Santorini for Wheelchair Users

Best Ways to Get to Santorini: Airport vs. Port

Santorini Airport: Flying to Santorini through Santorini National Airport (JTR) is a quick and convenient option, especially for travelers coming from Athens, with flights taking just about 45 minutes. The airport offers wheelchair assistance services, but it’s important to arrange these in advance. While the airport is small and can get crowded during peak season, it’s conveniently located near Fira, making it easy to reach nearby accommodations. Before booking your flight, make sure your airline has a wheelchair assistance policy, and be sure to inform the crew of your mobility needs so they can accommodate you in the best way possible.

Athinios Ferry Port: Taking a ferry to Santorini via Athinios Port offers a scenic and memorable journey with beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and the caldera cliffs. While ferries generally provide wheelchair accessibility with ramps and seating, it’s important to check in advance, especially for high-speed ferries, which may have limited accessibility. Ferries are slower than flights, taking between 4-8 hours, and can be affected by weather conditions.

In conclusion, both flying and taking a ferry to Santorini offer accessibility for wheelchair users, but flying may be more managed by predictable conditions. The ferry ride, while scenic, may require more planning, particularly with the steep terrain at Athinios Port.

Cruise Ship visitors

The Old Port of Santorini, where cruise ships dock, lies at the base of a rocky cliff directly below Fira Town. To reach the town, visitors must use the cable car, which is wheelchair accessible and provides a convenient connection between the port and the town center. The cable car cabins are spacious enough to accommodate standard wheelchairs, and both upper and lower stations feature ramps or elevators for ease of access. Additionally, staff members are available to assist with boarding and exiting, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. While the ride itself is brief and comfortable, accessing the stations may involve navigating steep or cobbled paths, which could pose a challenge for manual wheelchair users without assistance. During peak tourist times, planning visits during quieter hours can help avoid crowds.

Transfer, local bus & car rental Accessibility

Santorini’s public transportation system is not particularly wheelchair-friendly. While buses are an affordable way to travel, they are not a practical option for wheelchair users. The local buses, which connect major towns and tourist spots like Fira, Oia, and the airport, are not equipped with ramps or lifts, making them difficult for individuals with mobility challenges to use.

For a more convenient and accessible option, private transfers are recommended. Many private transfer services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, such as vans with ramps or lifts. These can be pre-booked for a smooth journey from the airport, port, or hotel. Given Santorini's steep terrain and narrow roads, accessible transfers are often a more reliable and comfortable way to navigate the island.

Taxis in Santorini are generally not wheelchair accessible. However, there are a few specialized accessible taxis available, but these are limited and should be booked in advance. Though they tend to be more expensive than regular taxis, they offer a necessary service for travelers with mobility needs.

When it comes to car rentals, Santorini has some options, but accessibility is limited. Wheelchair-accessible rental cars, such as those with ramps or hand controls, are not widely available on the island and should be reserved well in advance. Standard rental cars may not have the necessary space or features for mobility equipment. Additionally, driving in Santorini can be challenging due to its steep hills and narrow roads, so it’s important to consider the island’s terrain before renting a car. Accessible parking spaces can also be difficult to find in more crowded areas like Fira and Oia.

In conclusion, while Santorini’s public transportation is not ideal for wheelchair users, private accessible transfer, pre-arranged accessible taxis, and advanced car rentals are the most reliable ways to get around. With some planning, wheelchair users can enjoy a comfortable visit to this beautiful island.

Accessible Villages

While beautiful and unique, Santorini's villages can be challenging for wheelchair users due to their steep, narrow streets, stairs, and cobblestone pathways. Here's a breakdown of accessibility in some of the main villages:

Fira Town

Fira, the island’s capital, has some accessible features and modern infrastructure, but it is far from fully wheelchair-friendly. Built on a cliff, the village has many steep roads and pathways, along with cobblestone streets that can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. While some parts of the village have paved paths, many streets remain uneven and challenging for people with mobility impairments. Additionally, numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions have stairs, and although some places offer ramps, they are not universally available. This presents a significant obstacle in areas built on multiple levels, like Fira. Lastly, even though some famous viewpoints have been made more accessible, reaching the cliff-edge viewpoints or iconic caldera views often requires navigating stairs or uneven paths.

Oia Village

Oia, while one of the most beautiful and iconic villages on Santorini, is not very wheelchair accessible. Situated on the edge of the caldera, it features many steep pathways, steps, and inclines that make navigation difficult for wheelchair users since Oia’s streets are often narrow and cobbled, which can be bumpy and hard to maneuver. Built on multiple levels, many shops, restaurants, and hotels have stairs, and although some newer buildings include ramps, they are not widely available, leaving many venues inaccessible without assistance. The famous views of the caldera and sunset in Oia are often at the top of steep paths or stairs, making access nearly impossible for wheelchair users without support and careful planning.

