Wheelchair Accessible Santorini

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Santorini Hotels with Disabled Access

The Best Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Santorini

• Aeifos Boutique (caldera, Imerovigli) • The Santo Pure (away from the caldera, in Oia).”
• One accommodation option in Oia on the island of Santorini was the West East Suites which is situated near the caldera and Imerovigli village and can be accessed through this link – West East Suites •

Check out the Santorini Dave YouTube Channel for additional excellent Mykonos travel videos

In Santorini, newer, recently constructed hotels tend to have better accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Hotels located in historic structures are mandated to conform as closely as possible to the original architecture, so they will have all floors connected only by staircases. Older hotels and smaller hotels are also likely to have staircases as the only means of connecting most levels. If they happen to have an elevator, it will probably be small (enough space for one individual standing with luggage), and numerous rooms will have bathing tubs instead of showers, narrow doors, and generally, not very accessible room layouts/amenities. Newer buildings with a certain number of rooms are required to have a small percentage of rooms equipped for wheelchair users, plus ramps connecting most facilities, and more spacious elevators. Be sure to make reservations well in advance. Most hotels offering accessible rooms only have 1 or 2 total and they fill up quickly.

Accessible Hotels on the Caldera

Imerovigli
Most of Santorini’s most accessible hotels for wheelchair users are at the north end of Imerovigli, with breathtaking caldera sunsets seen from each room’s private patio. This row of hotels emphasizes privacy and romance, and life away from crowds just enjoying the scenery. However, it is just a short drive to reach the heart of the village from here.

Aeifos Boutique – Imerovigli
Excellent new hotel in southern Imerovigli with an award-winning restaurant and breathtaking caldera panoramas. Despite being situated on the cliff, it’s smartly designed for wheelchair access, with elevator access to all levels and wheelchair accessible parking on site. The ground floor Deluxe Triple Room is entirely wheelchair accessible, with an open floor plan, grab rails for toilet, lowered sink, and roll-in shower.
West East Suites – Imerovigli
Luxurious 5-star hotel located just north of Imerovigli with caldera views. All suites face the caldera and provide sweeping views, however the hotel lacks roll-in showers despite other accessibility
SantAnna Luxury Suites – Imerovigli
Contemporary and minimally designed 4-star hotel in north Imerovigli providing distant ocean views (though not of the caldera). Wheelchair accessible areas include the reception, parking, and pool deck; in-room accessibility features incorporate spacious, open floor plans and showers capable of accommodating a wheelchair.

Where to rest one`s head on Mykonos

Oia has only one truly accessible hotel, but can be a wonderful village to visit. Even though some parts of Oia are built down the cliffside and interconnected by steep staircases, much of the village is linked by a broad, marble pedestrian pathway, with gorgeous caldera perspectives and lots of eating places and shops. To access Oia’s pedestrian promenade by wheelchair (without steps), enter from the southern conclusion at the pathway’s starting point, next to Passagio Cafe. From here, the walkway extends about 800 meters (or half a mile) in level marble before it changes to cobblestone.

Some hotels in Oia that aren`t entirely accessible designed (but are possible if you are determined and have someone assisting), include the Andronis Arcadia and Canaves Epitome.

Santo Pure – Oia.
All facilities accommodate wheelchair users, however the swimming pools lack specialized equipment permitting wheelchair access into the water. Rooms crafted for accessibility include lavatories outfitted with elevated toilets bearing grab bars, lowered sinks, and roll-in showers permitting wheelchair use. An excellent restaurant resides on the premises, and all suites come furnished with kitchenettes and dining areas. Set in Oia`s northern section, accommodations boast spectacular sunset perspectives sweeping across the caldera. A roughly five-minute stroll would lead to Oia Village`s core, though the path presents challenges for wheelchair travel and automobile transport may prove necessary.

Fira
The village of Fira, located on the island of Santorini, has one of the most difficult to access cliffside locations. Most accessible hotels here are situated away from the caldera or far from the village center. There is a wide, primarily paved walking path along much of the caldera`s length through the village, though it consists mainly of cobblestones. The most accessible section starts at the village`s southern end; request to be dropped off by vehicle at the entrance to the Atlantis Hotel

Astro Palace – Fira
Luxurious spa resort on the outskirts of Fira, with eastern views across the island to the Aegean Sea (not the caldera). All facilities here are wheelchair accessible, including reception, fitness center, spa, pool, restaurant, and parking. Rooms feature accessible pathways and bathroom emergency pull cords, but the only room with a walk/roll-in shower is the honeymoon suite.
Accommodations Evgenia and Suites – Fira
This 4-star property has one room suited for those with disabilities, parking accessible by wheelchair, and a pathway into facilities without barriers. Situated east of the village center with views overlooking the eastern coastline (not the caldera), it`s a brief 2-minute drive from Fira`s main square.
Bedspot Hostel – Fira
This clean and well-maintained affordable accommodation is located in central Fira, though not on the caldera. While many rooms here are shared, one ground-floor double room is completely accessible and has a private bathroom with a raised toilet with grab bar, low vanity and sink, and emergency pull cord. It also features a private kitchen and patio area. There is a guest age limit of 18-35.

