Santorini
Santorini is famous not only for its stunning landscapes, captivating cave hotels, and breathtaking sunsets but also for its numerous staircases. This may come as a surprise to find it on our list.
As a shield volcano, the main towns are perched atop the caldera, with many hotels cascading down its slopes. It’s common for guests to encounter over 100 steps to reach their accommodations, and there are a staggering 588 steps from the port to the top.
However, some hotels are located in flatter areas, including those with iconic views. By carefully selecting your accommodations and activities, you can avoid stairs entirely.
Santorini Wheelchair Accessible / No Stairs Hotels
Oia, situated at the northern tip of the island, is renowned for its picturesque sunsets and the striking blue domes of its churches. While it can become quite crowded, especially with cruise ship visitors vying for the perfect photo, having a hotel in Oia provides a retreat for relaxation.
The Caldera path is car-free, but you can be dropped off at either end of the long promenade where shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants are found. This promenade is largely flat, with only occasional steps until reaching the northern end.
I typically recommend that first-time visitors stay in Fira, the island’s capital, where most services and shops are located. Alternatively, you could opt for the flat areas near Kamari or Perissa beach on the opposite side of the island.
Top Hotels in Santorini for Limited Mobility
Danae Suites Santorini, Oia
This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a restaurant. The suites are spacious, with some rooms specifically designed for wheelchair users.
Santo Pure, Oia – Nestled just outside Oia, this stunning hotel offers 83 suites and 2 villas, complemented by 7 swimming pools, an award-winning day spa, and the Alios Ilios restaurant. Three of the rooms are wheelchair accessible, and the hotel includes an elevator. All public areas are easily accessible, with only a few steps leading into the swimming pools. It’s a pleasant 10-minute walk to town along a flat, paved walkway.
Chelidonia Luxury Suites, Oia – Just a short distance from the main promenade, this beautiful boutique hotel may lean towards the pricier side but offers some very spacious rooms near reception with minimal stairs for entry. Some rooms also feature indoor/outdoor pools for easier and more private access.
Armeni Village, Oia – We have personally stayed here, and our room required navigating maybe 10 or 11 steps down from the main promenade. The location is central, and our room boasted a large terrace with space for 4 guests, including 2 beds and a sizable daybed by the window. Certain rooms also include small pools and hot tubs.
SantAnna Luxury Suites, Imerovigli – A chic and stylish new hotel, offering spacious poolfront and family suites at often reasonable prices (for Santorini). You can be dropped off right at reception, and there’s a driveway leading directly to the pool and courtyard rooms. Wheelchair-accessible areas include the reception, parking lot, and pool deck.
Atlantis Hotel, Fira – This hotel, built in the 1950s, has gained a loyal following and a reputation for being accommodating to guests with mobility issues. It is located right on the long, level promenade in Fira with stunning caldera views, and it is adjacent to the Cathedral and main museum.
Aegean Gem, Kamari – Just a stones-throw from Kamari Beach, this stylish and tranquil hotel is fully accessible, featuring accessible bathrooms and common areas that offer easy entry.
Irigeneia Hotel, Perissa – Well-known for its accessible amenities, this hotel ensures a comfortable stay with step-free access, making it ideal for guests with mobility challenges.
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Megalochori – This resort has several ground-floor rooms designed with wider doors and single-story layouts. All facilities, including the pool, restaurants, and fitness center, feature accessible entrances.
