Greece for the Physically Disabled

Greece was not designed for people in wheelchairs......

Even before they created the uneven streets and steps the topography of the country was rocky and mountainous. Add the crooked sidewalks, too many cars, hotels with no wheelchair access ramps and elevators that are too narrow and you have the makings of a miserable holiday for anyone who is dependent upon a wheelchair.

But things change, especially in Greece and little by little Athens is addressing the needs of the handicapped. A few years ago I might have told someone physically impaired to go elsewhere. Now with the interest in helping the handicapped by people in the travel industry, the government and in particular the activism of the handicapped in Greece, (not to mention the need to put on a new face for the 2004 Olympics and Special Olympics that has created these improvements in Athens), anyone in a wheelchair will be able to go to Greece with confidence. That is what this page is for. I hope you find it useful and I welcome comments before and after your trip.

Recommended Pages for Disabled Travelers

I would hesitate to call Athens wheel-chair friendly yet. But by using this page you can get around most problem areas and find the places to stay and visit that will not be too frustrating.
You can also e-mail me with any questions at matt@greecetravel.com
Matt Barrett

Christianakis Travel: Specializing in tours for the disabled with a fleet of accessable vehicles. They also know which hotels are wheelchair friendly in Athens and the islands and are the best agency to use if you or someone in your group is in need of assistance. They are the first and only Greek tour operating company that specializes in tailor-made itineraries for the physically challenged. They can fulfill all of your travel requirements by providing you with transportation, hotel booking and guides to escort you around historic sites and attractions in Greece and Europe. They can also provide you with business/conference facilities, or if you prefer, arrange a custom-made itinerary to suit you, featuring any of the above choices.They have over 20 years of experience in the traveling business and guarantee the best service for you.

Sirens Resort for the Disabled
A fully accessable hotel for the disabled with wheelchair ramps to the sea, specially designed rooms and bathrooms and tours.

Eria Resort for the Disabled in Crete: The Eria Resort is specially designed with disabled people in mind located in the historic village of Maleme in an area of unique natural beauty, surrounded by olive groves with an unobstructed view of the Cretan sea

Breaking Through the Disability Barriers
Great article by Alexia Amvraza

Capital to be Disabled-Friendly by 2004: Athens News Article

Helpful Information for Wheelchair Users from an Athens 2004 Paralympic Athlete

Strollering Through Athens
by Matt Barrett

Dolphin Hellas Travel
Aliki Hamosfakides has put together itineraries for people in wheelchairs. It is not easy, she says but it can be done.

George the Famous Taxi Driver
Transfers, tours and assistance in Athens and the Greek mainland

Private Drivers in Cruise Ports
If you are going on a Greek Island cruise and are worried about getting around here is a list of professional drivers that can assist you on getting the most out of your destination.

Healing Mineral Baths of Edipsos
One of the most wheelchair friendly places in Greece

Lake Vouliagmeni
Healing spa on the outskirts of Athens

Hot Springs of Lesvos
Most of these healing springs are completely accessible

Disability Now
Most of this site and the sites it links to are in Greek but there are some articles in English and Nikos Voulgaropoulos can answer any questions you have by e-mail. The English Index is at www.disabled.gr/english.html

Wheelchair Rentals and other Equipment:
There is a company in Athens called BIOTECHNICA.
You can contact Mr George Dederis at degeorge@otenet.gr

The Disabled Holidayer – the site for people to share their holiday and day-out experiences when travelling with a disability. Whether at home or abroad, they want to know about accessibility; how you were treated; the good and bad; whether you are handicapped or have special requirements or needs; and anything else you think would be helpful to others. So... tell them about the country, accommodation, day-out experiences or activities and add some photos to give people a feel of the destination.

Help Support Matt's Greece Travel Guides 
Do you enjoy using my site? Have you found it entertaining as well as useful? If so please show your appreciation by booking hotels through the travel agencies and the links found on my  Travel Agents Page. The small comission I make on the bookings enable me to keep working and in most cases you won't find them any cheaper by searching elsewhere. You can also book at Booking.com's Delphi Page and they give me a small percentage on each booking.