Acropolis of Athens
This site is more accessible now since the upgrades for the Olympics. There is now a wheelchair elevator located to one side of the Acropolis. While it's unnervingly steep, it does do the job. Once on the top, expect irregular ground crowded with ancient and uneven marble steps, stones, and fragments. This makes access to the Acropolis and Parthenon itself very difficult and will also be a challenge to those using canes or walkers. Good shoes are absolutely essential. Assistance by one or more people is really essential at this site. One wheelchair-bound traveler in the pre-elevator days reported that she had friends bodily carry her up to the Parthenon from the end of the paved path to the Beule Gate, but this is obviously not always possible or desirable.
Plaka
This area is the charming older section of Athens, right up against the Acropolis. Unfortunately, this means that while some areas are accessible, promising streets may suddenly become steep around the bend or end in a flight of steps. The shops are generally too small to allow a wheelchair inside, but some goods are displayed outside. Plaka restaurants usually have an outdoor dining area, which is generally accessible. The pavements are uneven, which can be difficult for those using a walker or cane.
Mycenae
Outer parts somewhat accessible, but a steep ancient ramp designed to unfoot invaders will deter most. Access is so-so up to the Lion Gate, poor beyond that point.
Dodona, Northwest Greece
Access is over grass, but the path is not steep. The lower section of the theater is fairly accessible.
Ioannina Old City
Good access in the center of the old walled city. Relatively easy access around the lake and tavernas.
Iraklion Museum, Crete
The main floor is accessible. Still well worth a visit as most of the most renowned Minoan objects are on the first floor.
Knossos, Crete
Many areas are accessible by wheelchair, but watch out for sudden unprotected drops. The initial access is relatively smooth. The once-trecherous deep circular pits or kouloura have railings now.
Akrotiri, Santorini
Relatively good access to the covered site, some rough pavings within it, but for the Hellenic Republic, it's good access. The Acropolis of Thira, or Ancient Thira (Fira) should not be considered accessible.
Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes
Best considered not accessible. Steep access over rough and slippery choklakia stone pavings, then rough ground at the top.
Rhodes Old City
The lanes of the old city are often somewhat roughly paved with cobblestones but generally, a wheelchair user can get around fairly well. Some parts of the museums are accessible but may not be to a degree that makes the visit worthwhile for a casual visitor.
Aigina Island (Aegina) - Town and Temple of Aphaia Relatively smooth streets make the port of Aigina a good choice. The Temple, located a short car ride inland, is almost completely surrounded by a smooth wheelchair-friendly pavement, making this well-preserved Doric temple on a pine-crowned hill a memorable spot to visit. The Taverna across the street has a small square bathroom.
Guidebooks:
The Eyewitness Travel Guide book series includes both "The Greek Islands" and "Greece - Athens and the Mainland". Unfortunately, most travelers will require both volumes. Listings for the major sites include the international wheelie icon if they are relatively accessible.The Greek Islands volume is superior in this respect and will give good access details; the Athens and the Mainland volume tends to just mark access as "limited" without saying why. The three-dimensional drawings of the sites and their surrounding areas also can give some hint of what the disabled traveler is up against. Some additional sites may be accessible by a determined individual able to make special efforts or bring extra assistance, but in general, they have covered this area well. The Eyewitness Travel Guides also include the wheelie icon for accessible hotels and restaurants which are listed in the back of the guide.
Caveat from your Guide: I have traveled with disabled travelers in Greece, but not as a personal aide. I have spent substantial time assisting a disabled friend in the US using wheelchairs, canes, and walkers. My perspective on accessibility on these sites is based on my own experience at the sites, what I've observed with my disabled companions, what I've experienced in the supposedly wheelchair-friendly US, and what I've heard from my readers. If you have additional information on these sites, or other insights to share, please contact me at gogreece.guide@about.com so I can keep adding updates and make this page as useful as possible for the challenged traveler in Greece.
