Accessible Greek Island Resorts: Where to Stay for an Inclusive Vacation

Greece, with its ancient ruins, vibrant culture, and stunning islands, is a dream destination for many travelers. But for those with disabilities, finding accessible accommodations can be challenging. Fortunately, several resorts across the Greek islands have stepped up to provide inclusive amenities, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the beauty and history of this iconic destination. Here’s a guide to the 10 most accessible resorts in the Greek islands, offering comprehensive facilities and services tailored to guests with disabilities.

1. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Crete

Located on the beautiful island of Crete, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is a luxury resort that offers a fully accessible experience. The resort provides manual and motorized wheelchairs, as well as accessible paths and ramps throughout the property. Accessible rooms include roll-in showers, grab bars, and spacious layouts for easy mobility. The beach is accessible via a special ramp, and beach wheelchairs are available for guests to borrow.

For activities, the resort offers adaptive water sports like accessible snorkeling and diving, guided cultural tours of Crete’s historic sites, and even accessible yacht charters. The attentive staff is trained to assist guests with special needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual and motorized wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs available
• Fully accessible facilities, including beach access
• Adaptive water sports and accessible tours
• Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars

2. Stella Palace Resort & Spa, Crete

Stella Palace Resort & Spa in Crete is a family-friendly resort that prioritizes accessibility. The resort provides manual and motorized wheelchairs and has accessible pathways, ramps, and elevators throughout the property. The accessible rooms are equipped with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

The resort features accessible pools with hoists and offers a range of accessible activities, such as adaptive tennis lessons and accessible excursions to nearby archaeological sites and villages. The beach is easily accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available, making it easy for guests to enjoy the beautiful Cretan coast.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual and motorized wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs available
• Accessible pools with hoists
• Adaptive sports and accessible excursions
• Roll-in showers and accessible room layouts

3. Ikos Olivia, Halkidiki

Ikos Olivia, located in the beautiful Halkidiki region, is renowned for its inclusive approach to luxury. The resort offers a range of accessible options, including manual and motorized wheelchairs, and beach wheelchairs. All facilities, including restaurants, pools, and the beach, are fully accessible, with ramps and wide pathways throughout. Accessible rooms are designed with roll-in showers, grab bars, and ample space for mobility.

Special activities include accessible boat tours and wine tastings, and the resort also offers accessible paths to its beautiful private beach, where guests can enjoy the sun and sea without barriers.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual, motorized, and beach wheelchairs available
• Accessible facilities, including beach and pools
• Accessible boat tours and wine tastings
• Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars

4. Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea, Blue Palace Resort in Crete offers a luxurious and accessible experience. The resort provides manual and motorized wheelchairs and beach wheelchairs for guests. All areas of the resort, including pools, restaurants, and the beach, are accessible via ramps and elevators. Accessible rooms feature roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities.

The resort offers unique accessible experiences, such as guided tours of the nearby Spinalonga Island and adaptive water sports. The beach is equipped with a special ramp and beach wheelchairs, allowing guests to enjoy the crystalline waters without hassle.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual, motorized, and beach wheelchairs available
• Full accessibility throughout the resort
• Accessible tours and adaptive water sports
• Roll-in showers and accessible room designs

5. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Crete

Domes of Elounda is a stunning resort offering luxury and accessibility on the island of Crete. The resort provides manual wheelchairs and beach wheelchairs for guests to use, and all areas, including pools, spas, and dining venues, are fully accessible. Accessible rooms are spacious, with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities.

The resort offers accessible excursions to nearby historical sites, including the ancient city of Knossos and guided tours of the charming village of Elounda. The beach is accessible with ramps, and beach wheelchairs are available to help guests enjoy the soft sands and sparkling waters.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual and beach wheelchairs available
• Fully accessible facilities, including pools and spas
• Accessible excursions to historic sites
• Roll-in showers and accessible room amenities

6. Nana Princess Suites, Villas & Spa, Crete

Nana Princess is a contemporary resort on the island of Crete that offers excellent accessibility. The resort provides manual, motorized, and beach wheelchairs and has accessible pathways throughout the property. Accessible rooms feature roll-in showers, grab bars, and ample space for easy navigation.

The resort offers accessible spa treatments, an accessible fitness center, and adaptive water sports, including paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach is equipped with ramps, making it easy for guests with disabilities to enjoy the sea.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual, motorized, and beach wheelchairs available
• Accessible spa and fitness center
• Adaptive water sports and beach access
• Roll-in showers and spacious room layouts

7. Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa, Mykonos

The Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa on the island of Mykonos offers a blend of luxury and accessibility. The resort provides manual and beach wheelchairs and features accessible paths, ramps, and elevators throughout the property. Accessible rooms are designed with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities.