Accessible Beach Hotels

Kamari
A family-friendly, relaxed, and easy to navigate beach town, Kamari offers a black pebble beach with a mechanical sea access ramp for wheelchair users, a wide variety of restaurants and bars, and a flat, pedestrian beach-front walkway. It is located on Santorini’s east coast – the opposite side of the island from the caldera, but only about 25 minutes to Oia by vehicle, so day trips are not difficult.

Bellonias Villas – Kamari
Contemporary, high-end hotel opposite Kamari Beach. All common areas within the hotel are wheelchair accessible, like reception, restaurant, lounge, and pool. There are 4 steps to the hotel entrance, though they have hosted wheelchair users many times before and staff are always available to assist in entering or exiting the hotel. Ground-floor units are suitable for wheelchair users. Situated right on the pedestrian path of Kamari beach with easy navigation access.
Costa Grand Resort & Spa – Kamari
Luxurious accommodation provides high-quality wellness facilities. All common areas are wheelchair accessible, like the entrance, reception counter, dining room, and poolside bar. Regrettably, the pools themselves are not accessible for those using wheelchairs. There is an elevator from reception to the spa and wellness center. Some rooms can accommodate wheelchairs and feature roll-in showers. Situated on a secluded section of Kamari Beach, with a boardwalk granting beach bed access.
The La Mer Deluxe – is located in Kamari
Great 4-star spa hotel in the heart of Kamari, just 150 feet from Kamari Beach. They offer adapted rooms with roll-in showers for guests with reduced mobility. Pools, restaurants, and ground-floor rooms and restrooms all have ramp access.

Accommodation options in Perissa & Perivolos
Two of Santorini’s best beaches, Perissa and Perivolos comprise one long stretch (3 or 4 kms) of black sand; it can be difficult to determine where one ends and the other starts. The sand here is finer than the pebbles found at Kamari Beach, farther up the coast. The vibe is fun, with good restaurants, low-key bars, and a small (beachy, not clubby) party scene. The wide, flat, beachfront road is closed to vehicles between 5pm and 5am from May to October.

The Aqua Blue Beach Hotel located in Perissa provides lodging.
Great 4-star hotel at Perissa Beach. All areas of the hotel are wheelchair accessible, such as the restaurant, reception, and pool area, though there are no other modifications for disabled guests. Located along the level beach road, across from a private beach space with sun loungers and umbrellas.
Antoperla – Perissa Modern hotel & spa with a Mediterranean style restaurant on site. Select rooms are wheelchair accessible, and there is wheelchair access to the restaurant, reception, swimming pool, and public washroom, as well as accessible parking and a stair-free path to the hotel entrance. 120 meters from the beach road.

Accessible Village Hotels

This link directs to a page about hotels in the area of Megalochori.
Megalochori is a charming, traditional village filled with churches, restaurants, and wineries to explore – situated off the caldera, there are no stairways to navigate, though the streets are cobblestone. There are no hotels in Megalochori that are entirely barrier-free, but Vedema Resort has a few ground-floor rooms designed with wider doorways and single-story layouts and all facilities (pool, restaurants, fitness center, business center) have accessible entrances.

Mesaria
Mesaria is a picturesque and easy-going traditional town that extends from the center of the island to the caldera south of Fira. The town is best known for its handful of 19th-century neoclassical country houses, and offers a local vibe along with lots of shops and restaurants, a beautiful church, and an ouzo distillery. The terrain is fairly level for the most part with a mix of paved roads and cobblestone paths. Roads are generally wide but may be a little dangerous to navigate by wheelchair, as there are no sidewalks in many places, and often steps to get up to shops and restaurants.

Kallos Imar – Mesaria

New hotel designed in the Cycladic style. Wheelchair accessible with ramp entrance and accessible lobby bathroom. Half of the ground floor rooms have easy access without steps, and one is specially outfitted for wheelchair use, with lowered sink, raised toilet with grab handles, wide hallways. Located in the central village of Mesaria, a 10-minute drive to Kamari Beach and 20-minute drive to Oia).

Pyrgos
The charming village of Pyrgos is situated at Santorini`s highest elevation and crowned with an historic fortress. Most hotels here incorporate private swimming pools or hot tubs and provide sweeping views over the island towards the ocean. While access to the hilltop citadel poses challenges for those with mobility issues, the central village area has a fairly level grade. Pyrgos can offer a great selection for visitors seeking a quieter and more authentic Santorini experience, away from the busy beaches and large cruise vessel crowds.

North Santorini – Pyrgos The five-star hotel has wheelchair accessible parking, a stair-free path to the entrance, accessible pathways, and an elevator to navigate all floors. Some suites have been designed for wheelchair-using guests with toilet grab rails, higher toilets, and lower sinks. Private location at one of the highest points of the island, with views to the sea.
The Voreina Gallery Suites in Pyrgos.

