Three Greek Islands That Are Both Gorgeous And Handicap Accessible

Just the thought of Greece conjures images of crystal blue waters, breathtaking architecture, serene landscapes, and delicious Mediterranean food. But with so much to do and see, traveling to Greece can present its own set of challenges to those with limited mobility. Fortunately, plenty of Greek destinations to explore are easy to get around and gorgeous to boot. If you want to travel to Greece but are nervous about getting around, check out this list of Greek islands that are as accessible as they are beautiful.

1. Crete

Crete is the birthplace of the oldest European civilization, the Minoans. With a history dating back to 2700 BC, there is enough to keep any history buff occupied for the entirety of the vacation! If you're staying at a resort, the facilities there will be completely accessible with wheelchair access, ramps, and large rooms. If you want to explore beyond the confines of the resort, you'll find wide and even streets, perfect for navigating a wheelchair or other mobility equipment.

While venturing outside the resort, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a great place to check out Crete's fascinating past. It features artwork, jewelry, armor, and other artifacts dating back nearly 5,000 years! Best of all, the museum itself is wheelchair friendly. It also offers a self-guided tour where you can tour the museum at your own pace, a perfect feature to accommodate all different mobility needs.

2. Syros

Syros is great because it features all of the beautiful architecture of less accessible islands, but it is equipped to cater to different disability needs. Four of the beaches on Syros offer what is called SEATRAC––a service that transports people with disabilities to and from the beach. It can even take you (safely and securely) right into the water! These beaches also feature floating wheelchairs, making Syros one of the best Greek islands in terms of accessibility.

Syros is also a relatively uncrowded island, making it much easier to navigate and enjoy. With captivating marble streets and tons of quaint shops, it's the perfect spot to enjoy Greece's legendary beauty at a more leisurely pace.

3. Corfu

This island is a bustling summer destination, which can be difficult for those with limited mobility to navigate. The best time to visit this island is from August to October; the summer tourists have dispersed, and the crowds begin to thin, but the weather and water are still warm and beautiful! Corfu has many locations with free disabled parking and also boasts the SEATRAC system and floating wheelchairs.

Local businesses such as shops, restaurants, and even beach bars have made it a top priority to be accessible and inclusive for all. The museums and other exhibitions at Corfu offer wheelchair tours so everyone can enjoy the landscape and learn a little something, too. Corfu boasts a few bus and minivan sightseeing treks to take you around the city, no walking or navigating required! The Museum of Corfu is fully accessible, as well, featuring pieces of ancient temples, bronze statues, coins, jewelry, and other priceless antiques.

Another highlight of this island is its "disability routes," which are indicated by blue lines painted on the ground. These routes have no hills yet they have ramps, wide pathways, and other accessibility features. There are different colors, too; these indicate the ways that are not accessible, such as those featuring hills and rough terrain. If you're tech-savvy, you can even download an app that uses your phone's GPS to display a map of the blue-lined pathways so you always know you're taking the correct route.

Greece has become a surprisingly accessible and popular destination for those with physical limitations; there's no reason not to enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer because there are accommodations for your every need! Greece has everything you need, from floating wheelchairs and unique disability routes to smooth, level streets. It is now entirely possible to enjoy Greece's gorgeous vistas, fascinating history, and delightful cuisine with confidence and ease.