Megalochori Traditional Village

Megalochori, while more accessible than some of Santorini's steeper villages, still has limitations for wheelchair users. With a mix of flat and gently sloping areas, it’s somewhat easier to navigate and lacks the dramatic steepness of Fira or Oia, as it is set away from the caldera cliff. However, like many traditional villages on Santorini, Megalochori has cobblestone streets that can be uneven. What is more, the village is home to several charming shops, restaurants, and wineries. While some venues may have ramps, accessible entrances are not universal, and some locations still require stairs. Therefore, it’s recommended to contact specific establishments in advance to confirm wheelchair accessibility, as newer or renovated places are more likely to be accessible.

Pyrgos Traditional Village

Pyrgos, despite its charm and appeal, is not very accessible for wheelchair users. Built on a hillside, much of the village consists of steep, winding paths that are difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. As a result, many streets are sloped and narrow, making maneuvering challenging even with assistance. Furthermore, most shops, cafes, and restaurants are located in historic buildings with steps, and accessible entrances are rare. While some outdoor seating areas might be accessible, indoor spaces and bathrooms typically involve stairs. Pyrgos also offers, beautiful viewpoints and historic sites, like the Venetian Castle, but reaching these often requires climbing stairs or navigating steep paths. Ultimately, the village’s best panoramic views are located at higher points, making them inaccessible for those with mobility impairments.

Akrotiri Village

While Akrotiri Village has a beautiful, traditional charm, its cobblestone streets, steps, and lack of accessible infrastructure make it challenging for wheelchair users. The narrow, uneven paths and occasional inclines make maneuvering difficult. Equally important to mention is that most shops, cafes, and tavernas are housed in older buildings that were not designed with accessibility in mind, and ramps are rare. Thus, many entrances have steps, making access difficult, and indoor spaces and bathrooms are typically not wheelchair-friendly. Additionally, some areas of the village have steeper sections and narrow pathways that may be difficult to navigate even with assistance.

Perissa & Perivolos Villages

Perissa and Perivolos are among the more wheelchair-friendly villages in Santorini, thanks to their relatively flat terrain. Perissa has wide, flat streets that are easier to navigate than the steep paths found in villages like Fira. Many modern accommodations and restaurants in Perissa offer ramps and accessible facilities, though older buildings may lack these, so it’s best to confirm accessibility with each venue. Perivolos is also flat, with paved roads making it more manageable while some newer resorts and beach clubs along the beach feature ramps, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms. However, as with Perissa, older establishments may not be fully accessible, so checking with individual venues is recommended. Overall, while Perissa and Perivolos offer more accessibility than many other villages in Santorini, wheelchair users should still plan ahead to ensure a smooth visit.

Kamari Village

Kamari is one of Santorini’s more accessible villages for wheelchair users, especially compared to the island’s steeper cliffside locations. With mostly flat, paved streets and a thoughtfully designed layout, Kamari is easier to navigate. Its long, accessible beachfront promenade, which runs along the shore, provides a wide, mostly level path lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes that are generally more accommodating. Many newer establishments along the promenade are equipped with ramps, accessible bathrooms, and wider doorways, although accessibility may vary in older buildings, so it’s best to confirm with specific venues. Overall, Kamari’s flat terrain, paved paths, and modern facilities make it one of the island’s most wheelchair-friendly areas.

Accessible Beaches

Beach clubs and resorts in Santorini often provide the best accessibility features, so contacting them in advance to confirm wheelchair access, ramps, and beach chairs can enhance your visit. The terrain varies across the island’s beaches, with sand and pebbles that may require assistance closer to the shore. For wheelchair users, Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos generally offer the most accessible experiences, with flatter areas and better accommodations for mobility needs.

Perissa Beach

Perissa Beach is one of the top choices for wheelchair users, thanks to its relatively flat terrain and accessible beachfront promenade. Many of the newer beach clubs and restaurants provide ramps, accessible bathrooms, and wide walkways. Some clubs even offer access mats and beach wheelchairs, making it easier to get closer to the water. Additionally, a ramp for independent sea access is available, ensuring that people with mobility issues can enjoy a more seamless and inclusive beach experience.

Perivolos Beach

Similarly, Perivolos Beach, known for its flat landscape, is another good wheelchair-accessible option. Modern beach clubs and resorts here often include ramps, accessible facilities, and beach wheelchairs. Like Perissa, Perivolos features paved walkways, which make it easier for visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the area.

Kamari Beach

Kamari Beach also features a flat, accessible promenade with cafes, restaurants, and shops that are more wheelchair-friendly. The promenade provides a mostly level path along the beach. A few beach clubs in Kamari offer beach wheelchairs and accessible seating areas, although the sand and pebble terrain can be uneven closer to the shore. Furthermore, a ramp for independent sea access is provided, enabling individuals with mobility limitations to enjoy a more accessible and inclusive beach experience.