The resort offers accessible spa treatments and can arrange accessible excursions, such as guided tours of Mykonos Town and accessible boat tours around the island’s stunning coastline. The beach is accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available for guests to use.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual and beach wheelchairs available
• Accessible spa and excursions
• Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars
• Beach wheelchairs and accessible beach access

8. Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa, Kos

Located on the island of Kos, Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa is an adults-only resort that prioritizes accessibility. The resort offers manual and motorized wheelchairs and features accessible paths and ramps throughout the property. The accessible rooms are equipped with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities for a comfortable stay.

Special activities include accessible boat tours and guided cultural tours of Kos Town. The beach is accessible via ramps, and beach wheelchairs are available for guests to borrow, making it easy to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual and motorized wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs available
• Accessible paths throughout the resort
• Accessible boat tours and cultural excursions
• Roll-in showers and accessible room amenities

9. Princess Andriana Resort & Spa, Rhodes

Princess Andriana Resort & Spa on the island of Rhodes offers a luxury, all-inclusive experience with excellent accessibility. The resort provides manual and motorized wheelchairs and features accessible pathways and ramps throughout. Accessible rooms are spacious and include roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities.

The resort offers a variety of accessible activities, including adaptive sports and accessible excursions to the medieval city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beach is accessible with a special ramp, and beach wheelchairs are available for guests to borrow.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual and motorized wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs available
• Fully accessible facilities, including beach and pools
• Accessible excursions and adaptive sports
• Roll-in showers and spacious room layouts

10. Lindos Imperial Resort & Spa, Rhodes

Located on the beautiful island of Rhodes, Lindos Imperial Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and accessible experience. The resort provides manual and motorized wheelchairs, as well as beach wheelchairs for guests. Accessible rooms feature roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

The resort offers a range of accessible activities, including guided tours of Lindos Acropolis and accessible water sports like snorkeling and sailing. The beach is accessible via ramps, and the staff is trained to assist guests with special needs, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Manual, motorized, and beach wheelchairs available
• Full accessibility across the resort, including beach access
• Accessible water sports and guided tours
• Roll-in showers and accessible room designs

Tips for Making an Accessible Resort Booking

Booking an accessible resort can require a bit more planning to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some essential tips to consider when making a reservation:

1. Research the Resort’s Accessibility Features

• Before booking, thoroughly research the resort's accessibility features. Look for information on accessible rooms, ramps, elevators, and whether common areas such as restaurants, pools, and the beach are easily accessible.

2. Contact the Resort Directly

• Call or email the resort directly to discuss your specific needs. Ask detailed questions about room features, such as the width of doorways, the height of beds, and the availability of roll-in showers or grab bars. This will help ensure that the resort can meet your specific requirements.

3. Check Availability of Accessible Rooms

• Accessible rooms are often limited, so it's best to book early. Confirm that the room you are reserving is indeed accessible and not just a standard room. Be specific about your needs to avoid any misunderstandings.

4. Inquire About Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals

• Ask if the resort provides wheelchairs, motorized scooters, or beach wheelchairs for guests to use during their stay. Some resorts offer these amenities free of charge, while others may charge a rental fee.

5. Verify Beach and Pool Accessibility

• If enjoying the beach or pool is part of your plans, confirm that these areas are accessible. Look for information on beach wheelchairs, ramps, and pool lifts. Some resorts have specially designed beach pathways or mats to make it easier to navigate sandy areas.

6. Ask About Transportation Options

• Inquire if the resort provides accessible transportation services to and from the airport or for local excursions. Knowing this in advance can help you plan your trip more smoothly, especially if you use a wheelchair or mobility device.

7. Request a Detailed Room Description or Photos

• Ask the resort to provide a detailed description of the accessible room or even photos. This can help you visualize the space and determine if it meets your needs, especially if specific equipment or layouts are required.

8. Consider Location and Nearby Facilities

• Check the resort's location in relation to accessible attractions, restaurants, and medical facilities. Knowing what's nearby can help you plan your itinerary and ensure that you have easy access to everything you need during your stay.

9. Review Guest Experiences

• Look for reviews from other travelers with disabilities. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of service at the resort, helping you make an informed decision.

10. Confirm Your Reservation Details in Writing

• Once you've booked, ask the resort to confirm your accessible room and any special requests in writing. This documentation can be useful if there are any discrepancies upon arrival.

11. Ask About Staff Training

• Inquire if the resort staff is trained in assisting guests with disabilities. Trained staff can greatly enhance your experience by providing thoughtful and proactive assistance throughout your stay.

12. Plan for Equipment Needs

• If you use specific equipment such as a shower chair or bed rails, ask the resort if they can provide these items or if you need to bring your own. Some resorts may partner with local companies to rent such equipment.

These accessible resorts in the Greek islands ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty, culture, and history of this stunning region without barriers. From adaptive activities to fully accessible facilities, these resorts provide the perfect base for an unforgettable Greek island adventure.