of Greece, there are steep pathways and cobblestones everywhere, so be prepared.

If you travel with chronic pain, or struggle with mobility, joining a walking tour may be challenging.

When I visited, my friends and I decided to walk and explore on our own, and boy was I exhausted at the end of the day! We took our time and did things at our own pace, but it took its toll on me.

Unlike other Greek islands, Rhodes has wheelchair accessible public transportation. The public buses have two wheelchair spots each with tie down capabilities. There is also a ramp for easy access.

If you want to save some money while traveling and wander yourself, I’d recommend getting a map of the bus routes ahead of time and mapping out what you want to see and do.

➡️Route maps can be found here: Statewide System Map – RIPTA

Have difficulty walking? Struggle with fatigue?
🧑‍🦽Why not rent a scooter?
Mobility Hire Rhodes has electric powered scooters (& other mobility devices) that you can rent to visit old town Rhodes. You must be able to transfer into the scooter and drive it yourself.
👉Check out Mobility Hire Rhodes here!

A cobblestone street in Rhodes, and accessible Greece island worth visiting. There are small potted plants along the walkway with stone arches above.

Mandraki Harbor

Once believed to be the site of the great Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this harbor now offers fantastic views of St. Nicholas Fortress, medieval windmills, and two deer statues.

The area is flat and easy to navigate, making it an accessible spot to explore.

Archeological Museum of Rhodes

When I visited, I had limited mobility and walked with a cane. Surfaces were mostly flat but there were steps and a flight of stairs.

The museum offers good accessibility with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, but not everywhere is wheelchair friendly.

We spent ½ day visiting and the museum was quite lovely with a lot of ancient mosaics and artifacts. The scenery was also quite picturesque.

Eat Greek Food

Just like the best places to eat on Sifnos, Rhodes has a lot of outdoor accessible restaurants throughout the town.

Each will differ in its level of accessibility. For example, some may have accessible restrooms, while others may not.

Greek food is interesting and delicious… eat a lot of it!

➡️Join this top rated accessible private tour of Rhodes!

Go Shopping

Throughout the town and along the pier, you’ll find plenty of famil–owned shops where you can get your fill of souvenirs. While not all shops are accessible, there are still some great options if you’re in the mood to shop.

If you enjoy liquor, be sure to pick up some Ouzo—a classic Greek spirit. Just sip it slowly, as it’s strong and can sneak up on you!

Accessible tours provide a fantastic way to explore the island, taking you to ancient ruins, charming monasteries, and pretty scenic overlooks.

♿Accessible Beaches in Corfu

There is only 1 accessible beach here with a SEATRAC sea ramp

➡️Rhodes Paralia Elli: accessible shower, but no restrooms.

5. Corfu for Wheelchair Users

The beautiful island of Corfu, an accessible Greece destination. The colorful old town sits on the waters edge with beautiful mountains in the distance and a park with green trees in the foreground.

This was my favorite island that we visited. The views were absolutely amazing and it had beautiful architecture!

Since I had better mobility in 2010, I took a shore excursion through the cruise line that was fairly easy. My friend was able to assist me up the steep steps of the tour motorcoach.

Corfu is one of the more accessible Greek Islands thanks to the Deputy Mayor of Welfare and Social Policy, a wheelchair user himself.

They even provide maps of the old town showing accessible rolling routes!

While I was here, I visited the Paleokintrista Monastery, the Paleokintrista beach, did a driving tour of the old town and saw a folklore performance.

There are reasonably priced accessible tours to these locations as well as other parts of the island.

Another great option is to take the accessible hop on hop off bus to get an overview of the old town section of the island. Unfortunately, it does not go to the Paleokintrista area (which is a shame to miss… it’s gorgeous).

➡️Join this 5 star accessible Food & Cultural tour of Corfu!

The old town of Corfu with tall beautiful buildings on a pedestrian only street filled with people shopping as dusk approaches.

Olive Oil & Wine Tasting

Corfu is considered to be the garden isle because it is covered with lush vegetation and olive groves.

Learn the art of olive oil tasting and combine that with a wine tasting and you will have the perfect tour for any foodie!

➡️Book this accessible Olive Oil Tasting with Guide here!

Take a Stroll/Roll in Corfu Old Town

This historic area, which dates back to the 18th century, is a must on any visit to Corfu!

Just like in Malta’s capital of Valletta, there are old churches, historic fortresses to explore. And lots of opportunities for shopping and sampling the local cuisine, too.

For those that walk with a cane or other mobility device, the hop on hop off bus will be a helpful option to explore this area.

➡️Book your Corfu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour here!

Visit the Northern Part of the Island

In the northeastern part of the island lies one of its most picturesque areas in my opinion! It’s home to Paleokastritsa Beach and Monastery.

Tucked between two cliffs, the beach has stunning blue water and is wheelchair accessible, featuring a ramp and an amphibious chair for water access.

The monastery, still in operation, offers breathtaking coastal views and a beautiful chapel.

However, this stop may be better suited for those with limited mobility rather than wheelchair users, as there are steps throughout and an inclined entrance.

👉Buy your Paleokastritsa Beach and Old Town Bus Excursion here!

♿Accessible Beaches on Corfu

Corfu takes the cake with a total of 9 accessible beaches with a SEATRAC sea ramp.

However, none of these beaches offer accessible restrooms.

♿Accessible Beaches in Corfu
➡️Corfu Ipsos
➡️Corfu NAOK
➡️Corfu Dassia
➡️Corfu Gouvia 2
➡️Corfu Benitses
➡️PIN Corfu Roda
➡️Corfu Palaiokastritsa

FAQs: Wheelchair Accessible Greece

Which Greek island is most accessible?

Many Greek islands are wheelchair friendly, but some stand out. Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete have smooth streets, accessible hotels, and some wheelchair-friendly beaches. Santorini and Mykonos are more challenging due to steps and steep streets, but with planning and accessible tours, they can still be enjoyed.

Is Greece handicap friendly?

Yes! While historic streets and cobblestones can be tricky, Greece is becoming more accessible for travelers with mobility issues. Major cities, popular islands, and many museums now offer ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Planning ahead and using accessible transport makes your trip smoother.

Is Santorini, Greece handicap friendly?

Santorini has some challenges for wheelchair users because of its steep streets and steps. However, there are accessible hotels, ferries, and guided tours, and areas like Fira and Perissa offer flat paths and ramps. With careful planning, wheelchair users can still experience Santorini’s stunning views and sunsets.

A beautiful beach in Crete with shallow light turquoise water. There are rocks in the foreground and a few trees with mountains in the background.

Final Thoughts: Visiting Accessible Greece as a Wheelchair User

Exploring Greece in a wheelchair will definitely come with its challenges, but with determination and the right planning, it’s possible to make it work!

Greece is a lovely country with delicious food, friendly people, and breathtaking sights. If visiting accessible Greece is on your bucket list, it’s worth the effort to experience it.