These spacious and modern Cycladic-designed luxury suites. The London Suite is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a fully-equipped kitchen and living space, accessible bathroom with extra-large roll-in shower room, and a private veranda with a heated outdoor pool and shower. Reception and parking are also accessible. Hillside location in Pyrgos, with spectacular Aegean Sea and sunset views.

Zatrikion Santorini Villas – Pyrgos
There is one villa (Aspronissi) designed for those using wheelchairs, with wide entrances and a fully-equipped bathroom. There are no special ramps or grab bars to access the villa`s private hot tub or the main pool. Additionally, an adult escort is required for access to the villa from the main road; while the path is paved, the grade is steeper than international standards permit for unassisted wheelchair use. Nestled into the mountainside on the quiet outskirts of Pyrgos village, with amazing views over the island to the Aegean sea
Alleys Boutique & Spa Hotel – Pyrgos
This 100% wheelchair accessible hotel, with an elevator to help guests access all 14 Suites and common areas like reception, lobby, pool area, restaurant, pool bar, spa, and parking area. Features available for guests with movement disabilities include: toilet, grab rails, higher toilet, lower sink, wide bathroom door, adjustable bathroom mirror and a public WC room only for these persons. Located in central Pyrgos, in an area that is easily navigated by wheelchair.

Wheelchair Accessible Tours & Transfers on Santorini

Wheelchair Accessible Transfer

Karavas Travel provides wheelchair accessible vans equipped with ramps and safety features allowing wheelchair users to board without leaving their chair. The vehicles are new, comfortable, and have both air conditioning and wi-fi. They are available for both port/airport transfer and general transportation around the island. Advance booking recommended.

Wheelchair Accessible Santorini Tours

Karavas also provides this exceptional 5-hour Exclusive Accessible Tour that consistently incorporates the incredible caldera perspectives from Oia, and is customizable with additional stops of your choosing, like the traditional village of Megalochori, wine tasting, Museum of Ancient Thera, a volcanic beach, and the archaeological site at Akrotiri. Their specially-equipped van can accommodate one ramp-utilizing wheelchair passenger at a time; further disabled passengers can be accommodated if they use folding wheelchairs. Bottled water and refreshments are incorporated.

Santorini Experts provides an excellent 4-hour Panoramic Sights of Santorini Private Excursion, designed to avoid steps and steep paths. They escort guests to the island`s famous destinations and viewpoints with little to no walking required. Highlights involve the villages of Firostefani & Oia, the black sand beach at Akrotiri, a neighborhood farm or winery, and mountain-top perspectives over the island. Most visitors transfer from the wheelchair into the automobile and from the automobile back into the wheelchair, while the wheelchair is collapsed in the back of the car for the tour; if this is not possible, they can prepare the use of a wheelchair accessible minibus for an additional fee.

Disabled Accessible Travel offers a means of transportation for five hours using a specially equipped vehicle. The tour visits the seaside towns of Oia and Fira, as well as the traditional village of Megalochori – with optional additions for Ammoudi Bay and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

The incredible archaeological ruins of Akrotiri are one of Santorini’s most important cultural locations and also one of its most accessible sightseeing spots. The excavations are protected and environmentally controlled, with wide wood-surfaced pathways and ramps throughout. We highly suggest booking an Akrotiri tour to guide you around the area and discuss the island`s history, its volcanic eruption, and the ensuing destruction.
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• 3-Hour Accessible Private Tour with Hotel Pick-Up
• 1.5-Hour Private Tour (Meet at Site)
• Self-administered Audio excursion

Wheelchair Accessible Wineries on Santorini

Santo Wines – Pyrgos
.” The list item contained a hyperlink to the website for Santo Wines located in Pyrgos on the island of Santorini The parking area, winery entrance and tasting room (with impressive caldera perspectives), wine bar, deli, and restrooms are all wheelchair accessible. The restaurant and production facilities are not due to staircases.
Hatzidakis Winery – Pyrgos
Parking and all facilities (including restrooms) are wheelchair accessible. All tastings include a guided tour of the winery.
Estate Argryos – Episkopi Gonia
All parts of the wine tasting room and patio are accessible by wheelchair. The vineyards, production area, and parking area can all be accessed by wheelchair as well.
Vassaltis Vineyards – Vourvoulos
The tasting room is wheelchair accessible with a wide, flat but cobbled path from the parking area into the tasting area. An excellent on-site restaurant is also available with reservations recommended.

Other Wheelchair Accessible Sites on Santorini

As detailed Symposion Cultural Center website, the facility in Megalochori provides experiences centered on ancient Greek heritage through tours, hands-on activities, wine and musical events. While fully accessible via wheelchair, there are no disability bathrooms and 3-5 wide steps require assistance. Photos provide clarity about accessibility.

Photos of Wheelchair Accessible Santorini

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.