Monilithos Beach

Monolithos Beach is quieter than many of Santorini's other beaches and offers some of the smoothest access to the water, with fewer pebbles along the shoreline. The beach includes ramps to accessible seating areas and provides shaded spots, making it a comfortable option for wheelchair users. However, amenities can be limited, so it’s a good idea to check with local beach clubs or resorts ahead of time for specific accessible features.

Accessible Hotels

Santorini has a limited but growing selection of wheelchair-accessible hotels, in flatter areas like Kamari and Perissa, as well as in Fira and other villages. Some great options include:

In Kamari:

• Bellonias Villas: The hotel provides full wheelchair accessibility throughout its premises.
• Costa Grand Resort & Spa: All public areas, including the entrance, reception, restaurant, and pool bar, are wheelchair accessible.
• La Mer Deluxe: This property features adapted rooms with roll-in showers for guests with reduced mobility, along with ramp access to pools, restaurants, ground-floor rooms, and restrooms.

In Perissa:

• Aqua Blue Beach Hotel: The hotel is fully wheelchair accessible, including the restaurant, reception, and pool area, though it does not offer additional modifications for disabled guests.
• Antoperla: The hotel offers a range of wheelchair-accessible rooms and ensures accessibility throughout its facilities, including the restaurant, reception, swimming pool, and public restrooms. Additionally, accessible parking is available, along with a stair-free path leading to the entrance.

• Astro Palace: The hotel offers full wheelchair accessibility across all facilities, including the reception, fitness center, spa, pool, restaurant, and parking. Rooms are designed with accessible pathways and equipped with bathroom emergency pull cords.
• Evgenia Villas & Suites: Features one wheelchair-accessible room, along with accessible parking and pathways to its facilities.
• Bedspot Hostel: While most rooms are shared, it offers a fully wheelchair-accessible ground-floor double room with a private ensuite bathroom that includes a raised toilet with a grab bar, a low-height counter and sink, and an emergency pull cord.

In Oia:

• Santo Pure: The hotel provides wheelchair accessibility throughout its facilities, though the swimming pools lack special rails for wheelchair entry. Accessible rooms are equipped with bathrooms featuring raised toilets with grab rails, lowered sinks, and wheelchair-accessible showers.

In Imerovigli:

• Aeifos Boutique: Located on the cliffside, this hotel is thoughtfully designed for wheelchair accessibility, featuring elevator access to all levels and on-site wheelchair-accessible parking. The ground-floor Deluxe Triple Room is fully accessible, with an open floor plan, grab rails in the bathroom, a lowered sink, and a roll-in shower.
• SantAnna Luxury Suites: Accessible areas include the reception, parking, and pool deck. In-room accessibility features include spacious open floor plans and showers that may accommodate wheelchair users.

In Pyrgos:

• North Santorini: This hotel offers wheelchair-accessible parking, a stair-free path to the entrance, accessible pathways, and an elevator for access to all floors. Some suites are specifically designed for wheelchair users, featuring toilet grab rails, higher toilets, and lower sinks.
• Voreina Gallery Suites: The London Suite is thoughtfully designed for accessibility, offering a fully equipped kitchen and living area, an accessible bathroom with an oversized roll-in shower, and a private veranda with a heated outdoor pool and shower. The reception and parking areas are also wheelchair accessible.
• Alleys Boutique & Spa Hotel: A fully wheelchair-accessible hotel, featuring an elevator to all 14 suites and common areas such as the reception, lobby, pool area, restaurant, pool bar, spa, and parking. Accessibility features include grab rails, higher toilets, lower sinks, wide bathroom doors, adjustable bathroom mirrors, and a public WC room.

Plan to book well in advance, as most hotels with accessible rooms typically have only one or two available, which tend to fill quickly.

Akrotiri Excavations

The famous Akrotiri Archaeological Site is relatively accessible, with a covered area and a network of wooden walkways that allow visitors to explore the preserved ruins with ease. These walkways are wheelchair-friendly, and ramps provide access to many parts of the site. However, some sections may remain challenging to view fully, as accessibility varies across the site. For the best experience, it’s advisable to contact the site in advance to confirm current accessibility features and inquire about available assistance services.

Accessible Wineries

• Santo Wines: The parking lot, winery entrance, wine tasting area (offering stunning views of the caldera), wine bar, deli shop, and restrooms are all wheelchair accessible. However, the restaurant and winery production facilities are not accessible as they involve stairs.
• Hatzidakis Winery: All facilities, including parking and restrooms, are wheelchair accessible. Every tasting session includes a guided tour of the winery.
• Estate Argyros: The wine tasting room, patio, vineyards, production area, and parking are all fully accessible for individuals using wheelchairs.
• Vassaltis Vineyards: The tasting room is wheelchair accessible, with a wide, flat cobbled path connecting it to the parking area. There is also an excellent on-site restaurant, and reservations are recommended.