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Greece for the Physically Disabled

Disabled Now: Magazine for the physically handicapped in Greece

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.

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

Disabled Access Sailing Holidays
"Our thirst for sailing, drove us to find ways to make sailing accessible and fun to all, and especially to those physically challenged. We have consulted with experts in special needs matters, in order to outfit our sailing boats for  handicapped people. "

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

Tour in Greece for the Disabled
Fantasy Travel has put together a package for physically impaired that features some of the best of Greece and hotels that have facilities

George the Famous Taxi Driver
Transfers, tours and assistance

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

Orthodynamic
Manufacturing company and second trading company produces around 300 products such as orthopedic belts, knee and ankle supports, elastic stockings, cervical collars, walkers, crutches, sticks, wheelchairs, sphygmomanometers...